A delegation of MEPs dealing with foreign interference holds talks with a series of experts including at the UN in New York between 1 and 3 November.
The seven-member delegation will discuss with UN officials about, among others, the latest UN report on disinformation, its approach to information manipulation and its code of conduct for integrity of public information. They will also hold talks with UN officials in charge of electoral assistance and genocide prevention. In addition, the MEPs will meet various human rights organisations, a think tank and representatives of major tech companies Google and Meta.
The report of the predecessor of the Special Committee on Foreign Interference urged the EU to develop international norms and common definitions on information manipulation and interference in close cooperation with the UN. It also asked the EU to take the lead in the debate to establish a global code of practice for free and resilient democratic processes.
Members of the delegation
Sandra Kalniete (EPP, LV), Pierfrancesco Majorino (S&D, IT), Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D, ES), Sandro Gozi (Renew, FR), Markéta Gregorová (Greens/EFA, CZ), Ryszard Czarnecki (ECR, PL), Laura Ferrara (NI, IT).
“Now is the time to reinvigorate multilateralism and work with the UN in setting the rules and standards for the digital environment. The dual threats of foreign meddling in democratic processes and the authoritarian expansion around the world are only growing, and that means tremendous challenges for all democracies. Responding to the increased interference by hostile regimes, the EU has already invested significantly in tackling information manipulation and is actively looking to cooperate with willing partners. The New York visit of this delegation offers a pivotal opportunity to share experiences, develop common approaches, and coordinate our strategies with our allies and partners in multilateral organisations, academia and the private sector,” said Sandra Kalniete, the MEP leading the delegation.
