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Disinfo: The EU has collapsed, countries are building borders

Summary

The European Union has collapsed. The countries are beginning to build borders: between Poland and Germany, between Germany and France, between the Czech Republic and Austria. [There are] borders, borders, borders…

Disproof

This claim exploits the coronavirus pandemic to push a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the EU's alleged imminent collapse. It also aims to pit EU member states against each other in an attempt to undermine European solidarity - another recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation tactic. There is no evidence to support the doomsday claim that the pandemic is resulting in the death or obsolescence of the EU.

EU Member States are helping each other in this crisis; for example, German hospitals offering to treat critical coronavirus patients from France as well as taking in patients from Italy and the Czech Republic sending masks to Italy.

Read more about the EU's response here and here. 

 

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publication/media

NEWSONE - YouTube [from 10:13 to 10:30] (Archived)
  • Reported in: Issue 190
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 30/03/2020
  • Language/target audience: Russian
  • Country: EU
  • Keywords: coronavirus, Euro-scepticism, European Union, Europe

Disclaimer

Cases in the EUvsDisinfo database focus on messages in the international information space that are identified as providing a partial, distorted, or false depiction of reality and spread key pro-Kremlin messages. This does not necessarily imply, however, that a given outlet is linked to the Kremlin or editorially pro-Kremlin, or that it has intentionally sought to disinform. EUvsDisinfo publications do not represent an official EU position, as the information and opinions expressed are based on media reporting and analysis of the East Stratcom Task Force.

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Bulgarian sooth-sayer Baba Vanga predicted when the pandemic will end

The coronavirus epidemic is gaining momentum, affecting more and more people. But Vanga did predict that. The Bulgarian sooth-sayer called not to give in to panic.

“One day this world will end, but not anytime soon. Don’t be afraid! Live in harmony and help each other. To live in fear is not living at all!” 

She also reminded that Man cannot change what has been planned “in heaven”, and suggested that all should pray to god:

“Humankind will be saved when all people turn to God in prayer. When all people become better, when they start help each other and stop competing and profiting on each other”

Earlier it became known that Vanga predicted the invention of a cure against the coronavirus in Russia. Russian doctors will, according to her prophesy, produce a cure out of cedar wood.

March 30, 2020
Disproof

This is part of pro-Kremlin media, spreading systematic disinformation and confusion about the coronavirus. See a similar case about a "prediction" made by Nostradamus here. Global epidemics have spread occasionally in all of human history, with or without the "predictions" of soothsayers.

EU refused to help Italy deal with coronavirus

The EU clearly underestimated the virus, blaming the outbreak in Italy on its national healthcare system flaws. As a result, Brussels, which preaches pan-European solidarity, failed to act when this solidarity was needed in the face of a crisis that eventually affected the entire bloc.

For lack of assistance from the EU or other member states, Italy was forced to seek help from others, including Russia and China.

March 30, 2020
Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative aiming to discredit the EU response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Brussels never suggested that the Italian authorities are to blame for the exponential outbreak of COVID-19 in the country. On the contrary, a top EU health official has said that the outbreak "could have happened anywhere [else in the EU]"; whereas the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission has praised the Italian government "for the very courageous measures" it has taken to contain the pandemic.

US sanctions contribute to coronavirus pandemic

US sanctions against Russia and Iran contribute to the spread of coronavirus and create a humanitarian catastrophe. Coronavirus deaths are on the US’ conscience.

March 30, 2020
Disproof

Another pro-Kremlin narrative, which is not supported by facts.

In a statement issued on March 23, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that such "fabrications" put Iranians and people around the world at greater risk. He also reiterated that US sanctions did not target imports of food, medicine, or other humanitarian goods.