The latest EDMO monthly brief highlights how major international events, such as the Winter Olympics, are being used to spread false narratives across Europe.
In February 2026, fact-checkers recorded more than 1,200 cases of disinformation, with claims related to the war in Ukraine and migration being the most widespread.
Regarding anti-Ukrainian narratives, the data showed that the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics served as a vehicle to amplify them. Ukrainian athletes were the main targets, with false claims focusing on their treatment during the games or their return to Ukraine.
At the same time, claims related to the Epstein files re-emerged, often involving AI-generated images that falsely associate political leaders and public figures with the case.
The report also notes that AI-generated content remains widespread, making disinformation more convincing and easier to scale, even though its share slightly decreased compared to the previous month.
Overall, the findings show that disinformation in the EU continues to adapt, combining geopolitical narratives with emerging technologies and timely events to maximise its impact.
Read the full EDMO monthly brief here.
