Photo: nato

This article was first published by Truthmeter.mk (North Macedonia), within the framework of Western Balkans Anti-Disinformation Project.

Polish and allied air defenses have been deployed to secure the country’s airspace as Russia launched new deadly airstrikes on neighboring Ukraine. NATO is a defensive alliance and is therefore stepping up its air patrols across the region in response to suspected Russian airspace incursions and the appearance of drones in several member states. These measures are preventive in nature and aim to secure airspace and protect citizens, especially in areas adjacent to the threatened region

We analyze a post on the social network Facebook which says:

It is not true what is stated in the post we are reviewing that the mentioned European politicians are “neo-fascists.” In the past, “Truthmeter.mk” has reviewed similar narratives in which European politicians were unfoundedly slandered as “fascists” using disinformation.

The very concept of the functioning and foundation of the European Union is anti-fascist and the EU shares anti-fascist values. The common fight against contemporary forms of extremist and totalitarian ideologies, including neo-Nazism, remains a key priority for the EU. In addition, the EU stands firmly against all forms of anti-Semitism, which are incompatible with the fundamental values ​​and principles on which the EU was founded. The EU and its Member States have taken extensive legal and political measures to combat acts of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.

There is clear evidence that the EU and its members operate contrary to the tenets of fascism. The European Union is a political and economic union composed of 27 member states that are fundamentally democratic and adhere to the principles of liberal democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The EU places a strong emphasis on human rights, fundamental freedoms and the protection of minorities. It has mechanisms to uphold these principles, such as the European Court of Human Rights.

In contrast, fascist regimes are known for their oppressive nature, including censorship, persecution of political opponents, and human rights violations. The EU celebrates cultural diversity and encourages cooperation between different peoples. It seeks to foster a sense of European identity, while respecting national identities.

On 25 October 2018, the European Parliament expressed its concern at the increasing trend of normalisation of fascism, racism, and xenophobia and called on all EU member states to ban neo-fascist and neo-Nazi groups. This makes it clear that the European Union’s commitments are not only not fascist, but are also firmly based on anti-fascist policies, recommendations, and actions.

It is also not true that NATO is a fascist organization.

Fascism is an extreme right-wing, authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology and movement, characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, violent suppression of opposition, belief in a rigid social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests to the good of the nation or race, and a strong regime of society and economy.

It is also not true that NATO countries are pushing for war with Russia. Ukraine’s security is of paramount importance to NATO and its member states. The Alliance fully supports Ukraine’s inherent right to self-defense and its right to choose its own security arrangements. NATO condemns Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. This aggression seriously undermines Euro-Atlantic and global security and constitutes a clear violation of international law.

NATO Allies, in accordance with relevant UN General Assembly resolutions, demand that Russia immediately stop the war, cease the use of force against Ukraine, and completely and unconditionally withdraw all its forces from Ukraine.

NATO does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia. The Alliance will continue to respond to Russian threats and actions in a united and responsible way. We are strengthening our deterrence and defence, supporting our partners, and enhancing our resilience. This includes calling out Russia’s actions and countering disinformation, says NATO’s website.

Polish and allied air defenses have been deployed to secure the country’s airspace as Russia launched a new round of deadly airstrikes on neighboring Ukraine. NATO is a defensive alliance and is stepping up its air patrols across the region in response to suspected Russian airspace incursions and the sighting of drones in several member states. The measures are preventive in nature and are aimed at securing airspace and protecting citizens, especially in areas close to the threatened region. Airports in Germany, Denmark, Norway and Poland have also recently grounded flights due to unidentified drones, while Romania and Estonia have pointed the finger at Russia, which has denied the allegations.

In conclusion, NATO’s preventive defense measures are for a reason, not “propaganda from people contaminated with fascist ideology.” Russia’s aggressive actions undermine international security and stability. In addition to its aggression against Ukraine, Russia has military bases and troops in Georgia and Moldova without the consent of those countries’ governments. NATO did not attack Georgia in 2008. Russia did. NATO did not attack Ukraine in 2014, and again in 2022. Russia did.

It was Russia that attacked Ukraine under the pretext of “denazification,” a narrative that is propaganda and debunked.

Due to all the above facts, we assess the post we are reviewing as untrue.