The need for all levels of governance to join forces to fight disinformation was a key point raised by EPP-CoR members during the plenary debate on the fight against disinformation to ensure a functioning and resilient democracy at all levels.
Mark Speich, Secretary of State for Federal, European and International Affairs (North Rhine-Westphalia) said that disinformation undermines the foundations of democracy. Responding to the statement of Leendert Verbeek, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, he said : "There is a link between disinformation and the loss of trust in public institutions. The result, in the worst case, is hatred and violence. Politicians at the regional and municipal level are particularly exposed to the dangers. That is why I am grateful that the Congress has also launched initiatives to combat disinformation. We need to join forces here."
Franz Schausberger, Representative of Salzburg said that at the EU and national level the tools to counteract disinformation are still very limited and therefore local and regional authorities should actively engage in this battle. He stressed "As local and regional decision-makers we are responsible for many strategic decisions including culture and education. We can help young people to be more critical when it comes to media content." Schausberger added that the problem of disinformation is even greater in the countries of the Western Balkans, where it affects both their domestic life and the image of the EU in their societies.
Ellen Nauta Van-Moorsel, Mayor of the municipality of Hof van Twente said that disinformation can harm the integrity of politicians and governments, which in turn affect the democratic legitimacy of decisions and, in particular, undermine citizens' trust in democracy and government. "It is important that we together – government, citizens, companies and civil society – shape the policy-making and decision-making in our municipalities. It is therefore essential that local and regional authorities are entrusted with the means to tackle disinformation."
Earlier this year, the CoR adopted an opinion on the European Democracy Action Plan prepared by EPP-CoR member Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk, which calls for several actions to strengthen the regional and local level in this respect. Among others the opinion proposed the creation of Europe-wide media-literacy and critical thinking programmes suited to regional and local needs. Such programmes should target particularly vulnerable groups such as minorities or diaspora where foreign interference can have easier access.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_O9nWa5kDE