THE SPREAD OF FALSE AND MANIPULATIVE INFORMATION AS A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY IN EU COUNTRIES: CURRENT SITUATION AND PROSPECTS FOR COUNTERACTION

Abstract

This article examines the evolution of disinformation as a systemic problem for the democratic development of the European Union. Based on recent scientific research and the EU's political framework, the study considers disinformation not only as false or misleading content, but as a structural condition resulting from the interaction of geopolitical confrontation, internal political polarization, and a platform-based attention economy. The analysis shows that contemporary disinformation ecosystems operate in various forms – state influence operations, domestic manipulation, commercially motivated disinformation, algorithmic amplification, and synthetic media created by artificial intelligence – creating a complex environment in which misleading narratives can spread rapidly and shape public opinion. The article also explores the mechanisms through which disinformation penetrates the political sphere of EU member states, paying particular attention to the role of foreign actors such as Russia and China, as well as domestic actors, including populist parties, hyper-partisan media, and ideologically organized online communities. Particular attention is paid to algorithmic infrastructures that support the virality of manipulative content and undermine democratic debate. The study critically assesses the multifaceted response of the EU, actions, and the contribution of fact-checking networks, media literacy initiatives, and civil society organizations. The results of the study show that, despite significant institutional progress, existing measures to counter disinformation remain insufficient given the scale, speed, and adaptability of modern methods of information manipulation. The article argues that democratic resilience in the EU requires a comprehensive approach that combines regulatory enforcement, algorithm transparency, sustained support for independent journalism and fact-checking, comprehensive media literacy policies, and coordinated geopolitical strategies. Ultimately, the study concludes that protecting the EU's democratic order in the digital age depends not only on preventing harmful content, but also on strengthening the social, institutional, and cognitive foundations of trust, pluralism, and civic engagement