Abstract
Dis- and misinformation have evolved into a systemic risk to Europe’s security, competitiveness and ability to act. Coordinated false and misleading narratives distort public debate, undermine trust in democratic decision-making and delay the deployment of homegrown, affordable energy at a time when Europe urgently needs it.
This report shows how a large and well-organised ecosystem is actively undermining Europe’s energy discourse. Across social media, anti-wind actors spread recurring myths on alleged health, environmental and economic impacts of wind energy, reaching millions of Europeans. These narratives are amplified by platform algorithms that reward fear and outrage. More concerning still, misleading frames spill into parts of the mainstream media, lending greater legitimacy and reach to false claims.
There are grave real-world consequences. Dis- and misinformation are eroding business certainty, raising investment risk and paralysing political decision-making. Across Europe, wind energy projects worth billions of euros have been delayed or cancelled following campaigns built on exaggerated or false claims. The results of not building these wind farms are: higher electricity prices for consumers, job losses, weakened industrial value chains and a slower transition away from imported fossil fuels.
Methodology Note: Social Media Analysis of Europe's Anti-Wind Ecosystem