Crosetto: ‘Security also depends on reliable information’

“Security also depends on reliable information.” This was emphasised by the Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, in his video message sent to mark the 47th edition of the Ischia International Journalism Festival. “Today, security threats take different forms from those of the past; alongside drones and missiles, a quieter but no less dangerous form of warfare is developing: cognitive warfare,” he noted.

“A war,” the minister emphasised, “that aims to influence perceptions, manipulate information, fuel divisions and undermine citizens’ trust in institutions without a single shot being fired. The hybrid threat is a continuous war that strikes day and night, 24 hours a day; disinformation campaigns and carefully crafted news stories can reach millions of people in a matter of hours. The aim of those acting in this way is clear: to distort public debate and make it increasingly difficult to distinguish between what is true and what is false. Therefore, security also depends on reliable information.”

“That is why I am pleased,” Crosetto noted, “that the European Prize has been awarded to Ukrainska Pravda. I would like to extend my congratulations to the editor-in-chief, the editorial team and the journalists who, even during the most difficult moments of the conflict, have continued to report the facts with courage and professionalism. Italia will continue to support Ukraine, just as it has done since the start of the Russian invasion. Our aim remains to help achieve a just and lasting peace based on respect for the law and for peoples. Along this path, the work of a free press has enabled an accurate, verified account to reach the world, acting as a bulwark against the propaganda and disinformation that has often come from Russia.”