The Freedom of Expression and CDMSI Division took part in the second edition of the Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) event, held on 12 June 2025 at the EU Delegation to the Council of Europe. The event, organised by the European External Action Service (EEAS) in partnership with the European Commission’s Directorate for Enlargement Negotiations and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG-ENEST) and the Council of Europe, brought together young representatives from the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkans programmes as well as young representatives from the EEAS to engage in dynamic dialogue on pressing issues facing Europe today.

The Freedom of Expression and CDMSI Division was represented by Ms. Elena Brodeala, Legal Advisor, who spoke in the panel “Protecting Media Freedom and Combatting Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI)”. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression when countering disinformation and of fostering a resilient information environment. Ms. Brodeala also highlighted the standards developed by the Council of Europe’s Steering Committee on Media and Information Society (CDMSI) that support media freedom, and underscored the need for further work to address foreign information manipulation.

The event featured engaging discussions aimed at empowering youth to actively participate in democratic processes and resist the erosion of media pluralism. Through interactive “World Café” sessions, young ambassadors and panellists exchanged ideas and explored ways to fight disinformation and strengthen democratic resilience in Europe and beyond.

This event reaffirms the commitment of the Council of Europe to support youth engagement in tackling emerging challenges.