Czech MEP Zdechovský for Romea.cz: The European Commission is asleep at the wheel when it comes to combating disinformation among Romani people
According to Czech MEP Tomáš Zdechovský (Christian Democrats - KDU-ČSL), the dissemination of disinformation among Romani people in some EU Member States is a serious problem that is contributing to their marginalization, the spread of hate, and an increase of tensions in society. He has sent three specific questions to the European Commission (EC) about measures against disinformation targeting Romani people. The Commission has responded, but the MEP believes its answers do not address the essence of the problem.
“The dissemination of disinformation in Romani communities represents a serious problem in some EU Member States, including Slovakia, Czechia, Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania. According to several studies, the Romani community is regularly targeted with political disinformation, fake news and propaganda, including from third countries like Russia,” Zdechovský said in a social media post.
European Commission: Code of Practice on Disinformation and a new Defense of Democracy
When asked whether the European Commission has any relevant data about groups which are inclined to believe disinformation, as some members of the Romani community are, the brief response of the EC was that a crucial element in fighting disinformation is the European Code of Practice on Disinformation. The EC says this code should be included as a guide to behavior per the Digital Services Act.
When asked whether the European Commission intends to take specific measures to address the impact of disinformation in Romani communities, the EC emphasized that it already has a package of measures to defend democracy that includes building resilience and developing media literacy and critical thinking. “In addition to supporting the democratic participation of all citizens, Romani people included, this EC recommendation targets the building of resilience, the development of an informed public, of media literacy and of critical thinking, with the aim of combating the manipulation of information, interference, and disinformation in relation to elections,” the EC statement reads.
In response to the MEP’s third question about the design of a new Action Plan on Disinformation, the European Commission said it will work on this issue as part of its new Defense of Democracy package. “Strong emphasis will be placed on the resilience of society and its readiness through increased digital and media literacy, as well as on strengthening prevention through the preliminary refutation of untrue allegations,” the EC’s response says.
Czech MEP Zdechovský: The EU Action Plan is outdated, the key to addressing this is education and media literacy
According to Zdechovský, however, the European Commission’s reply clearly demonstrates that the EU is falling behind in this field. “The current Action Plan is outdated. Defense of Democracy may hold promise, as it should concern itself with combating foreign manipulation of information and influence in particular. However, that has only just started, we shall see how the new EU Commissioner approaches it,” he told news server Romea.cz.
The Czech MEP said it is necessary to pay special attention in this area to vulnerable communities like the Roma in particular. “Education is always most important, as is strengthening critical thinking. Without the support of education and media literacy, we will not increase resilience to disinformation among Romani people,” he explains. The key to resolving this could also be an EU-wide outreach campaign warning of the risks of disinformation. “Warn people that this is a real threat influencing millions of people, and not just Romani ones,” he emphasized. Another move could be strengthening community centers and the organizations which work with Romani people on a daily basis.
When asked whether he himself plans to support specific projects targeting awareness-raising about disinformation and its risks, Zdechovský replied that he is ready to collaborate. “If an idea or a request comes from people in the Romani community for a specific project, I would be very glad to be involved and I will attempt to push it forward, for instance, at the European Parliament,” the Czech MEP told news server Romea.cz.
Zdechovský also recalled his previous support for the HERO pilot project, which concentrated on affordable housing for Romani people and yielded concrete results. “When it comes to disinformation, that will be more difficult, because measuring achievable results there is more complex. However, if we were to do nothing, we will have a numerous group of persons who are easily influenced by allegations circulated by Russia or China,” he warned.
Roma and disinformation: Distrust in the democratic system and institutions
Disinformation linked to the Romani community has a long history in Czechia, from fake news about advantages allegedly enjoyed by Romani people only, to the ongoing dissemination of hoaxes among Romani people about refugees from Ukraine. In recent years, Romani people are not just the victims of disinformation, but also the disseminators of it, which is inciting polarization and tensions in society.
According to Romani experts, the crucial problem is distrust in institutions, which has been termed the structural antigypsyism that encumbers the fight against such influences. Romani experts say the solution requires a combination of outreach, support for critical thinking, and collaboration between government institutions, nonprofits and the media. As MEP Zdechovský warns, without education and strengthening media literacy, it will not be possible to effectively increase resilience to disinformation.
