Moldova Seeks Bulgarian Expertise in Strategic Communications and Disinformation Warfare
Chisinau and Sofia Strengthen Ties Through Collaborative Project on Combating Disinformation and Hybrid Threats
The Diplomatic Institute of Moldova, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, embarked on a crucial working visit to Bulgaria from April 7th to 10th, 2024. This visit, centered around the exchange of expertise in strategic communications, countering disinformation, and mitigating hybrid threats, underscores the growing partnership between the two nations and Moldova’s proactive approach to safeguarding its information landscape in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. The delegation from Moldova comprised members of the state administration specializing in government communications, highlighting the importance of this collaborative effort for Moldova’s national security and democratic integrity.
Bulgaria, with its growing experience in combating disinformation and its strategic location in the region, offers valuable insights and practical guidance for Moldova’s efforts. The visit, hosted by the Diplomatic Institute under the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry, focused on sharing best practices and building institutional capacity within Moldova’s Diplomatic Institute. This capacity-building initiative is funded through the Development Aid Programme of the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry, reflecting Bulgaria’s ongoing commitment to supporting Moldova’s European integration aspirations. This support aligns with Bulgaria’s broader foreign policy objectives of fostering stability and democratic values within the region.
A key highlight of the visit was the introduction of the first Bulgarian manual on disinformation, titled "Countering Disinformation in Bulgaria: Practical Guidance for Situational Assessment and Strategic Communications." This manual, a product of extensive cooperation between the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry and the UK Government Communication Service, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and responding to disinformation campaigns. The manual’s presentation underscored the need for a structured approach to countering disinformation, encompassing situational assessment, strategic communication planning, and inter-agency coordination. The Moldovan delegation gained valuable insights into the practical application of these principles in real-world scenarios.
The visit facilitated a series of high-level meetings and knowledge-sharing sessions between Moldovan and Bulgarian officials. Delegates engaged with representatives from the Directorate of Strategic Communications and Public Diplomacy at the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry, fostering an exchange of institutional expertise on strategic communications and countering foreign information influences. Discussions also addressed the critical role of the State Agency for National Security in combating hybrid threats, providing the Moldovan delegation with insights into Bulgaria’s national security apparatus and its approach to tackling complex threats. Furthermore, the Centre for the Study of Democracy shared its expertise on building information integrity and resilience to disinformation, highlighting the importance of a multi-faceted approach involving government, civil society, and the media.
The collaborative agenda extended beyond theoretical discussions to encompass practical applications and emerging technologies. The Moldovan delegation participated in a session at the Defence Ministry Information Centre, focusing on the pivotal role of strategic communications in the defense sector. This session highlighted the increasing importance of information warfare in modern conflicts and the need for robust communication strategies to mitigate the impact of disinformation campaigns targeting military operations and public perception. A discussion at Bulgarian National Radio further emphasized the role of traditional media in combating fake news, underlining the need for responsible journalism and media literacy initiatives to counter the spread of disinformation.
The visit also incorporated a forward-looking perspective on leveraging technology to counter disinformation. Identrics, a Bulgarian company specializing in artificial intelligence, presented cutting-edge techniques for social media monitoring and narrative tracking. This session highlighted the potential of AI-powered tools to identify and analyze disinformation campaigns in real-time, providing valuable insights for proactive response and mitigation strategies. This technological aspect underscored the importance of staying ahead of evolving disinformation tactics and adapting countermeasures accordingly.
The exchange of expertise between Moldova and Bulgaria signifies a deepening partnership in addressing shared security challenges and promoting regional stability. This collaborative approach reinforces Moldova’s commitment to European integration and its proactive stance in safeguarding its democratic institutions against the growing threat of disinformation and hybrid warfare. The project extends beyond this visit, with planned public lectures and discussions involving Bulgarian experts and diplomats in Moldova, ensuring a sustained exchange of knowledge and best practices. This ongoing commitment to capacity building and collaboration reflects the importance of a united front in countering disinformation and preserving democratic values in the region. The collaborative spirit of this initiative sets a positive precedent for regional cooperation in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by disinformation and hybrid threats in the 21st century.