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In a significant move to strengthen Europe’s resistance against disinformation, the Council of Europe will host a high-level conference in Moldova next year, bringing together experts and policymakers to address growing concerns over information integrity across the continent.
The “High-Level Conference on Media Literacy and Information Integrity: Building Resilience to Disinformation and FIMI in Europe” is scheduled for March 20, 2026, at MAIB Park in Chișinău. The event falls under the framework of the New Democratic Pact for Europe and coincides with Moldova’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers.
This conference represents a coordinated response to the escalating challenges of misinformation and foreign interference that have plagued European democracies in recent years. As digital platforms continue to reshape how citizens consume news and information, European institutions are increasingly focused on developing comprehensive strategies to protect information ecosystems.
“The spread of disinformation has become one of the most pressing threats to democratic processes across Europe,” said a spokesperson familiar with the initiative. “This conference aims to create practical solutions rather than just highlighting the problems.”
The Council of Europe’s initiative brings together its New Democratic Pact framework, which seeks to integrate existing successful approaches while developing innovative responses to contemporary challenges. By convening representatives from various member states, the Council hopes to facilitate exchange of best practices and develop coordinated mechanisms to strengthen information integrity.
Moldova’s hosting of the event holds particular significance. The Eastern European nation has faced numerous information warfare campaigns in recent years, especially as it has strengthened ties with the European Union while managing complex relations with Russia. Its experience in countering foreign information manipulation offers valuable insights for other European countries facing similar challenges.
The conference is being organized with support from the “Advancing Media Freedom in the Republic of Moldova” project and the Council of Europe’s Freedom of Expression and CDMSI (Steering Committee on Media and Information Society) Division. These entities have been at the forefront of promoting media freedom and information integrity across the continent.
Media and Information Literacy (MIL) will be central to discussions, reflecting growing recognition that empowering citizens with critical evaluation skills is essential for democratic resilience. The conference will showcase how MIL programs can equip people to identify misleading content and make informed judgments about the information they encounter online.
A highlight of the event will be the launch of two significant documents developed by the CDMSI. These publications will outline frameworks for effective national Media and Information Literacy strategies and provide actionable tools for countering disinformation. Such resources are expected to serve as valuable references for policymakers and educators throughout Europe.
Attendees will also receive updates on the ongoing work of the Committee of Experts on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (PC-FIMI). This specialized body has been analyzing patterns of foreign interference and developing recommendations for strengthening European democracies against such threats.
The timing of the conference is notable, coming amid heightened concerns about election security and information manipulation across Europe. With several major European elections scheduled around this period, the discussions in Chișinău could inform immediate policy responses in multiple countries.
To maximize participation, organizers have announced that the entire conference will be livestreamed, allowing stakeholders across Europe to follow the proceedings remotely. This digital access reflects the inclusive approach that underpins the broader initiative.
The conference represents just one component of Europe’s multifaceted response to information threats, which includes regulatory frameworks like the Digital Services Act, media support programs, and cross-border cooperation mechanisms. As disinformation techniques grow more sophisticated, this collaborative approach has become increasingly vital for preserving the integrity of Europe’s information space.
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7 Comments
This is a timely and necessary initiative. As digital information becomes increasingly prevalent, empowering citizens with media literacy skills is crucial for maintaining a healthy public discourse.
Glad to see the Council of Europe taking a proactive stance on this issue. Disinformation can have serious consequences, so it’s good they’re bringing together experts to develop practical solutions.
Agreed. Protecting information ecosystems is crucial in the digital age. Looking forward to seeing the outcomes and recommendations from this high-level event.
This is an important conference to address the growing threat of disinformation and foreign interference in Europe. Media literacy and information integrity are critical for strengthening democratic processes.
While the spread of disinformation is certainly concerning, I’m hopeful this conference will identify effective ways for European institutions to address the problem. An integrated, collaborative approach will be essential.
You raise a good point. Tackling disinformation requires coordination across different stakeholders – governments, tech platforms, civil society, and the media itself.
Curious to learn more about the specific strategies and initiatives that will be discussed at this conference. Strengthening media literacy seems like a key focus area.