Listen to the article
Japan and EU to Hold Strategic Seminar on Countering Disinformation
A high-level seminar exploring EU-Japan cooperation on tackling disinformation will take place in Madrid next month, bringing together experts from both regions to address growing concerns about information manipulation in the digital age.
The event, scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026, will be hosted at the Asociación de la Prensa de Madrid and marks a significant step in implementing the 2024 EU-Japan Security and Defence Partnership, which specifically commits both parties to jointly address disinformation threats.
Disinformation campaigns have become increasingly sophisticated and widespread in recent years, posing significant challenges to democratic institutions worldwide. The proliferation of social media platforms has accelerated the spread of false information, while growing international tensions have created fertile ground for state and non-state actors to conduct coordinated influence operations.
“In the digital age, disinformation poses a growing threat to open political systems, which rely on transparent and reliable information,” states the event announcement. The seminar aims to move beyond theoretical discussions and explore practical policy solutions that can be implemented through bilateral cooperation.
The three-hour event will begin with opening remarks from Charles Powell, Director of the Elcano Royal Institute, and Hiroshi Yamauchi, Japan’s Ambassador to Spain. A keynote speech on the EU’s approach to tackling disinformation will follow, delivered by Beatriz Marín García from the European External Action Service’s Information Integrity and Countering Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Division.
The main segment will feature a roundtable discussion chaired by Mario Esteban from the Elcano Royal Institute. Panelists include Clara Jiménez, Co-founder and CEO of fact-checking organization Maldita.es; Chiyuki Aoi, Director of the Strategic Communications Education and Research Unit at the University of Tokyo; Félix Arteaga, Senior Fellow at the Elcano Royal Institute; and Guillermo López, Deputy Director for the Promotion of Spanish Abroad at Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This collaboration reflects the growing recognition that disinformation requires multilateral solutions. Japan and the EU represent natural partners in this effort, given their shared democratic values, advanced digital economies, and increasingly interconnected security environments. Both face similar challenges from disinformation campaigns, often originating from the same adversaries.
The timing of this seminar is particularly relevant as both regions navigate complex geopolitical tensions. The EU has significantly strengthened its approach to countering disinformation in recent years, developing the European Democracy Action Plan and establishing specialized units within the European External Action Service. Similarly, Japan has increased its focus on information security, particularly as regional tensions in the Indo-Pacific have intensified.
Experts suggest that successful EU-Japan cooperation could establish a template for broader international collaboration on disinformation, potentially influencing approaches within NATO, the G7, and other multilateral forums. Areas for potential cooperation include intelligence sharing, coordinated responses to disinformation campaigns, joint research initiatives, and the development of shared standards for platform regulation.
The seminar will be conducted in English without translation services. Those interested in attending should RSVP to the organizers at confirmaciones@rielcano.org. Updates and discussions related to the event will use the hashtag #EUJapanSecurity on social media platforms.
As democratic nations continue to grapple with the challenges posed by disinformation, this EU-Japan initiative represents an important step toward establishing more resilient information ecosystems through international partnership and coordinated action.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
11 Comments
Disinformation is a global problem that requires global solutions. I’m glad to see two major powers like the EU and Japan collaborating on this issue. Collective action is the way forward.
This EU-Japan partnership is a positive development, but the real test will be in its implementation and impact. I hope they are able to achieve tangible results in combating the scourge of disinformation.
While I’m generally supportive of efforts to counter disinformation, I hope the EU and Japan approach this in a way that respects free speech and individual privacy. Striking the right balance will be crucial.
Valid concern. Any measures taken must uphold democratic principles and avoid infringing on civil liberties. Transparency and oversight will be essential.
Glad to see the EU and Japan teaming up to tackle the growing problem of disinformation. Coordinated efforts between major powers will be crucial to addressing this global challenge.
Absolutely. Disinformation is a serious threat to democratic institutions and open societies. International cooperation is key to developing effective countermeasures.
Tackling disinformation is a complex issue that requires a multi-pronged approach. I’m curious to learn more about the specific strategies and tools the EU and Japan plan to employ.
Good point. Sharing best practices and leveraging complementary capabilities across regions will be critical to developing a comprehensive response.
Curious to learn more about the specific tactics and tools the EU and Japan plan to employ in this joint effort. Effective countering of disinformation will require innovation and adaptation to evolving threats.
Agreed. Staying ahead of disinformation campaigns will demand a dynamic, multifaceted approach that leverages the latest technological and analytical capabilities.
It’s encouraging to see the EU and Japan taking this threat seriously and committing to joint action. Disinformation can have far-reaching geopolitical implications, so this partnership is an important step.