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The Constitutional Court of Romania took an historic decision, canceling the presidential elections in the country due to the risk of foreign interference in the electoral process. This can lead to a complicated political evolution and possibly an open crisis in an important EU and NATO member state. What has happened in Romania is also important in order to understand the risk of disinformation in the EU and the risks for social stability, as the use of social media tools highlighted the potential fragility of European institutions in the face of hybrid operations from hostile actors, namely Russia.

In every democratic society in Europe or elsewhere in the globe, disinformation campaigns have the potential to erode trust in institutions, polarize societies, and thus undermine the democratic processes. All of this can have severe consequences for social cohesion and stability across the EU, and we all know that the consequences of such campaigns are particularly dire in an era of heightened political polarization, economic uncertainty, and migration challenges.

The use of social platforms for influencing voters, as witnessed in the first round of the recent presidential elections in Romania, is maybe one of the peaks of disinformation campaigns in the European Union, but more often the primary risk of this kind of operation is just to find a weak spot in the society and try to deepen political polarization on particular matters. By doing so, disinformation often amplifies existing ideological divides, creating “echo chambers” where individuals only engage with content that reinforces their pre-existing views. As observed on different occasions, these campaigns can distort political discourse by presenting false or exaggerated narratives that appeal to emotions rather than facts. For instance, disinformation about the EU’s role in national policies, migration, or economic decisions can provoke hostility toward Brussels and its institutions. In some cases, foreign powers, such as Russia, have been accused of using disinformation to fuel anti-EU sentiments and stoke divisions among EU member states. By targeting specific issues, such as the EU’s handling of immigration, economic policies, or health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, disinformation can also create opportunities for a more toxic political debate among citizens, sometimes followed by traditional media.

Another recent example has been the disinformation campaign during the European elections in June 2024, but on other occasions many countries witnessed such dynamics while approaching an important political vote, such as parliamentary, presidential, or even local elections. This means not only the promotion of certain candidates or others. In fact, when citizens are exposed to false narratives, particularly regarding the functioning of governments or the legitimacy of elections, they can begin to question the integrity of the whole political system. For example, the spread of disinformation regarding electoral fraud or government corruption can lead to public distrust in the electoral process or the justice system. In the EU, disinformation about the functioning of the European Parliament or the actions of the European Commission can erode public confidence in the institutions that govern the Union. At the same time, if citizens no longer believe that their votes or participation matter, it can result in lower voter turnout, weaker civic engagement, and an overall decline in democratic participation.

Written by: Francesco Marino