European integration, defense, targets of disinformation campaigns in Moldova

The European integration, national security and defense cooperation are among the main areas targeted by disinformation campaigns in Moldova. Manipulative messages are adapted according to political developments and can fuel citizens’ distrust in state institutions. Liliana Vitu, director of the Center for Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation, spoke about these risks at the Annual Conference on EU Enlargement.

According to Liliana Vitu, three of the five pillars of national security are national security, European integration and defense. The other two components are social cohesion and economic resilience.

„European integration is closely linked to the security of Moldova, as it represents not only a development direction, but also a way to strengthen the country’s security. However, this process is subject to constant information attacks,” Liliana Vitu said.

According to the director of the Center, a relevant example was November 4, when a report on Moldova’s progress in the European integration process was presented. On that day, the messages promoted in the information space changed depending on the results presented.

„Initially, they claimed that joining the European Union was deceptive and that the negotiations would not lead to a real outcome. Later, after the positive assessments of the reforms were presented, the messages changed, claiming that the negotiations were rushed and did not take citizens’ interests into account,” Liliana Vitu said.

Another vulnerability is the lack of understanding of the stages of the accession process. Terms such as clusters, negotiations and closing criteria can be used to create confusion among the population. In addition, the lack of a firm date for Moldova’s accession to the EU may become an issue exploited by those promoting manipulative messages.

„An important vulnerability is the confusion created around the accession process. Terms such as clusters, negotiations, closing criteria and accession stages can be used to mislead the population. Also, the lack of a firm date for Moldova’s accession to the European Union may become an issue exploited in disinformation campaigns,” the director of the Center said.

Liliana Vitu also drew attention to the difference between institutional progress and citizens’ everyday reality. Although the authorities report results in the European integration process, people continue to face economic and social difficulties.

„Even though positive results are being recorded in the European integration process, the population continues to face high prices, low incomes, economic difficulties and problems in the social system. This gap can be exploited to create dissatisfaction and distrust toward European integration,” Liliana Vitu emphasized.

False narratives also target the defense sector. Moldova’s cooperation with such countries as Ukraine, Romania and Norway is sometimes presented as evidence that the country is preparing for war or becoming involved in the military conflict.

„Cooperation with Ukraine, Romania and Norway in the field of security and defense is manipulatively interpreted as a violation of Moldova’s neutrality and involvement in the military conflict. There is also a risk that Moldova will be portrayed as a support hub for Ukraine, which may fuel false narratives and messages that provoke fear and division in society,” said the director of the Center for Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation.

Another major challenge is the online environment, where artificial intelligence can be used to produce and spread false information. At the same time, the lack of a sufficiently developed regulatory framework makes it more difficult for the authorities to intervene and cooperate with digital platforms.

„One of the greatest vulnerabilities stays the online environment, especially social media, where artificial intelligence can be used to spread false information and manipulate public opinion. The lack of a sufficiently developed regulatory framework makes it more difficult for the authorities to intervene and cooperate with digital platforms,” Liliana Vitu said.

The director of the Center noted that legislative measures concerning online advertising and behavior in the digital environment during election campaigns were insufficient, because information attacks are not limited to electoral periods.

„Information attacks do not occur only during the electoral period, but throughout the year,” Liliana Vitu pointed out.

In the context, strengthening information resilience, developing the legislative framework, and providing citizens with accurate information remain essential for protecting national security and maintaining public trust.

In recent years, Moldova has moved from being a security consumer to becoming an active contributor to regional and European security. This change is the result of reforms in the intelligence and defense sectors, as well as strengthened cooperation with European partners. Director of Moldova’s Intelligence and Security Service Alexandru Musteata made statements to this effect at the Annual Conference on EU Enlargement.

On November 9–10, the Annual Conference on European Union Enlargement took place in Chisinau, bringing together European and national officials, representatives of EU institutions, experts, civil society representatives and international partners.

Iulian Groza, executive director of the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), said today, the second day of the conference, that the event had brought together more than 760 participants and over 60 speakers, providing a space for dialogue and the exchange of experience on the EU enlargement process, the progress of candidate countries, the challenges of reforms and the prospects for European integration.

The discussions also addressed the role of enlargement in strengthening security, stability and prosperity across the European continent.