EU’s Borrell: Disinformation globally threatens democracies

NEWS 27.09.202116:59 0 komentara
Reuters/Teba Sadiq

European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell told the EU-Western Balkans Media Literacy online conference in Skopje on Monday that “disinformation threatens democracies around the world.”

The EE External Action Service (EEAS) statement quoted Borrell as adding that “during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become even clearer that it targets citizens, polarises societies, challenges democratic values, and even threatens lives and public safety through misleading health advice.”

“We need to work together to keep closing the space for disinformation, raising awareness and advancing our responses, he said on the occasion of an annual highlight in work with civil society and authorities in countering disinformation in the Western Balkans.

Borrell also said that “fact-checkers, independent and professional media, and citizens in the region work tirelessly on countering disinformation,” adding such work was crucial.

“Citizens of the Western Balkans are now more aware and more resilient to disinformation. Media literacy helps, and we are determined to contribute to this work in the region, the High Representative said.

He recalled that the EU financed studies that strengthened understanding, promoted awareness about the issue, and invested in education and activities such as workshops for students and teachers across Western Balkans.

“However,” Borrell warned, “we cannot do this alone. Dealing with disinformation requires a whole-of-government approach that facilitates whole-of-society participation.”

He remained that “in ten days, the European Union – Western Balkans Summit will take place, the most important high-level event for discussing our relations.”

There is no doubt on the European Union side: the Western Balkans are at the heart of Europe, and we share responsibility for building a peaceful, prosperous and united Europe. And we also share responsibility for communicating about it,” Borrel told the conference.

He added it was a clear example of the productive cooperation between the Western Balkans and the EU to tackle common challenges.

“Investing in empowering the people of the Western Balkans means investing in a stronger Europe,” Borrell said as cited by the EEAS statement.

 

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