EU prepares sanctions against Russia and China for counterfeiting: media

The EU is going to punish Russia and China with sanctions for the counterfeits they spread to “improve their own image”.

The European Commission (EC) is preparing for the first time to propose to the European Union to impose sanctions on “foreign players” from Russia and China by spreading disinformation. So, since the beginning of the monitoring, more than 10,000 facts of pro-Kremlin false information have been registered, writes Radio Liberty, referring to the draft of the document available at the editorial office.

The EC intends to present an action plan for European democracy on December 2. It says the 27-member bloc “should more systematically use the full range of tools in its toolbox to counter and develop foreign interference and influence operations, including imposing costs on those responsible.”

The EC warns that counterfeits can become a weapon for foreign players. The document also states that “certain third countries (especially Russia and China) have been involved in specific influence operations and disinformation campaigns on COVID-19 in the EU and around the world, seeking to undermine the democratic debate, increase social polarization. and improve their own image. “

It is noted that today there are more than 500 examples of pro-Kremlin forgeries about the coronavirus this year and more than 10,000 examples of pro-Kremlin disinformation since the start of monitoring five years ago.

It also aims to toughen EU rules for online platforms that knowingly spread false information.

The EC plans to enact the Digital Services Act in late 2020 and propose rules “to provide greater accountability for how platforms moderate content, advertising, and algorithmic processes.”

It was previously reported that the United States imposed sanctions against three Russian companies. The sanctions were imposed under the law on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction against Iran, North Korea and Syria.

We also wrote that Ukraine joined the EU sanctions against the “Islamic State”. In addition to Ukraine, ten more countries have joined the EU Council decision. The sanctions include severe restrictions on the arms and oil trade.

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