Defending Democracy: Together Against Disinformation

Europe’s future in a fractured world will depend on defending its democracy and the values that provide Europeans with the fundamental freedoms and rights that they cherish. However, autocratic regimes challenge the international rules-based order, resorting to disinformation to undermine democratic processes, influence citizens, sow insecurity and create instability. It is essential to raise awareness of these threats and strengthen societal resilience, while reinforcing the rule of law, the backbone of the European democracy. 

Tackling information manipulation such as disinformation constitutes one of the most pressing issues for the European Union and its Member States. Initiatives like the French Viginum agency and the Baltic Centre for Media Excellence constitute strong examples dedicated to this cause, while practical tools such as media literacy and civic education are crucial for preventing and countering information manipulation. Yet, the effectiveness of these institutional efforts depends on societal awareness and cooperation across the continent to promote resilience.

To what extent are Europeans mindful of the risks of disinformation, and how can we work together to promote societal resilience to counter the growing dangers of information manipulation?

Opening remarks: Patrick Lobis, Head of the European Commission Representation Austria

Keynote: Viktors Makarovs, Special Envoy on Digital Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia

Panel discussion:

• Thalia Bayle, Communication Strategy Advisor, Communication and Press Department, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France
• Helmut Brandstätter, Member of the European Parliament, Renew Group
• Aleksandra Ketlerienė, Senior Deputy Editor, LRT.lt, Lithuania
• Siim Kumpas, Leader of the Policy, Strategy and Partnerships Team, Information Integrity and Countering FIMI Division, European External Action Service
• Alberto Rabbachin, Deputy Head of Unit, Media Convergence and Social Media, Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content & Technology, European Commission

Moderation: Dietmar Pichler, Disinformation Analyst, Disinfo Resilience Network Vienna

The panel discussion will be followed by a reception at the House of the European Union.

Registrations will be processed on a first come, first served basis via:
COMM-REP-VIE-VERANSTALTUNG@ec.europa.eu