site.btaRossen Zhelyazkov: Misinformation Is One of The Most Serious Tests For European Values

The threatening dimensions of misinformation are one of the most serious tests for European values, said National Assembly chair Rossen Zhelyazkov in his speech to the participants in the Global Conference to mark the International Day of Parliamentarism on Friday.

Zhelyazkov made a speech in the main session of the forum on "The defence of European values and democratic institutions in the light of new challenges and threats to democracy". The global conference to mark the International Day of Parliamentarism was organized within the framework of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU in Leon, Spain. "Misinformation poisons the public debate, replaces the democratic conversation and feeds the real internal threats to democracy - rising nationalism and isolationism, populism, extreme polarization and manifestations of authoritarianism", Zhelyazkov stressed. He pointed out that the fact that today's children and young people are in constant contact with the digital world should be used as a chance to support young Europeans and provide them with the necessary conditions to grow as individuals, free from the prejudices of cultural isolation, xenophobia and chauvinism, but rich in free and easy access to the achievements of European civilization.

The Parliament chair noted that after the refugee and migration crisis, Brexit and the COVID pandemic, Bulgaria now facing a new, terrifying threat - a war on the European continent, which is not only an attack on democratic Ukraine, but also on democracy in general. He stressed that we are also witnessing a dangerous disinformation war being waged in connection with the military actions in Ukraine.

Zhelyazkov pointed out that strong parliaments are at the heart of any democracy, they have a wide toolbox for influence and for defending European values - from legislative policies to fruitful interaction with civil society structures. "We need to take a number of actions, we need even stronger support for the stability of our partner countries in the Black Sea region and the Western Balkans, which are most vulnerable to Russian malign influence and hybrid activities", he stressed, adding that the provision of assistance measures under the European Peace Support Mechanism and tailored capacity-building and resilience-building packages for the Western Balkan and Eastern Partners countries are of paramount importance.

During the forum Rossen Zhelyazkov held talks with His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain. The President of the National Assembly expressed his satisfaction to His Majesty for the wonderful treatment that the Bulgarians living and working in the Kingdom enjoy from the authorities and the people of Spain. Zhelyazkov stressed that it was important for Bulgaria to continue developing its traditionally good friendly relations with the Kingdom of Spain and cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.