Hybrid Threats

3rd EEAS Report on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Threats Exposing the architecture of FIMI operations

European External Action Service (EEAS) EU documents Reports, articles, briefs Public 2025

The report presents the FIMI Exposure Matrix, a newly developed framework for analysis of FIMI attacks. Highlighting cases in Moldova and multiple African countries, the Matrix maps channels used by hostile state actors and provides behavioural and technical indicators for tracking attacks.

The FIMI Exposure Matrix first divides FIMI actors into four levels: official state channels, state-controlled outlets (the overt channels), state-linked channels that do not publicly disclose their association, and state-aligned channels that cannot be directly linked but are aligned in practice (the covert channels). Within this map of actors, the Matrix can be used to examine and attribute content disseminated through these different kinds of channels. A network analysis can then be conducted by examining the digital infrastructure and patterns of FIMI content. This allows for an assessment of the full chain of FIMI activities from strategic agents to direct societal effects on political processes and societal polarisation.

Though Civilian CSDP is not mentioned in the report, FIMI attacks against the EU pose a threat to missions, and the report examines Civilian CSDP theatres in Moldova and Africa as case studies. Moldova was strongly targeted by Russia in 2024 in an effort to sway the Moldovan presidential election using a network of state-aligned outlets and social media platforms. In Africa, FIMI activities have been widespread, especially in the Sahel and Central African Republic due to the significant Russian presence. Both state and non-state actors participate in FIMI campaigns to exploit existing political tensions in order to influence policy decisions and undermine the relations between the EU and local communities and governments.

This analysis framework is of practical use for security analysts in missions and Brussels to identify and counter FIMI threats in eastern Europe, Africa, and other theatres targeted by such campaigns.

Reference: European External Action Service (2025). 3rd EEAS Report on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Threats Exposing the architecture of FIMI operations.

Resource

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