EU Hits Back Over Georgian Election Misinformation

The European Union has issued an angry response to what it calls “Russian-style conspiracy theories and divisive narratives” put out by the Georgian authorities.

It’s decrying recent statements claiming that it wants to destabilize Georgia, drag it into war or impose so-called “non-traditional values”.

Over the weekconclude, tens of thousands of anti-government protesters took to the streets of the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, claiming the Georgian Dream party’s government was illegitimate.

And, yesterday, amongst other claims, Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze accutilized the EU of meddling in the countest’s politics, stateing it had specifically called for an uprising.
He singled out EU ambassador Pawel Herczynski for particular criticism.

The EU, though, is fighting back against this narrative.

“We strongly denounce the personal attacks against the ambassador of the European Union to Georgia. The ambassador plays a vital role in fostering relations between the EU and Georgia. He enjoys the full trust and support of the EU,” stated EU high representative and vice president Kaja Kallas and commissioner for enlargement on Georgia Marta Kos.

“We urge all political actors in Georgia to refrain from spreading disinformation, avoid inflammatory personal attacks, and work towards the European future for its population.”

Georgian president Shalva Papuashvili has, in turn, accutilized the EU of spreading disinformation itself.

“If I understand correctly, Ms. Kallas and Ms. Kos are not apologising for supporting a rally aimed at overthrowing the government, yet this is exactly what Georgian society expects from the European Union today, he posted on Facebook.

“Regarding their evaluation of Georgian elections. I, again, call on all EU representatives to refrain from spreading false narratives, which strengthens the desire of the radical forces to undermine democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.”

The EU has a huge problem when it comes to political and election misinformation. Last year, for example, elections in Romania were declared invalid becautilize of foreign interference and disinformation spread through social media sites.

And just last week, international monitors stated that while Moldova’s recent parliamentary elections were sound, the process was marred by serious cases of foreign interference, illegal funding, cyberattacks and widespread disinformation.

“In the run-up to the elections, networks of accounts sometimes utilizing AI generated videos, troll farms and automated bots spread manipulative narratives on social networks,” stated Linnéa Wickman, head of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe PA delegation.

“While the authorities increased their efforts to counter this disinformation, its prevalence had a negative effect on the election campaign. The response of the platforms themselves to notifications they received from state authorities and civil society organizations was considered inadequate.”

In the Czech Republic, meanwhile, which held an election last week, an investigation by local publication Voxpot found that tens of thousands of messages from sanctioned Russian websites were flowing into the countest via social media.

Russia is suspected to be the source of misinformation in Georgia too.

“Undermining EU-Georgia relations through Russian-style conspiracy theories and divisive narratives only serves those who oppose Georgia’s democratic and European path,” stated Kallas and Kos.

“The EU reaffirms its unwavering support for the territorial integrity of Georgia and reiterates its steadquick solidarity with the Georgian people and its readiness to continue supporting Georgians on their path towards a European future.”

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