Spain (Washington Insider Magazine)—On Friday, the governments of Spain and the United States finalized a bilateral agreement aimed at combating information manipulation and disinformation, particularly in Spanish. Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State of the United States, and José Manuel Albares, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain, signed the agreement in Washington following a meeting at the State Department headquarters. The agreement establishes a framework for bilateral cooperation to counteract manipulation, including the exchange of information, within the confines of respective national laws, regulations, and policies.
Background and Context
According to diplomatic sources, preparations for the Memorandum of Understanding began before the crisis sparked by misinformation concerning Pedro Sánchez’s wife. This decision follows President Sánchez’s commitment to remain in the government while undertaking reforms to address what he describes as the “mud machine” in Spain—a collusion between political actors and digital media undermining democracy. The signing also coincides with an EU agreement aimed at regulating the media, awaiting transposition into national legislation.
Addressing Threats to Democracy
In a statement after the signing, Antony Blinken highlighted “propaganda, disinformation, and information manipulation” as threats endangering democratic processes and institutions. He referenced the violent assault on the US Capitol following a campaign of hoaxes by supporters of Donald Trump. José Manuel Albares emphasized joint efforts to combat electoral interference, particularly in Spanish, citing the risks posed to democratic stability.
Focus on Electoral Stability
According to EPA, While the agreement does not explicitly mention any country, Russia’s role in disseminating disinformation is a focal point. Russian state-controlled media outlets such as RT and Sputnik, which ceased broadcasting in European territories after the invasion of Ukraine, have Spanish-language channels and influence in Latin America, raising concerns for the United States. The Memorandum addresses information manipulation, including propaganda and disinformation, which could foster divisions within countries and compromise election integrity.
Global Cooperation
The United States previously experienced the impact of Russian disinformation during the 2016 Democratic primaries and faces crucial elections in November. The EU is also gearing up for parliamentary elections in June. Signatories of the agreement view foreign interference as a threat to national security and pledge to collaborate on combating disinformation in Spanish and other languages. They also commit to supporting multilateral organizations promoting international cooperation in the fight against misinformation.
