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In a forceful address at the #Disinfo2025 conference, Slovenian State Secretary Volk emphasized that defending democratic values remains the primary interest of Western nations, directly contrasting with Russian and Chinese disinformation campaigns designed to advance authoritarian agendas.
“This is the key difference between democracy and authoritarianism,” Volk stated during his remarks at the high-profile gathering in Ljubljana. He highlighted the enduring challenge of distinguishing genuine information from deliberate disinformation, describing the latter as “the sister of propaganda.”
Drawing on historical context, Volk referenced Machiavelli’s centuries-old observations about propaganda’s nature. “Machiavelli already explained what propaganda is, arguing that effects matter more than the facts. This was true 500 years ago and is still true today,” he noted, underscoring how these fundamental tactics have remained consistent despite technological evolution.
The State Secretary reminded attendees of Slovenia’s direct experience with foreign intelligence operations, recalling an incident from two years ago when Slovenian authorities apprehended two Russian spies. This case, he explained, served as a sobering reminder to the Slovenian public that foreign espionage remains active in the region and operates with dual purposes – both gathering intelligence and disseminating false information.
In opening remarks at the conference, State Secretary at the Ministry of Culture Marko Rusjan highlighted Slovenia’s recent media legislation overhaul – the first in two decades – which aims to bolster ethical journalism standards across the country. Rusjan stressed that freedom of expression disconnected from truth becomes meaningless.
“In this time of artificial intelligence and global platforms, we must insist that truth is not determined by algorithms,” Rusjan emphasized. His comments reflect growing concerns across Europe about the role of technology giants and algorithmic content distribution in amplifying misleading information. While disinformation may originate globally, Rusjan pointed out that its impacts are invariably felt at the local level, affecting communities and democratic processes.
The #Disinfo2025 conference marks a significant milestone for Slovenia as it hosts one of Europe’s premier gatherings focused on combating disinformation and foreign information manipulation. Organized by the Brussels-based non-governmental organization EU DisinfoLab, the two-day event has drawn more than 600 participants to Ljubljana, primarily international experts, policymakers, journalists, and researchers specializing in information integrity.
This gathering comes at a critical juncture for European democracies confronting increasingly sophisticated disinformation campaigns, often attributed to foreign actors seeking to undermine democratic institutions and social cohesion. Slovenia’s role as host underscores the country’s growing engagement with pan-European efforts to safeguard information ecosystems.
The conference timing is particularly relevant given the European Union’s ongoing implementation of the Digital Services Act, which introduces new accountability measures for online platforms regarding illegal content and disinformation. Additionally, with multiple European elections scheduled in the coming year, concerns about electoral interference through coordinated disinformation campaigns have intensified among security experts and election officials.
For Slovenia, hosting this prestigious event represents an opportunity to showcase its commitment to information integrity while benefiting from the collective expertise of the international community in addressing these evolving challenges. As digital threats continue to evolve, forums like #Disinfo2025 provide crucial spaces for cross-sector collaboration between government officials, civil society representatives, technology companies, and academic researchers.
The conference continues through October 16th with workshops, panel discussions, and strategy sessions focused on developing more effective responses to the persistent challenge of foreign information manipulation and interference in democratic processes.
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12 Comments
As an investor in mining and energy equities, I’m concerned about the potential for disinformation to sway public sentiment and create market volatility. Maintaining strong safeguards against propaganda is vital.
I share your concerns. Investors need to be able to make informed decisions based on facts, not manipulated narratives. Proactive steps to identify and counter disinformation are essential.
Interesting to see the Slovenian government directly calling out the challenge of foreign disinformation campaigns. Their experience with apprehending Russian spies underscores the real-world consequences of these threats.
Yes, the historical context Volk provided is a valuable reminder that these tactics have endured for centuries. Staying vigilant and distinguishing truth from propaganda remains an ongoing battle.
Disinformation poses a serious threat to democratic values, as State Secretary Volk rightly pointed out. It’s crucial that we remain vigilant and distinguish fact from fiction, especially given the historical persistence of propaganda tactics.
I agree, the Machiavellian observation about the power of effects over facts is still highly relevant today. We must be discerning consumers of information to uphold our democratic principles.
The mining industry’s reliance on stable, predictable policy environments makes it particularly vulnerable to the destabilizing effects of disinformation. Volk’s warnings are a timely reminder of the need for vigilance.
Absolutely. Mining projects require long-term planning and investment, so any disruptions caused by disinformation campaigns could have serious consequences. Maintaining integrity in the policy process is critical.
The mining industry is not immune to the impacts of disinformation, so it’s heartening to see leaders addressing this issue head-on. Upholding democratic values is crucial for maintaining a stable business environment.
Absolutely, the mining sector relies on access to accurate, reliable information. Combating disinformation that could disrupt operations or undermine public trust is an important priority.
Volk’s speech highlights the evolving nature of disinformation threats, which can undermine public trust in key institutions and decision-makers. The mining sector must stay proactive in identifying and countering these risks.
Well said. As the industry navigates complex regulatory and social challenges, it’s essential that mining companies and stakeholders have access to reliable, fact-based information to inform their decisions and actions.