Language:

See all Disinfo Cases - Detail

Disinfo: The Schengen zone has collapsed

Summary

On Monday (the 16 March, 2020) the Schengen zone collapsed. Border control was restored by Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Poland and Lithuania. There is no longer a Schengen zone with free movement between 26 states. And this is only the first step towards the abandoning of globalization in favor of rebuilding the nation-states. This is basically the collapse of the European idea and the transition to a different political culture and values.

Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the imminent collapse of the EU. The Schengen zone has not collapsed. According to the Schengen border code: Where there is a serious threat to public policy or internal security, these countries may exceptionally reintroduce border controls at its internal borders for a period of no more than 30 days (possible to prolong under conditions established by the code) or for the foreseeable duration of the serious threat. This action should be seen as a last resort. If such controls are to be reintroduced, the other EU countries that are part of the Schengen area and the European Commission must be notified without delay with a view to possible consultations. The European Parliament and the Council must be informed at the same time. There is no basis to claim that after the pandemic is contained the borders would not be opened. See further debunk by the Insider.

Go to search

publication/media

Rossia 24 - YouTube [from 46:52 to 47:20] (Archived)
  • Reported in: Issue 189
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15/03/2020
  • Language/target audience: Russian
  • Country: Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Germany, Poland
  • Keywords: coronavirus, European Union

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.

see more

Coronavirus will cause the dissolution of the EU and NATO

Coronavirus will become for NATO and the EU what Chernobyl became for the Soviet Union, it will cause their dissolution. The Chernobyl disaster is very similar to what is happening in the EU because of the coronavirus. The EU institutions remind of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, they are now in the same situation.

March 24, 2020
Disproof

No evidence given. This is part of recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about coronavirus and alleged "EU disintegration". The European Union is supporting the Member States in addressing the crisis, and mitigating the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. To cushion the blow to people’s livelihoods and the economy, the European Commission has adopted a comprehensive economic response to the outbreak, applied the full flexibility of the EU fiscal rules, has revised its State Aid rules and proposed to set up a EUR 37 billion Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative to provide liquidity to small businesses and the health care sector. To support scientific research into the COVID-19, the European Commission earmarked 47,5 million EUR for shortlisted research projects that can improve epidemiology and public health, including preparedness and response to outbreaks. The EU has also creates first ever stockpile of medical equipment. Read more about the EU's response here and here. Amid the coronavirus pandemic NATO's essential work continues and its ability to conduct operations remains intact. Read more about the pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative of of the EU's imminent collapse here.  

COVID-19 is a fake, it’s a political move to install hegemony

COVID-19 is a fake, it’s a common and not deadly virus. All those deaths in Italy cannot be because of the coronavirus. It’s a political move to destroy small businesses and install deep state hegemony. US is adopting fascist measures to limit people’s freedom.

March 24, 2020
Disproof

An unfounded conspiracy theory, sharing a recurrent pro-Kremlin narrative about "secret elites" controlling world leaders. COVID-19 comes from a family of viruses originating in animals that include other viruses such as SARS and MERS. It was first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan in central China and has been rapidly spreading across the world, with cases being reported in 190 countries, territories and areas. The number of COVID-19 cases surpassed 300,000 globally with over 14,000 deaths (with 5,476 only in Italy) by 23 March 2020. Many other claims have been pushed by pro-Kremlin media since the outbreak started in January, for example, that governments overestimate the threat, that it was born in a laboratory to infect Chinese, that it is an element of hybrid warfare and that the remedy has been developed in Ukraine.

Coronavirus pushed the West into the Middle Ages

A combination of systemic crisis and the coronavirus epidemic dealt a blow to the West’s mythical unity. Western countries refuse to help each other by sending medical equipment or providing financial assistance. The US organised a military operation to export half a million of coronavirus tests from Italy, despite the deficit Italy is facing. The West is sinking in the Middle Ages, where everyone is for himself. The longer the epidemic stays, the further back in time the West will be submerged. The only positive aspect is that the combination of a global systemic crisis, low hydrocarbon prices, and the coronavirus pandemic may replace a new world war by moving away unsustainable political entities.

March 24, 2020
Disproof

This message is consistent with recurring pro-Kremlin claims about the EU's helplessness in dealing with the coronavirus outbreak and a common narrative about the EU's imminent collapse. The European Union is supporting Member States in addressing the crisis and has adopted measure to mitigate the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. To cushion the blow to people’s livelihoods and the economy, the European Commission has adopted a comprehensive economic response to the outbreak, applied the full flexibility of the EU fiscal rules, has revised its State Aid rules and proposed to set up a EUR 37 billion Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative to provide liquidity to small businesses and the health care sector. To support scientific research into COVID-19, the European Commission earmarked 47.5 million EUR for shortlisted research projects that can improve epidemiology and public health, including preparedness and response to outbreaks. The EU has also created first ever stockpile of medical equipment. Read more about the EU's response here and here. See earlier disinformation cases alleging that Italy, Spain, Portugal and possibly even France are in line to exit the EU, that a number of EU countries teeter on the brink of default, and that the coronavirus and economic crisis caught the EU by surprise because of its Russophobia.