Elections remain the cornerstone of democratic governance, yet they are increasingly contested not only through political competition but also through information manipulation, coordinated influence operations, and foreign interference. Across Europe and the Eastern Partnership region, electoral campaigns have become key battlegrounds where domestic and external actors seek to shape public opinion, undermine trust in democratic institutions, and influence political outcomes through disinformation, propaganda, and deceptive online practices.

 

This panel will examine how different societies have responded to these challenges and what lessons can be drawn from recent electoral experiences in Armenia, Hungary, Moldova, and beyond. Bringing together fact-checkers and investigative journalists working on the frontlines of election integrity, the discussion will explore how disinformation campaigns evolve during election periods, how foreign actors exploit existing political and social divisions, and how digital platforms amplify manipulative narratives.

 

As artificial intelligence, synthetic media, and increasingly sophisticated influence techniques reshape the information environment, the discussion will reflect on how democratic societies can better protect electoral processes while preserving fundamental rights and freedoms. By comparing experiences across different political and media landscapes, the discussion will provide practical insights into strengthening resilience against election-related disinformation and safeguarding public trust in democratic decision-making.