Disinfo: The European foreign policy is determined by a group of Russophobes controlled from the US

Summary

An aggressive group of Russophobes inside the European Union today determines the entire European foreign policy. This group is controlled by the US. In addition, the Baltic States constantly pursue a Russophobic policy to convince Europe that they are needed as a barrier against the spread of Moscow’s influence. But Moscow has never interfered in their policies.

Disproof

No evidence given. This is a conspiracy theory, consistent with recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about Russophobia and deep state. The EU’s foreign and security policy, designed to resolve conflicts and foster international understanding, is based on diplomacy and respect for international rules. Read more about EU foreign and security policy here. Russia's attempts at interfering in democratic processes in Europe have been well documented.

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Sputnik Estonia - Russian (Archived)
  • Reported in: Issue 152
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 30/05/2019
  • Outlet language(s) Russian
  • Countries and/or Regions discussed in the disinformation: US, Baltic states
  • Keywords: Anti-Russian, European Union, Encircling Russia, Destabilising Russia, Europe, Russophobia, Baltic states
see more

Disinfo: The IMF has completely killed Ukrainian economy

The IMF cannot be a partner of Ukraine and it is killing the Ukrainian economy.

May 29, 2019
Disproof

The main goal of the International Monetary Fund is to prevent the expansion of the economic crisis. The comprehensive reform program in Ukraine, supported by IMF loans, is aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, promoting sustainable growth and strengthening economic governance and transparency. Vox Ukraine notes that if Ukraine had not cooperated with the Fund at all, most likely the level of its economic development would now be lower, since the IMF provides not only loans, but also technical assistance, particularly, in the development of regulatory acts. The last two cooperation program with the IMF were signed to overcome the effects of a large-scale economic crisis that unfolded in 2014–15 due to a significant decline in production, a reduction in trade volumes and the loss of part of the territory as a result of Russian aggression. See here for a similar disinformation case.

Disinfo: The EU Association Agreement destroyed the Ukrainian economy

The terms of the [Association] agreement were obviously disadvantageous [for Ukraine] and it has ultimately destroyed the Ukrainian economy. The Ukrainian industry is degrading. In fact, the country has turned into a raw material appendage of Europe.

May 29, 2019
Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin narrative on Ukraine and its relations with the European Union. In June 2014, the EU and Ukraine signed an Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), which promotes deeper political ties, stronger economic links and the respect for common values. See here for more details about EU-Ukraine relations. The total trade turnout increased to 50 bln USD in 2018. During 2015-2018, Ukraine also increased its export to the EU from 13 bln USD to 23 bln USD. Overall, in 2018 Ukrainian export to the EU increased by 13,1%. Now, the EU accounts for almost half of Ukrainian export. See here for further information about the DCFTA and the cooperation between the EU and Ukraine.

Disinfo: Rise in German anti-Semitism caused by mass immigration

Amid a recent surge of anti-Semitic attacks in Germany, many see this worrying trend as a side effect of mass immigration from Muslim-majority countries, long encouraged by Chancellor Angela Merkel. According to a 2018 EU survey, more and more German Jews feel that “nothing is being done” about anti-Jewish crime and abuse.

May 29, 2019
Disproof

Pro-Kremlin conspiracy theory about the creeping Islamisation of Europe, painting immigrants from Muslim-majority countries as inherently violent and immune to cultural assimilation. The report offers no data to support the link between immigration volumes and the number of anti-Semitic incidents, relying instead on statements of opinion and assurances that such a link has been made by "many observers," without further elaboration. Contrary to the report's central premise, an expansive 2018 study finds "no evidence that MENA [Middle Eastern and North African] migrants make any significant contribution to antisemitism at a societal level" in any of the five EU countries surveyed (p. 29), or any data which would suggest a "significant connection between recent MENA migrants and the extent and character of antisemitism in Western Europe" (ibid.). The individual quoted as saying that "nothing is being done" about the problem was a Dutch woman (see p. 39 of the report by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights), not a German individual. RT previously misattributed the quote to "one French woman" in an article about anti-Semitism in France. The EU recognizes anti-Semitism as a serious social and security concern -- see here for a summary of EU-wide efforts to tackle it.