Voters reject the democrats' moral superiority in the 2024 elections

In recent months, disinformation campaigns have increasingly threatened the democratic processes in several Eastern European nations, including Romania, Moldova, and Georgia. Alice Stollmeyer, head of the Brussels think tank Defend Democracy, highlighted alarming instances of Russian interference. In Romania, TikTok was accused of promoting a pro-Russian candidate during elections, which contributed to his sudden rise in popularity. Despite the European Union implementing measures like the Digital Services Act and the Code of Practice on Disinformation, experts argue that these actions are insufficient given the massive scope and impact of disinformation campaigns. Stollmeyer warned that simply blocking harmful content is not enough, as this does not address the underlying causes of disinformation. The Kremlin's tactics involve not only misinformation but also hybrid war strategies targeting the EU’s political landscape. The report emphasized the urgent need for the EU to create a comprehensive approach that includes a European digital infrastructure that prioritizes public welfare and an integrated strategy for hybrid threat defense. Effective countermeasures must extend beyond content moderation to include preemptive actions such as stricter regulations and sanctions against those perpetrating disinformation. Failure to act decisively could lead to an escalation of these attacks, particularly as new technologies are leveraged by anti-democratic forces in future elections.