As part of UNESCO’s World Press Freedom Day Conference, the Council of Europe’s Freedom of Expression and CDMSI Division participated in a side-event dedicated to press freedom and the global fight against disinformation. The event, held on 6 May 2025 and organized by the Flemish Parliament at its seat in Brussels, brought together experts, policymakers, representatives of international organisations, journalists, and civil society actors to reflect on the growing threat of disinformation and its impact on press freedom and democracy.

The discussion highlighted the urgent need for coordinated, multi-stakeholder responses to the spread of disinformation, which continues to evolve rapidly, particularly through social media, bots, and artificial intelligence technologies. Speakers emphasised how recent geopolitical tensions and global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have intensified the circulation of disinformation, undermining democratic institutions and eroding public trust.

The Council of Europe was represented by Elena Brodeala, Legal Advisor in the Freedom of Expression and CDMSI Division. She presented the Organisation’s efforts to combat the rising threat of disinformation while promoting freedom of expression and democratic resilience. In her intervention, she outlined key Council of Europe standards and initiatives, including the Guidance Note on Countering the Spread of Online Mis- and Disinformation, which focuses on fact-checking and platform design solutions that comply with human rights principles.

She also highlighted the CDMSI’s current work to support member states in the development and implementation of national media and information literacy strategies, as part of a comprehensive approach to strengthening societal resilience and public awareness in the face of disinformation.