Disinformation in the European Parliamentary Elections: Analysis and Policy Context

The briefing reports an uptick in election-related disinformation during the European Parliament elections, featuring claims of voter fraud and global conspiracy theories. While no substantial interference occurred and no party significantly benefited, the persistence of these narratives despite Digital Services Act (DSA) guidelines suggests a need for binding measures. The document highlights the role of foreign state actors, specifically Russian channels, in attempting to weaken public support for EU institutions and policies like aid to Ukraine.

• The European Parliament elections experienced an increase in disinformation narratives, including claims of voter fraud and election rigging, despite the European Commission's implementation of Digital Services Act (DSA) guidelines for Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines.
• Foreign state actors, particularly Russian state-owned outlets such as RT Deutsch, RT France, and RT en Español, and websites like Voice of Europe, used a mix of accurate reporting and misleading narratives to portray the EU as illegitimate and the elections as undemocratic.
• Disinformation campaigns targeted specific EU policies and figures, including efforts to weaken support for aid to Ukraine and accusations of corruption against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding COVID-19 vaccines.
• Global conspiracy theories were used to foster hostility toward political leaders and promote the idea that the EU is controlled by shadowy elites or the World Economic Forum (WEF), which may encourage political disengagement or violent systemic changes.
• The author argues that the continued presence of disinformation necessitates the transition from guidelines to binding measures within the DSA framework to protect civic integrity.

APA

Index, G. D. (2024). Disinformation in the European Parliamentary Elections: Analysis and Policy Context. Global Disinformation Index. https://www.disinformationindex.org/research/2024-07-08-disinformation-in-the-european-parliamentary-elections-analysis-and-policy-context/

Chicago

Index, Global Disinformation. Disinformation in the European Parliamentary Elections: Analysis and Policy Context. Global Disinformation Index, 2024. https://www.disinformationindex.org/research/2024-07-08-disinformation-in-the-european-parliamentary-elections-analysis-and-policy-context/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Index |first1=Global Disinformation |title=Disinformation in the European Parliamentary Elections: Analysis and Policy Context |publisher=Global Disinformation Index |date=8 July 2024 |url=https://www.disinformationindex.org/research/2024-07-08-disinformation-in-the-european-parliamentary-elections-analysis-and-policy-context/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{index2024disinformation, author = {Index, Global Disinformation}, title = {{Disinformation in the European Parliamentary Elections: Analysis and Policy Context}}, institution = {Global Disinformation Index}, year = {2024}, month = jul, url = {https://www.disinformationindex.org/research/2024-07-08-disinformation-in-the-european-parliamentary-elections-analysis-and-policy-context/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }