The role of Open Source Intelligence in countering disinformation and strengthening the European Union’s digital resilience

Abstract

As the European Union confronts increasingly sophisticated campaigns of foreign information manipulation and interference, it must navigate the delicate balance between protecting democratic discourse and preserving fundamental rights. Unlike overt propaganda, modern disinformation efforts are subtle, often technically disguised, and designed to exploit the openness of the EU’s media and political environment. In this context, Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) has emerged as a powerful tool—not only for uncovering such operations, but for doing so in a way that aligns with the Union’s legal and ethical commitments. This paper examines the evolving role of OSINT in the EU’s disinformation response strategy, focusing on its methodological underpinnings, institutional adoption, and integration with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Drawing on concrete examples from recent threat reports, including the EEAS and France’s VIGINUM, the analysis explores how OSINT contributes to a more resilient, transparent, and accountable model of digital defence. The article argues that for OSINT to remain both effective and legitimate, it must be embedded within a governance framework that prioritises proportionality, oversight, and public trust with a goal to maximize information resilience of our Alliance.