The EU against the disinformation of China and Russia during the Covid-19. The need for greater european narrative proactivity at the international leve

Abstract

Disinformation has been used by third countries to weaken the EU and its institutions; erode democracy and create social division. In the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia and China have been in the spotlight for their influence operations in Europe. In the article we will analyse the concept of disinformation in the EU; external threats and the new role played by China and its use of social networks to improve its image and impose its alternative model of governance with sharp power techniques. Finally, the European strategy to defend itself against fake news will be evaluated and the need for the EU to be more proactive in creating frames that allow it to launch a narrative at international level and improve its public diplomacy.