Eastern Europe must counter disinformation by proactively framing AI’s opportunities while addressing local concerns on energy and water use to maintain competitiveness.
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Many countries in the region lack a cohesive approach to artificial intelligence (AI), allowing far-right parties to exploit this gap by spreading disinformation that dismisses AI’s potential benefits. This situation is strategically dangerous because rival powers like Russia and China can use anti-AI sentiment to amplify social divisions. To counter this, governments must promote transparency regarding resource usage, enhance regional cooperation, and build internal capabilities to detect and debunk coordinated disinformation campaigns related to AI. While local opposition to large data centers raises valid environmental concerns, the core issue is that pro-Western political parties risk letting the far right dominate the AI narrative. Moderate leaders should instead focus on highlighting AI’s opportunities—such as in education or achieving technological sovereignty—while simultaneously addressing community worries through transparent agreements regarding energy and water footprints for any major projects. Ultimately, regional cooperation and developing tech-savvy politicians who can speak empathetically to citizens’ concerns are crucial to ensuring Eastern Europe remains competitive in the Western technology ecosystem without falling prey to disinformation from external actors.
