New European Observatory Hub to Combat Russian Disinformation in Ukraine and Moldova

The European Union has expanded its fight against disinformation with the launch of a new regional hub of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) focused on Ukraine and Moldova, two countries frequently targeted by Russian information warfare.

The hub, named FACT, will establish a multidisciplinary network of experts dedicated to detecting, analyzing and countering manipulation and disinformation campaigns in the region. Russian disinformation efforts will be a particular focus of the initiative, reflecting the EU’s growing concern about Kremlin-backed information operations in its eastern neighborhood.

Moldova, which holds EU candidate status and has experienced significant Russian interference in recent years, will receive special attention from the hub. FACT will monitor Moldova’s upcoming electoral period to help safeguard the integrity of the democratic process. This comes as Moldova continues its westward political orientation despite persistent pressure from Moscow.

“Disinformation poses a direct threat to democratic institutions, especially during election periods when voters need accurate information to make informed choices,” said a spokesperson familiar with the initiative. “The FACT hub represents a crucial step in building regional resilience against information manipulation.”

The establishment of FACT brings EDMO’s network to 15 regional hubs, now covering the entire European Union and extending beyond its borders. This expansion demonstrates the EU’s commitment to addressing disinformation as a transnational challenge requiring coordinated responses across Europe.

In addition to launching the new hub, the EU has renewed support for six existing EDMO hubs whose funding contracts were set to expire in 2025. Following a competitive call for proposals, approximately €8.8 million from the Digital Europe Programme has been allocated to support both new and continuing hubs over the next 30 to 36 months.

The Digital Europe Programme, with its €7.5 billion budget for 2021-2027, is the EU’s flagship funding instrument for digital transformation. The program’s support for anti-disinformation efforts reflects the growing recognition that information integrity is essential to digital resilience.

EDMO and its regional hubs maintain independence from both national governments and EU authorities, adhering to strict standards of professional integrity and ethical conduct. This independence is crucial for maintaining credibility in an environment where accusations of bias can undermine trust in fact-checking operations.

The hubs typically bring together academic researchers, fact-checkers, media organizations and technology experts to create a comprehensive approach to tackling disinformation. Their work includes monitoring information environments, developing detection tools, conducting research, and implementing media literacy programs.

Ukraine and Moldova have been persistent targets of Russian disinformation since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and even before. Narratives frequently aim to undermine support for Ukraine, question Moldova’s pro-European path, and sow division within Western alliances.

Media experts note that the establishment of the FACT hub comes at a critical time, as Russian disinformation tactics continue to evolve, including the increasing use of artificial intelligence to create and disseminate false content.

“What we’re seeing is not just the spread of false information, but coordinated campaigns designed to manipulate public opinion and destabilize democratic institutions,” explained a regional disinformation researcher. “Having dedicated resources to monitor these activities in Ukraine and Moldova will strengthen the overall European response.”

The expansion of EDMO’s network reflects the EU’s broader strategy to protect its information ecosystem while respecting freedom of expression. Rather than imposing centralized content control, the approach emphasizes building capacity for independent verification, enhancing media literacy, and supporting quality journalism.

As digital threats continue to evolve, the EU’s investment in these regional hubs signals a long-term commitment to protecting democratic processes and information integrity across Europe and its neighborhood.