The EU is also extending its regular work to counter disinformation in EU countries to Moldova. In July, the Commission announced a new hub for fighting misinformation in Ukraine and Moldova. These hubs are part of the European Digital Media Observatory, bringing together experts in different regions to fight foreign interference. Six of these hubs will receive €8.8 million for a maximum of three years.
The EU executive also conducted a stress test with Google, Meta and TikTok, where they simulated responses to hybrid threats in preparation for the election.
Vițu, chair of the Audiovisual Council, said that much of the EU’s support has gone into Moldova’s StratCom center, providing expertise in mapping disinformation campaigns and hybrid attacks. Moldova has also been working to bring its laws in line with EU rules on content moderation, she said.
While Vițu praised these initiatives as the “best way” to fight Russian influence, she acknowledged doubts over their effectiveness in fully mitigating threats. Ultimately, the country is at “the mercy of the very big platforms,” she said.
Concerns have even reached Capitol Hill, where not all members are happy that the U.S. is largely sitting out the upcoming election.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee ranking member Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat, and Thom Tillis, a Republican, sent letters to Meta and Alphabet earlier this month urging the platforms to prevent the spread of propaganda during the Moldovan election.