President Röpke in Moldova: Disinformation is a weapon for foreign powers to harm our societies

During his visit to Moldova, President Röpke met with Prime Minister Dorin Recean, Deputy Prime Minister Gherasimov as well as Ministers for Internal Affairs and Infrastructure, Adrian Efros, and Andrei Spinu respectively.

EESC President Oliver Röpke said: "Elections are a cornerstone of our democracies, and this year many of them will be put under a serious test. Disinformation being one of the most serious challenges. In this context, it has been extremely inspiring to hear from the local activists and the Moldovan government about their experiences in fighting disinformation. We need to defend our democracies and stand united – EU and its candidate countries. This is why, I am calling for an "Enlargement Summit" in September which will gather civil society from the EU and candidate countries in this joint endeavour." 

Disinformation, tearing the fabric of our societies

Speaking at the EESC Conference on "Citizens can defeat disinformation. Civil society for an open democratic debate", on 18 April, President Röpke highlighted the importance of promoting dialogue and involving all citizens, from different background and communities, in combatting foreign interference and disinformation.

Against this background, the President visited Gagauzia, a region in Moldova, which has been particularly affected by the Russian foreign interference and disinformation, most recently observed during the local elections in 2023. Meeting with local journalists and activists from NOKTA and LAF, the President had an opportunity to hear their experiences and views on the best ways to combat disinformation ground and online and build effective dialogue between different communities.

Moldova has recently decided to strengthen its capacities in the field of strategic communications and dialogue by setting up two dedicated bodies: the Centre for Strategic Communications and Combating Disinformation, and the Center for Civil Initiatives for National Minorities, and nominating Ms Ana Revenco and Mr Mihai Peicov respectively to lead the two new bodies. Both Ms Revenco and Mr Peicov have participated in the EESC Conference and also met with EESC President Oliver Röpke.

EU enlargement, promoting fundamental rights and democracy

The visit has also offered an opportunity to officially present in Moldova the EESC initiative to integrate EU candidate countries in its advisory work. The "Enlargement Candidate Members", including 15 civil society representatives from Moldova, were selected earlier this year to work together with EESC Members in devising opinions on EU laws. The Moldovan officials have warmly welcomed the initiative as a concrete step towards progressive integration into the EU. 

On 16 April, the EESC has also held a meeting of a EU-Moldova Civil Society Platform and on 17 April, the Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law Group held its first field visit to a candidate country.