EU-Funded Grant Opens to Combat Disinformation in Moldova’s Vulnerable Regions

GLOBSEC, a prominent Bratislava-based think-tank, has launched a new grant initiative targeting independent voices in Moldova, with applications now open to civil society organizations, media outlets, and content creators across the country. The program, co-funded by the European Union, specifically prioritizes supporting organizations operating in vulnerable regions, with special emphasis on the autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns about disinformation and foreign malign influence in Moldova, a country of significant geopolitical importance positioned between the EU and Russia. As Moldova continues its path toward European integration, the country has increasingly become a target for information warfare and influence operations.

Independent media organizations in Moldova committed to European Union values are eligible to apply, provided they have maintained at least three years of continuous operation and reach a substantial audience of at least 50,000 people monthly. These requirements aim to ensure that funding goes to established organizations with proven track records of reaching significant portions of the Moldovan public.

The grant program offers financial support ranging from €5,000 to €40,000 per recipient, with a total budget allocation of €75,000. This funding seeks to strengthen media resilience in the face of growing disinformation campaigns that have intensified since Moldova gained EU candidate status in June 2022.

Eligible activities under the grant include producing multimedia content focused on countering disinformation, promoting media literacy, and providing factual reporting. The program also supports investigative journalism addressing disinformation, foreign influence, or manipulation of local narratives. Additionally, social media campaigns tailored to audiences in vulnerable regions and reporting on issues relevant to Gagauzia and other areas exposed to foreign malign influence will receive consideration.

Gagauzia’s prominence in the grant program highlights the region’s particular vulnerability. The predominantly Turkic Gagauz minority maintains strong cultural and historical ties to Russia, making the region susceptible to external influence campaigns. Media experts have noted that Russian-language media dominates in the region, often presenting narratives that contradict Moldova’s European aspirations.

Media analysts familiar with the region suggest this funding comes at a critical time as Moldova prepares for crucial political developments in the coming year, including a potential EU accession referendum. Strengthening independent media voices, particularly in regions like Gagauzia, may help counter narratives designed to undermine Moldova’s democratic institutions and European integration process.

The cyber security dimension of this initiative is particularly relevant as Moldova has faced increasing digital threats in recent years. Government institutions and media organizations have reported numerous cyber attacks, often coinciding with key political developments related to the country’s EU path.

Organizations interested in applying have until November 23 to submit their proposals. GLOBSEC’s leadership of this initiative brings substantial expertise, as the think-tank has established itself as a leading voice on security issues in Central and Eastern Europe, with particular focus on disinformation resilience.

Media experts note that similar initiatives have proven effective in other Eastern Partnership countries, helping to create more resilient information ecosystems that can withstand external pressure campaigns. The success of this program will likely be measured not only by the content produced but also by its penetration into communities most vulnerable to disinformation.

As applications begin flowing in, the initiative represents a tangible example of the EU’s commitment to supporting Moldova’s information sovereignty as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions.