Disinformation as threat to democracy and peace in Europe

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In the framework of the “Cultural Advocacy Coalition – Defending Our Future Now” at the University of Luxembourg

Abstract

Disinformation is a key element of hybrid warfare that authoritarian regimes, extremist political movements, and state-aligned media networks are using deliberately against Europe and democratically elected governments. It constitutes a growing danger for democracies as it distorts the outcome of elections, polarizes societies and twists public debate. It is a key element of hybrid warfare conducted in a coordinated manner not only in Ukraine. It is also directed at countries supporting Ukraine, as well as at the European Union as such.

These campaigns often involve fabricated narratives about the causes of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, false claims about atrocities, and efforts to portray democratic governments as corrupt or illegitimate, amplified through social media platforms, proxy news outlets, and coordinated online networks. By flooding the information space with contradictory or misleading content, such actors seek not only to persuade but also to confuse citizens, reduce trust in independent journalism, and weaken collective responses to aggression.

Due to the growing scale, intensity, and effectiveness of disinformation, exposing it and fighting it becomes an increasingly complex challenge. The aim of the Conference is to showcase some of the methods and strategy used in everyday information and cognitive warfare, as well as present strategic communication and instruments used to counter its goals.

Language

English.

This is a free event. Registration is mandatory.

Programme

• 14.45 – 15.00

  Welcome and registration

• 15.00 – 15.20

  Introductory remarks

  • H.E. Ambassador Livia Rusu, Embassy of Romania
  • H.E. Mr. Rafał Hykawy, Chargé d’affaires a.i., Embassy of Poland
  • H.E. Ambassador Yaroslav Melnyk, Embassy of Ukraine for Belgium and Luxembourg – TBC
  • H.E. Mr. Pascal Steichen, Chair of the Governing Board of the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre and Network
  • Prof Marie-Hélène Jobin, Vice Rector for Partnerships and International Relations, University of Luxemburg (Video Message)

• 15.20 – 16.20

  Panel 1: Disinformation – facts and impact

  Discussants:

  • Mr. Roman Osadchuk, Director of Threat Intelligence at LetsData, Non-resident fellow at DFRLab, Senior Lecturer at NaUKMA (to intervene online on disinformation as an element of hybrid warfare in the service of Russian aggression against Ukraine)
  • Prof. Dr. Alina Bârgăoanu, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Public Relations of SNSPA, President of the Board of the European Institute of Romania (to intervene on the tactics used in contemporary information and cognitive warfare, with a special emphasis on election interference and the case of the Romanian annulled presidential elections in 2024)
  • Mrs. Aleksandra Wójtowicz, disinformation/FIMI analyst, Polish Institute of International Affairs – PISM (to intervene on influence operations social media platforms and platforms’ compliance with the DSA)

  Q&A

• 16.20 – 16.30

  Coffee break

• 16.30 – 17.30

  Panel 2: Countering disinformation

  Discussants:

  • H.E. Mrs. Anne Calteux, Representative of the European Commission in Luxembourg, EC Representation in Luxembourg (to intervene on Strategic communication and countering foreign information manipulation and interference)
  • Mrs. Magdalena Wilczyńska, Director of the Division for Information Protection of Cyberspace, National Research Institute for Cybersecurity – NASK (to intervene on the role of NASK in response to specific disinformation campaigns)
  • Professor Mark Cole, University of Luxemburg (to intervene on the legal and policy responses of the EU (and/or nationally))

  Q&A

• 17.30 – 17.35

  Closing remarks

  Moderator of the event: Philippe Schockweiler, journalist

• 17.35 – 18.30

  Networking cocktail and free exchange of views

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