New stage of the sanction assault
Despite the fact that over the past two years, EU relations with Russia have deteriorated significantly, Brussels prefers not to slow down, regularly taking new restrictive measures against Moscow. This time, the EU decided to learn from the UK, focusing its sanctions efforts on the Russian media.
Recall October 17 British Bank NatWest without explanation, blocked all accounts of Russia Today (RT). It seems that the decision of the financial institution was not made without the participation of the authorities of Great Britain, who had previously announced the active work of Russian propaganda in Albion.
Perhaps the most vivid assessment of the actions of the authorities of the Kingdom in relation to the Russian media gave the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova. The diplomat wrote on her Facebook page: “It seems that leaving Europe, London left all its obligations on freedom of speech in Europe. As they say, in a new life without bad habits. ” A month later, the words of the employee of the diplomatic department should be clarified, since, judging by recent events, London’s tendency to censor is observed throughout the European Union.
Monday MEPs started considering a resolution on countering third-party propaganda, according to which in the information space the EU has two main opponents in the person of Russia and the "Islamic state" (prohibited in Russia). During the three-day discussion, parliamentarians plan to discuss methods of dealing with Russia Today TV channel, Sputnik agency, and even with the Russian Orthodox Church.
It should be noted that the draft was put to a vote by the representative of Poland, Anna Fotyga, who refused to talk to the journalists about the proposed document. However, his comments on this issue at the Parliamentary Assembly in Istanbul decided to voice the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, urging members of the North Atlantic Alliance to intensify efforts in the information struggle with Moscow.
In addition to the head of the military-political bloc, the proposed resolution, it seems, ahead of time, was approved by the authorities of Great Britain, making new attempts to finish the October history with blocking RT accounts to the end. So, on Wednesday during the discussion of the resolution, Andrew Foxall, a representative of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, is scheduled to speak at which he will submit a proposal to track any contacts of Europeans with representatives of the Russian media, primarily with employees of the above-mentioned Russian agencies.
Implementation of this initiative is proposed to be carried out in two ways. First, journalists and officials of the EU countries will have to point out the pro-Russian ties of individuals and parties, and, if necessary, challenge the degree of their reliability. Secondly, it is strongly recommended to draw up a pattern of relations between European left and right wing politicians with their Russian counterparts.
It should be noted that the draft proposed by Poland contradicts a number of OSCE international documents on the protection of freedom of speech. And simply speaking, it makes it possible to cover information only from one perspective convenient for the West.
If we reject all that is superfluous, then it will become obvious: the policy of Brussels is aimed at striving to supply the minds of Europeans with the misinformation that no one will deny. Agree if news Russian resources will be submitted with the label “made in a hostile country”, it is unlikely that someone will believe them.
It can be stated that at the moment Europe is actively waging an information war and at the same time provokes the Russian side to respond, which, in principle, is surprising. After all, who, if not the European Union, headed by Germany and its past mistakes, is unaware that it is useless to fight Russia. Even in the information field.
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