in 2016, the Joint Framework on Countering Hybrid Threats was adopted, followed in 2018 by the Joint Communication on Enhancing Resilience and Strengthening Response Capabilities to Hybrid Threats. As part of the measures provided in this context, in 2016, the EU fusion cell against hybrid threats was created within the EEAS to constitute a single center for the analysis of hybrid threats for the EU institutions, and in 2017, the European Center of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats was established in Helsinki.
in its communication of April 2018, the Commission presented a European approach to combating disinformation online, aiming to promote a more transparent, trustworthy and accountable online environment. The communication proposed measures to combat online disinformation, including an EU-wide self-regulatory code of good practice on disinformation, which was signed by major online platforms and the advertising industry, as well as support for an independent network of fact-checkers. The communication also emphasized the need to ensure secure and resilient electoral processes, boost education, including in the media field, and support quality journalism. In addition, the Commission called for strengthening strategic communication.