Elections Under Siege: Digital Manipulation and Foreign Influence in Europe

Disinformation and external interference in electoral processes have become an integral part of the modern political landscape in Europe. The rapid development of digital technologies has enabled forms of manipulation that were unimaginable a decade ago, forcing democracies to seek new defense mechanisms.

Among the most notable examples are election interference in Germany and Romania, involving both state actors—primarily Russia and China—and influential individuals, including Elon Musk. These incidents were further fueled by scandalous statements and insinuations surrounding U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who, according to many analysts, spoke against Europe's true interests during the Munich Conference.

The digital age has allowed external actors to promote manipulative narratives with unprecedented speed and reach. In the past, the primary instruments of influence were traditional media, printed materials, radio, and television. Today, social media, messaging apps, and content platforms amplify disinformation, instantly disseminating it to millions.

Democratic elections have become a battleground for voters' attention. When fake news is strategically launched on a massive scale, it can significantly shift public opinion or, at the very least, sow doubts about specific candidates.

Russia has mastered hybrid influence tactics, employing everything from open lobbying and media propaganda to cyber espionage and disinformation campaigns. While the Kremlin remains the dominant force behind such threats, other states—and even influential figures from across the Atlantic—are beginning to play an increasingly significant role

Romanian Case of Electoral Manipulations

In Romania, the eastern outpost of the European Union, external pressure is exerted through both traditional and social media channels. The Romanian segment of the Internet is particularly vulnerable to propaganda networks, especially when they exploit historical, religious, or national issues. Russian narratives in the country often attempt to emphasize an imagined “closeness” between the two Orthodox peoples, as well as historical ties between former socialist states.

Before various elections in Romania, waves of fake news have repeatedly surfaced, portraying European integration as “external enslavement” and alleging that pro-European politicians seek to sell the country's sovereignty. Elections have become an arena where internet bots and troll networks fuel public skepticism about the EU while glorifying the idea of “multi-vectorism” and “friendlier” relations with the Kremlin. These propaganda campaigns are often orchestrated by organizations with ties to Russian financial and political networks. Recently, however, mentions of Russian support have been accompanied by accusations against prominent Western figures, most notably Elon Musk and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.

Elon Musk is one of the most recognizable figures in the world, known for his high-tech companies Tesla and SpaceX, as well as his ownership of the social network Twitter. In recent years, he has increasingly made statements not only on technical matters but also on political issues. Following Trump's victory, he was appointed head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Some analysts have interpreted his public comments as signaling a degree of tolerance for Russia’s position or, at the very least, underestimating the Kremlin’s threats.

In the context of the Romanian elections, rumors circulated that some local politicians attempted to leverage Musk’s authority as a global “techno-guru” to promote pro-Russian messages, citing the notion that “even such a great man in the world of technology acknowledges the fairness of Moscow's demands.” Although no direct evidence links Musk to cooperation with pro-Russian forces, the mere possibility of such influence has become a highly debated topic, further complicating Romania’s political atmosphere.

The Romanian (as well as European) press was particularly taken aback by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Conference. This platform has traditionally served to reinforce transatlantic unity and foster a collective response to global challenges. However, many experts interpreted Vance’s speech as a de facto justification or, at the very least, a softening of the Kremlin’s aggressive foreign policy. His remarks were perceived as a suggestion that the United States should “reconsider” its approach to Russia and assess whether it should leave Europe to handle its own problems, given Washington's shifting priorities.

Although the official transcript contained no direct statements of support for Moscow, indirect references to Russia’s “legitimate interests” led the press to speculate that segments of the American establishment seek to establish, if not a partnership, then at least a compromise with the Kremlin. Such remarks from a high-ranking U.S. official seamlessly fit into the propaganda narratives actively promoted by Russian media, painting a picture: “Even in America, they are beginning to recognize that we are right.

Even Germany can`t Stand Aside

An equally significant example of hybrid influence is election interference in Germany. As the economic engine of the EU and a key shaper of European politics, Germany is regularly subjected to cyberattacks and information operations by Russian entities, including the GRU and affiliated groups such as Fancy Bear. Since 2015, the German Bundestag has repeatedly been targeted in attacks aimed at stealing sensitive information and discrediting certain politicians.

Ahead of the 2025 elections, these threats have once again become evident, ranging from fabricated “sensations” on social media to pseudo-research designed to distort the popularity of leading German parties. The presence of a multi-million-strong Russian-speaking diaspora further amplifies vulnerabilities, as many individuals consume content from Russian media, gaining a distorted perspective on internal German affairs. These challenges have prompted politicians to push more aggressively for stricter control over social media—particularly Twitter—especially given that the platform is owned by a controversial billionaire with his own geopolitical views.

The German press was also alarmed by Vice President Vance's statements. The United States and Germany have traditionally been close allies, and any contradictory messages from Washington raise concerns about the future of transatlantic cooperation. While officials insist that U.S. policy remains committed to supporting European partners, Vance's speech cast doubt on this stance, revealing divisions within the U.S. leadership regarding Russia and Europe's role in global security. Opponents of Germany’s pro-Western course seized on these remarks, arguing: “Even the White House recognizes the need to balance the interests of Moscow and Berlin,” implying that harsh sanctions and anti-Russian rhetoric are ineffective.

Ukraine’s resistance to Russian propaganda holds particular significance for the European community today. A decade of war—beginning with the annexation of Crimea, continuing through the conflict in Donbas, and escalating into a full-scale invasion three years ago—has made Ukraine a frontline state in the fight against Kremlin disinformation. Ukrainian government agencies, NGOs, and independent media have developed an extensive toolkit for identifying and countering disinformation, mastering fact-checking techniques, and promoting media literacy among the public. 

As a result, Ukraine’s experience will be invaluable to Romania, Germany, and other European countries increasingly facing similar threats. Once considered an abstract concept, “hybrid warfare” has now become a tangible reality, with concrete examples of successful—or nearly successful—attempts to manipulate democratic processes.

Ultimately, the real danger of external interference lies not only in hacking servers or spreading fake news but also in eroding public trust in the integrity of the electoral system and democratic principles. Russian propagandists—and other unscrupulous actors—excel at exploiting internal divisions, historical grievances, and socio-economic problems across different countries.

Different Ways to Achieve the Same Goal

In Romania, it can be the topic of the former socialist past, in Germany - the legacy of the division into Germany and the GDR, in any other country - its own sensitive issues. The manipulators seek to sow discord and make people doubt whether their national elites are playing in favor of foreign forces. The irony is that Russian instruments are increasingly joined by figures from the democratic West who, for one reason or another (business interests, political expediency, search for a new audience), indirectly or directly voice pro-Kremlin messages.

Instead of transparent, open journalism and unbiased information for voters, society is increasingly receiving half-truths, falsifications and fear-mongering. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that many disinformation channels try to disguise themselves as supposedly genuine media, independent analytical platforms, or civic initiatives.

In order to increase trust in the information environment, many European countries have long debated tighter regulation of social media, mandatory labeling of political advertising, and disclosure of real sponsors. However, in the digital era, any prohibitions often run into constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech and fears that the state may control public space too much. This makes finding a balance between security and citizens' rights a major challenge for lawmakers and government officials.

The consequences of this situation can change the balance of power in Europe. If large countries like Germany begin to take a softer approach to Russia under the influence of external propaganda or ambiguous signals from allies (such as statements by Vice President Vance), this could affect not only domestic policy but also the EU's overall security and sanctions strategy.

Romania, for its part, faced with disinformation campaigns, may tighten domestic restrictions on media and online platforms, but such steps will also provoke discussions about the need to maintain democratic standards. Resisting external interference means not only monitoring negative content, but also offering more attractive, honest alternatives, educating voters, and strengthening the overall level of political culture.

Ukraine should lead the resistance 

In this context, Ukraine's role is becoming increasingly important. Since the start of Russia's armed aggression, Ukrainians have undergone an accelerated crash course in media literacy and fact-checking, recognizing that without critical thinking skills, it is impossible to distinguish reliable sources from outright propaganda. Ukrainian volunteers, NGOs, and government agencies have developed methods for identifying bot farms and fake content hubs—tools that can be adopted by other countries.

Society has come to understand the value of transparency and openness, fostering initiatives to counter propaganda that are now being studied with interest in Romania, Germany, and across Europe. Although Ukraine is far from perfect, and its domestic information space has its own challenges, the country has clearly moved toward debunking disinformation and cultivating a responsible journalistic environment. EU nations are increasingly looking to Ukraine’s experience as an essential component in strengthening their own information security.

Ultimately, disinformation and interference in democratic elections are no longer the exception but have become the new normal in the modern world. As technology advances—including artificial intelligence and big data—the ability to manipulate vast amounts of information will only expand.

Russia will remain one of the most dominant players in this sphere, but it is no longer the only one refining its hybrid attack strategies. Other states, transatlantic figures, or even individual business leaders like Elon Musk may, whether consciously or unconsciously, contribute to destabilizing Europe’s electoral processes. Vice President Vance's statements advocating for a reassessment of Moscow’s “specific interests” only highlight the existing divisions within the global establishment—divisions that can easily be exploited for propaganda purposes.

The only path to transparent elections is through collective action: strengthening cybersecurity, advancing fact-checking efforts, fostering independent journalism, and building societal resilience against manipulation. Any country that seeks to protect itself from external interference must strike a balance between freedom of speech and national security, enforce transparent electoral regulations, regulate political advertising, and continuously educate the public on the risks of propaganda.

Ukraine has already made significant strides in these areas, and its cooperation with other European nations could help form a united front against authoritarian influence. Democracy grows stronger when citizens recognize that, despite the noise surrounding them, the final decision remains in their hands. The more people develop critical thinking skills and learn to identify propaganda, the harder it becomes for both external and internal actors to manipulate the electoral process.

For Ukrainians, who are simultaneously at war and building a transparent governance system, access to truthful and honest information is not just a political issue—it is an existential necessity. The survival of Ukraine as part of a united Europe depends on this. Despite the ongoing challenges, Ukraine remains committed to European integration, emphasizing its shared historical and cultural roots with other nations across the continent.

More and more European capitals are recognizing that Kyiv’s resilience in the information war is strengthening the entire region. When concerns about Russian interference—or unexpected signals of support for Moscow from U.S. leaders—arise in Romania, Germany, or elsewhere, Ukraine is frequently cited as an example of a country that has been repelling similar attacks for years. This growing solidarity could serve as a new model for European cooperation—one in which nations from the Baltics to the Balkans, from Kyiv to Berlin, coordinate efforts against adversaries seeking to undermine democracy from within.

In this context, speeches at international security forums, such as the Munich Conference, carry exceptional significance. They serve as indicators of whether the world's democracies remain united in the face of authoritarian threats.

Elon Musk’s remarks and Vice President Vance’s statements on Russia underscore how thin the line is between domestic interests and geopolitics. The most crucial takeaway for European societies is that they must not remain passive observers. Defending democratic elections in any country means safeguarding the stability and well-being of every citizen.

The ability to detect disinformation, critically analyze politicians' statements, and verify sources will determine whether Romania, Germany, and other European nations can preserve the integrity of their electoral processes. And Ukraine stands alongside its partners in this effort—drawing from its own experience, refusing to be deceived, and striving to build a common future where voters have the right to hear the truth, not manipulated narratives designed to serve specific spheres of influence.

Bohdan Popov, Expert at Kyiv-based United Ukraine Think Tank