DISINFO: The Baltic states may not survive the coronavirus-related economic crisis
SUMMARY
The coronavirus attacked all foundations of beneficial post-Soviet model of the Baltic states’ existence. In the light of a coronavirus-related economic crisis the EU will radically cut subsidies for the Baltic states’ agriculture and infrastructural projects such as Rail Baltica. A total termination of EU subsidies to the Eastern European countries – another pillar of the Baltic states’ economies – cannot be ruled out. The Baltic states may not survive so considerable economic losses.
RESPONSE
This case is consistent with recurring pro-Kremlin narratives about socio-economic degradation in the Baltic States as opposed to their alleged well-being under the USSR and EU's imminent collapse due to coronavirus epidemic. In fact, the economic situation of all three Baltic States is strong and demonstrates some of the leading economic growth indicators in the EU. The dynamics over the past years are available here.
Read earlier disinformation cases alleging that coronavirus and economic crisis caught the EU by surprise because of its Russophobia, that the Baltic states are dying because they chose not to be with Russia, that Lithuania will be depopulated in 20 years, that the EU intentionally destroyed economies of the Baltic states, and that they have lost industry, agriculture, and population as a result of EU membership.