The Polish embassy in Nicosia has clarified its stance regarding disinformation, stating it did not intend to blame the Turkish state for any materials distributed online. This clarification comes after an embassy employee referenced Turkey during a recent presentation on disinformation in Poland and Cyprus.
During the week, the embassy employee highlighted the ongoing issue of disinformation as Cyprus prepares to assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union next month. The embassy emphasised that the aim of the presentation was to shed light on the pervasive nature of disinformation, particularly in the context of the impending presidency.
In a statement, the embassy explained, “The purpose of the meeting was to present the activities and achievements of the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU, which took place in the first half of 2025.” It further elaborated that the discussion included the critical topic of information security, a pressing concern in today’s digital landscape.
Disinformation is widely recognised as one of the most significant threats proliferating through the internet and social media. The embassy noted that it aimed to highlight various instances of disinformation and propaganda campaigns affecting Poland, many of which were traced back to Russia. By presenting these examples, the embassy sought to illustrate the scale of the issue and its global reach, including specific examples relevant to Cyprus.
The embassy underscored its intention: “It was not our intention to attribute responsibility for disinformation material distributed online to the Turkish state, but to show that disinformation will continue to be a sensitive issue during Cyprus’ presidency of the Council of the EU, to which we wish every success.” This statement reflects a commitment to addressing disinformation as a collective challenge rather than assigning blame to any specific entity.
On Wednesday, the embassy employee remarked on the strategies purportedly employed by Turkey and affiliated institutions in Cyprus. They claimed these entities were engaging in disinformation and propaganda campaigns aimed at undermining the Republic of Cyprus. The employee stated, “They try to portray the Republic of Cyprus as a state dependent on external powers,” suggesting that this narrative is designed to instil fear, mistrust, and instability within Cypriot society and its international relations.
This recent exchange highlights the complexities surrounding disinformation, particularly in regions with intricate geopolitical histories. As Cyprus gears up for its EU presidency, the emphasis on combating disinformation appears more crucial than ever, with various nations facing the repercussions of misleading narratives and propaganda.
