Information manipulation and misinformation in civil protection & humanitarian aid

A threat for EU civil protection & humanitarian aid

Information manipulation seeks to distort reality, misrepresent intentions, and sow division within communities. It erodes public trust in institutions – including the EU – and weakens their capacity to manage crises effectively.

Such manipulation can severely compromise humanitarian aid and disaster response by skewing perceptions, damaging credibility, and disrupting coordination.

Although misinformation is unintentional, it can be just as harmful. It may lead to confusion, misallocation of resources, and diminished confidence in humanitarian operations. During emergencies, misinformation often stems from misunderstandings, poor communication, or the rapid circulation of unverified content.

A person carrying a box on his shoulder. — © European Union, 2024 (photographer: M. Salustro)

False, misleading or distorted information can negatively impact aid efforts

Reduced public support and funding: False claims about mismanagement or corruption within aid organisations can discourage donors, leading to decreased financial support and with that less help for the people in need.
Logistical disruptions: Misleading reports regarding security conditions or safety risks may result in unnecessary delays, rerouting, or even cancellation of aid convoys.
Community mistrust: Deceptive narratives that cast doubt on the intentions or effectiveness of humanitarian missions can lead communities to reject or mistrust incoming aid.
Operational risks: In conflict zones, fabricated stories can inflame tensions, putting aid workers and vulnerable populations at greater risk.

How to recognise and protect yourself from information manipulation related to civil protection and humanitarian aid operations?

Pause and think
During an emergency, resist the urge to quickly reshare any information you come across. Always check the information that makes you feel angry, afraid or excited. Sharing unverified claims can unintentionally amplify deceptive narratives which may harm the response and have serious real-world consequences.
Verify the source
In case of wildfires, earthquakes, floods and other natural hazards, local and international authorities remain the primary and reliable source of information. Moreover, established news outlets and reputable commentators tend to offer more credible information. Social media posts from anonymous accounts, hiding behind a nickname or an alias, should be treated with caution. Be aware that some malicious actors seeking to manipulate information are also able to impersonate credible sources, using clones of legitimate websites.
Beware of emotional manipulation
In crisis situations, people are often more vulnerable, scared and seeking for reassuring information. These legitimate emotions can be exploited by information manipulation actors, using emotional content, shocking images, or exaggerated claims to provoke fear, anger or mistrust. Approach such content with caution.
Double-check the facts
If you come across a questionable piece of information related to humanitarian aid or disaster response, you can always double check if it has been debunked or clarified by independent fact-checking organisations.

Visit the Strategic communication and countering information manipulation page to learn more about the work of the European Commission in this field.

10 answers to your questions on EU emergency assistance

Is the EU humanitarian aid budget for non-EU countries larger than the general budget for EU countries?
No, most of the EU budget supports initiatives within the EU. Approximately 1% of the EU annual budget supports humanitarian aid programmes outside the EU, still helping to meet the needs of millions of people worldwide.
Are the EU humanitarian aid funds going to corrupt governments?
No, EU-funded humanitarian assistance is delivered exclusively through vetted United Nations agencies, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations - never through governments.
Does the EU ignore the most urgent crises happening now?
No, EU humanitarian aid is strictly needs-based, prioritising support for the most vulnerable. At least 15% of the EU humanitarian aid budget is dedicated to so-called “forgotten” crises.
Is it true that the EU provides only disaster relief and ignores protracted crises?
No, the EU addresses both emergencies and chronic issues like food insecurity, with a key focus on strengthening local responders' capacity to react swiftly and effectively during crises.
Is the EU only helping people in need outside the EU?
No, the EU helps people in need both inside and outside the EU. Most of the EU’s annual budget supports initiatives within the EU, including programmes that address poverty and promote social inclusion. Approximately 1% of the EU’s annual budget goes toward humanitarian aid programmes outside the EU, still helping to meet the needs of millions of people worldwide.
Is the EU providing humanitarian aid based on political agendas?
No, EU humanitarian assistance follows the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. Aid is channelled to crisis-affected people solely based on need, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, nationality, or political affiliation.
Can you trust “distant” authorities like the EU in an emergency?
Yes, of course. The EU relies on its own EU Emergency Coordination Centre, in constant cooperation with EU Member States, third countries, international organisations on the ground, etc.
In a disaster, does the EU only provide help to countries that are part of it or politically close?
No, any country can request assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism during an emergency. Support is granted based solely on need, not on whether a country has previously provided assistance or its political positioning.
Is it true that most of EU humanitarian assistance is diverted and sold on the market?
No, the theft of EU-funded humanitarian assistance is extremely rare. The EU takes very seriously any allegations of misconduct, fraud or irregularities, as they can directly affect the aid delivered to beneficiaries and may impact how EU taxpayers’ money is used. EU auditors conduct regular checks to ensure that humanitarian aid is spent appropriately and in compliance with existing laws. EU humanitarian field workers oversee the daily activities of EU’s implementing partners worldwide.
Do people use EU funds to buy cigarettes and alcohol instead of food?
No, in humanitarian crises and when local conditions allow, the EU prioritises cash assistance for its effectiveness in promoting beneficiary choice and dignity. Cash assistance has been shown to meet basic needs, including food security, with no evidence of increased expenditure on alcohol and tobacco. Similarly to any other kind of humanitarian support, also cash assistance outputs are monitored and measured, with clear and shared outcome indicators.

Useful Links

Strategic communication and countering information manipulation: a page explaining the Commission’s strategy and main fields of action for responding to information manipulation, equipped with links, videos and other resources.

How disinformation works: a series of videos by the European Parliament explains how disinformation can play on our emotions, increase societal polarisation and flood the information space.

EUvsDisinfo: led by the European External Action Service, website that aims to increase public awareness and understanding of information manipulation, and to help citizens in Europe and beyond develop resistance to digital information and media manipulation.

EU DisinfoLab: through putting together research, investigative work and policy acumen, EU DisinfoLab helps to detect, tackle, and prevent information disorders endangering citizens’ integrity, peaceful coexistence and democratic values.

Guidelines and the Toolkit for Teachers on Tackling Disinformation: a set of guidelines for primary and secondary school teachers, promoting media and digital literacy.

European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO): a hub for fact-checkers, academics, and other relevant stakeholders to collaborate with each other. It encourages them to actively link with media organisations, media literacy experts, and provide support to policy makers.

European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN) an alliance of fact-checking organisations across Europe that establishes and upholds common standards for transparency, impartiality, and methodological rigour in fact-checking practices.

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