Disinformation is one of the most pressing challenges facing democratic societies today. European democracies need robust resilience mechanisms and long-term strategies to counter it, in line with the values of the Council of Europe.

As highlighted by the 2025 Report of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe calling for a New Democratic Pact for Europe, disinformation poses a significant threat to the foundations of democratic societies, challenging public trust, electoral integrity, pluralism, and fundamental rights. The growing sophistication and scale of information manipulation, often driven by hostile actors and amplified by digital platforms, erodes the ability of citizens to receive reliable information and make informed decisions.

The conference will convene a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, policy-makers, regulators, journalists, civil society representatives, academics, and technology sector representatives. Together, they will examine the multifaceted threats disinformation poses to democratic institutions, values, and social cohesion, and explore responses that could help restore public trust and safeguard information integrity.

In line with the call of the Council of Europe’s Heads of State and Government at the 2023 Reykjavik Summit, the conference underscores the importance of countering disinformation within a rule of law framework that respects human rights, particularly freedom of expression, as guaranteed by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Discussions will focus on strengthening societal resilience to disinformation through media freedom, media literacy, education, youth engagement, cultural initiatives and other measures. Emphasis will be placed on the development of coherent national strategies, supported by international cooperation and the Council of Europe’s expertise and standards. The conference will also showcase best practices from civil society organisations tackling disinformation across Europe.

Serving as a milestone in the Council of Europe’s democratic renewal agenda and aligned with Secretary General Alain Berset’s call for a New Democratic Pact for Europe, this conference offers a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and renewed commitment to safeguarding democratic values across the continent.

Finally, the conference will inform about the Council of Europe’s new project, RESIST: Strengthening Societal Resilience to Disinformation in Europe. Funded by the EEA and Norway Grants, RESIST will support member states in developing comprehensive and sustainable strategies to counter disinformation, while empowering individuals—particularly youth—through media and information literacy and related initiatives.