- February 14, 2026
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- February 14, 2026
Information manipulation has emerged as a central instrument of hybrid warfare in recent years, threatening democratic institutions and exacerbating social and political polarization. Across Eastern and Southeastern Europe, both foreign and domestic actors have intensified campaigns spreading false or misleading narratives to advance anti-democratic and divisive agendas. This dynamic creates a dual security threat. In EU enlargement countries, information manipulation erodes support for EU integration and democratic reforms, opening space for authoritarian forces and malign foreign actors to present themselves as viable alternatives and extend their influence. In Eastern and Southeastern EU member states, information manipulation not only threatens democratic institutions but also undermines public support for sensitive foreign policy decisions, weakening the Union’s ability to act cohesively. Organized in cooperation with the Southeast Europe Association, this panel discussion brought together Sunčica Bakić, Director of the Agency for Audiovisual Media Services (Montenegro), Johana Bázlerová, Content Creator and member of the 2025 #InfluencersAgainstDisinfo cohort, Ambassador Christian Heldt, Director for Strategic Communication and Public Diplomacy, German Federal Foreign Office, Anastasiia Mozghova, Content Creator and member of the 2025 #InfluencersAgainstDisinfo cohort, and Milijana Rogač, Editor in Chief, Istinomer. Panelists examined strategies and current challenges for countering weaponized disinformation, and explored how collaboration between influencers, civil society, and EU institutions can strengthen societal resilience, promote transparent communication, and build secure information environments ahead of future EU enlargement. The session focused on actionable solutions, highlighting the crucial role digital actors play in safeguarding information integrity. The event took place in Munich, on February 14, from 4:00 to 5:30 pm at Mindspace Viktualienmarkt with support from the Europa Union.
