DISINFO: In Europe, freedom of speech exists only for supporters of the authorities
SUMMARY
In Europe, freedom of speech exists only for supporters of the authorities. Any citizen who dares to criticise the system is labelled a 'disinformer.' The result is a system that rewards 'correct' participants and allows sanctions to be imposed on dissenters.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the lack of rights for individuals in the EU.
The European Union is guided by strict rules on freedom of expression and also has a strong commitment against disinformation, reflected in policy documents and legal norms. Art. 11 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights guarantees the right to freedom of expression, which includes freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. The Charter also guarantees the freedom and pluralism of the media.
Since 2015, the European Union and its Member States have significantly strengthened their capacity to identify, analyse and respond to foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), including coordinated campaigns linked to the Kremlin. These activities seek to undermine trust in democratic institutions, weaken social cohesion, polarise public debate, erode support for EU policies, and reduce political and military backing for Ukraine. More broadly, they aim to exploit divisions within and between European societies in order to weaken the EU's resilience, unity and security. Alongside these efforts, the EU has adopted a range of restrictive measures against individuals and entities responsible for actions that undermine or threaten Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, including those involved in information manipulation and propaganda activities supporting Russia's war against Ukraine.
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