EUCOMMvsDISINFO
Democracies around the world are facing a proliferation of false information, which could have the potential to destabilise their democratic institutions and undermine public trust. In some cases, misinformation has also proved to be a danger to health security, as demonstrated by the fake news and hoaxes spread during the Covid-19 crisis. According to recent surveys, 83% of people think that disinformation threatens democracy, 63% of young Europeans come across fake news more than once a week and 51% of Europeans think they have been exposed to
disinformation online. Disinformation damages our society:
- eroding trust in institutions and the media; - jeopardising elections, social cohesion and community health; - hindering citizens' ability to make informed decisions; - undermining freedom of expression. The project proposal intends to focus on combating disinformation and other forms of
of interference in democratic debate, in the conviction that EU citizenship can only be promoted by preserving access to
reliable information and freedom of expression. The promotion of media literacy, critical thinking and digital skills of citizens is therefore considered crucial for a successful participation in the 2024 European Parliament elections.
The project will implement the following activities:
- Local awareness-raising events;
- Brainstorming and opinion gathering;
- Public debate and seminars;
- International events;
- Outreach events and conferences.
Addressing the Call's specific priorities of:
-Fighting disinformation and other forms of interference in democratic debate;
- The European elections of 2024.
The final result of the project will be a Toolkit for local fact-checkers, which will promote the creation of bottom-up groups of young citizens with the aim of monitoring the proper circulation of information about the European Union and relevant EU issues, in view of the upcoming European Parliament elections.
