Event, Prague: Unmasking Disinformation

Galan Dall, Eduard Hulicius, Magda Jakubowska, Adéla Klečková, Jan Marian, Miroslava Pisklová, Oszkár Roginer-Hofmeister, Dorka Takácsy

Within this event, the scholars from V4 countries  presented how narratives around Ukraine are shaped, spread and consumed in Central Europe, as well as address a range of key European issues that often overlap with security concerns, including migration and EU enlargement. Combining these complementary views, this event offers a strategic approach to understanding the broader disinformation landscape in Europe, and how a robust media landscape can contribute to an informed and resilient society.

Agenda

13:30-14:00: Networking by a cup of tea / coffee

14:00-14:40: Presentation of the report “Discussing Ukraine in V4 mainstream media: The future vis-à-vis European integration”

The presentation summarised the outcomes of the research conducted in all four V4 countries. Focusing on V4 mainstream media, the four country studies combine both sides of news production and consumption by analysing the narratives about the future of Ukraine vis-à-vis EU accession, but also how news audiences in these four countries reflect on the most frequent topics regarding the image of Ukraine in the EU. Tying into democratisation processes, media resilience, media literacy, foreign and domestic malign influence, the presentation of the report aimed to reveal the most immediate, but also the long-term effects of the circulation of such narratives amongst news consumers. This event is supported by the Visegrad Fund.

With:
Magda Jakubowska, Vicepresident, Res Publica Foundation
Miroslava Pisklová, research fellow at the Slovak Foreign Policy Association
Oszkár Roginer-Hofmeister, Project Coordinator and Analyst, EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy
Dorka Takácsy, visiting fellow of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, research fellow at the Centre for Euro-Atlantic Integration and Democracy
Moderator: Oszkár Roginer-Hofmeister

14:40-14:45: Introduction to the report “Shielding European Democracy: A 5-Year Foresight. Voices from Central Europe” by Visegrad Insight

14:45-15:15: EU in Turbulent Times – a Fireside Chat

This Fireside Chat examined complex crises that fuel divisive narratives and open doors to foreign influence across Europe. From migration pressures to the ongoing war in Ukraine, each issue poses unique challenges to our defence strategies and democratic stability. Magda Jakubowska and Eduard Hulicius, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussed possible next steps and asked how these crises might be exploited by those seeking to destabilise the EU. What should we expect as the biggest threats in the near future? How can we build stronger communications and narratives to protect democracy and Europe’s position on the global stage?

With:
Eduard Hulicius, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
Magda Jakubowska, Vicepresident, Res Publica Foundation

15:15-16:00: Unmasking Disinformation: The Impact on European Affairs and Democracy – public debate

This debate touched upon the complex, evolving challenge of disinformation in Europe. Amid intense discussions on migration and inclusion, speakers explored how false narratives shape public opinion and deepen divisions. With Czech elections on the horizon, we examined how disinformation campaigns target democratic processes, eroding trust and manipulating voters. The debate also addressed the need for enhanced strategic communication and sustained funding for civil society organisations. Without these shifts, both foreign and domestic malign influences will continue to expand their tactics, undermining trust across democratic processes.

With:
Adéla Klečková, global alliance manager for Datasentics, company focused on AI, MLOps, big data, and emerging technologies
Jan Marian, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Moderator: Galan Dall, Managing editor, Visegrad Insight

Photos by Ondřej Besperát:

Registered participants of this event received aPDF working copy of a policy report on European values that Visegrad Insight is preparing in EU Values Foresight project, supported by the European Commission’s Europe for Citizens Programme and the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) framework cooperation.