Disinformation as a Tool of Hybrid Action: Security, Political and Strategic Challenges for the European Union

The article analyses disinformation as a key tool of hybrid warfare in the current deteriorating security situation and an environment marked by strategic uncertainty and instability, where the confrontation between democratic and authoritarian regimes is intensifying. In this context, disinformation has ceased to be merely a marginal phenomenon; instead, it has become a systematic tool for undermining democratic institutions, polarizing society, and eroding public trust. In this context, the European Union faces a growing need to safeguard the information space through coordinated measures at both domestic and international levels. The article draws on qualitative and comparative analyses of political strategies and documents, identifying the main weaknesses of current approaches and proposes strategic priorities, including the establishment of a legally binding framework, the strengthening of media literacy, the enhancement of technological capacities, and the promotion of global norm-setting. The article concludes by emphasizing that a successful response to disinformation requires not only technical solutions but, more importantly, educated, resilient, and critically minded citizens as the cornerstone of democratic society.