The European Union’s chief representative in Taiwan, Lutz Güllner, has called for greater vigilance against information manipulation, describing it as a serious and evolving threat to democratic societies.

In a recent interview with Rti, the head of the European Economic and Trade Office emphasized the findings of the EU’s latest report on the subject, which he said reflects years of work and highlights how hostile actors are using strategic interference to distort public discourse. “We want to be very precise that we are talking here about the active interference in another public space,” Güllner said, referring to state-sponsored tactics such as botnets, fake independent news sites, and amplification of misleading content.

While the report names Russia and China among the principal sources of manipulation, Güllner noted that the issue extends beyond these two countries. He called on democracies to take the threat seriously, recognizing that such interference can be used in combination with cyberattacks and other coercive tools.

“We believe in freedom of speech and freedom of expression,” Güllner said. “And therefore you need to have a unique approach to this and see how people manipulate.”

Güllner also reaffirmed the European Union’s support for Ukraine, saying the EU “stands absolutely behind Ukraine” and is committed to supporting its path toward EU membership. He said EU support is “not just words,” noting that nearly €140 billion in combined aid — including €50 billion in military support — has already been provided.

Addressing concerns about shifting U.S. priorities under President Donald Trump, Güllner said Europe must “strengthen our own capabilities” in security and defense, referencing a newly released European security white paper. However, he emphasized that this is not a move away from dependency on the United States, but a necessary evolution in the face of new global realities.

Güllner highlighted growing European interest in Taiwan, not only in terms of regional security but also in appreciation of Taiwan as a “vibrant democracy” and partner in the global economy.