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.
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 thinkDuring 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 sourceIn 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 manipulationIn 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 factsIf 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
How does the EU ensure its humanitarian aid funds are not misused by corrupt governments?EU-funded humanitarian assistance is delivered exclusively through vetted United Nations agencies, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations - never through governments.
How large is the humanitarian aid budget for non-EU countries compared to the budget allocated to EU countries?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.
How does the EU decide which crises to address?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.
Does the EU address only immediate disaster relief or protracted crises?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.
Does the EU also help people within the EU?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.
How does the EU ensure that its humanitarian aid is not based on political agendas?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, how does the EU decide which countries to provide help to?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.
How does the EU prevent its humanitarian assistance from being diverted and sold on the market?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.
How does the EU ensure funds are used for basic needs and not for buying cigarettes and alcohol?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
UNHCR’s Information Integrity toolkit: a toolkit designed by UNHCR as part of a European Union-funded project to help humanitarians understand, respond to, and prevent the harmful impact of risks to information integrity on digital platforms, such as misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech.
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 Toolkit for teachers: The Commission has produced guidelines for primary and secondary school teachers on tackling disinformation and promoting media and digital literacy, as well as the teachers’ toolkit on how to spot and fight disinformation, a lesson plan for teachers of 15-18 year olds on countering disinformation.
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.
Updated on 14/11/2025