New European Digital Media Observatory Hub to Combat Disinformation in Ukraine and Moldova
BRUSSELS – The European Union has launched a new regional hub of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) to bolster efforts against disinformation in Ukraine and Moldova. Dubbed FACT, this hub will serve as a critical resource in combating the spread of false and misleading information, particularly in the context of ongoing Russian disinformation campaigns and Moldova’s upcoming elections. The establishment of FACT underscores the EU’s commitment to safeguarding democratic processes and supporting countries vulnerable to malicious information manipulation.
FACT, an acronym for “Fighting Against Circumvention Tactics,” will operate as a central point of contact for researchers, fact-checkers, media organizations, and other stakeholders involved in identifying and analyzing disinformation. This multidisciplinary approach aims to leverage a diverse range of expertise to effectively detect and expose sophisticated disinformation campaigns. The hub will also play a crucial role in monitoring the Moldovan electoral process, providing essential support for ensuring a fair and transparent election environment, free from undue influence exerted through manipulated information.
This new hub expands the EDMO network to 15 regional hubs, extending its reach across the entire EU and neighboring countries. The network now offers a comprehensive mechanism for monitoring and countering disinformation threats across a wide geographical area. The expansion reflects the growing recognition of the insidious nature of disinformation and its potential to destabilize democratic societies, undermine public trust, and fuel social division.
Alongside the launch of FACT, six existing EDMO hubs will continue their vital work under renewed funding contracts. These hubs, which were initially established through a competitive selection process, play a key role in monitoring and analyzing disinformation trends, supporting fact-checking initiatives, and promoting media literacy. Their continued operation is essential for maintaining a strong and resilient network of expertise across Europe.
All EDMO hubs, including FACT, will receive a combined total of €8.8 million in funding from the Digital Europe Programme over a period of 30 to 36 months. This financial support will enable the hubs to conduct comprehensive research, develop innovative tools and methodologies for combating disinformation, and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.
The EDMO network, including its regional hubs, operates independently from any national or EU public authority. This independence is paramount to ensuring the impartiality and objectivity of the Observatory’s work. The organizations participating in the EDMO network adhere to rigorous standards of professional integrity, ethical conduct, and independence, further bolstering public trust in their assessments and analyses. This independent structure ensures that the EDMO’s work remains free from political influence, allowing it to provide credible and objective assessments of disinformation threats. The EDMO’s focus on fostering media literacy and supporting independent fact-checking initiatives is integral to its broader mission of strengthening democratic resilience in the face of disinformation. The expansion of the network with the addition of FACT strengthens the EU’s collective defenses against malicious information manipulation and underscores its commitment to preserving a free, open, and democratic information space. The continued funding and support for the existing hubs reinforce the long-term commitment to this important mission. With the expansion of its network and the continued support for its existing hubs, the EDMO is well-positioned to effectively address the complex and evolving challenge of disinformation within the EU and beyond.