The EESC's External Relations Section (REX) organised its 2^nd campaign and conference on fighting disinformation as part of its overall project on disinformation, which is to be implemented with the help of civil society.

Following a successful campaign in Bulgaria, this time the event was held in Moldova, on 18 April. The country has recently strengthened its capacities in the field of strategic communications and dialogue by setting up two dedicated bodies: the Centre for Strategic Communications and Combating Disinformation, and the Centre for Civil Initiatives for National Minorities.

The conference was held in cooperation with Moldova State University in Chișinău.

Speaking at the conference, EESC President Oliver Röpke highlighted the importance of promoting dialogue and involving all citizens, from various backgrounds and communities, in combating foreign interference and disinformation.

Disinformation typically spreads among the population, often horizontally, which means that the best way to tackle the problem is not with a top-down approach but by means of citizens’ reflection and direct engagement. This is where organised civil society can play a crucial role, as disinformation is tearing the fabric of our societies.

Ana Revenco, Director of the Centre for Strategic Communications and Combating Disinformation and one of the main speakers at the conference, underlined that citizens could not fight disinformation alone and the Centre could improve their skills in order to fight toxic disinformation in the long term.

"Eradicating disinformation is an unrealistic goal. Our joint efforts will be targeted at debunking and preventing fake news and mitigating the malicious impact they have on our societies," she added.

Mihai Peicov, leader of the Centre for Civil Initiatives for National Minorities, said that the creation of this centre by the government was an important step for the integration of everyone in society. He added that new educational policies were needed for minorities.

The conference highlighted the role of education and the focus on young people, as many of the insights came from the youngest populations, students and journalists who attended it.

You can watch the video report on the conference here.

#EUvsDisinfo (at)