Addressing the challenges posed by disinformation in the Western Balkans
The main goal of the conference is to raise awareness in the Western Balkans about the challenges of disinformation in contemporary democracies, and to work towards actionable policy recommendations based on best practices from across Europe that take into account regional dynamics and the potential for cross-border cooperation
The regional online conference is organized by Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), in cooperation with the Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso Transeuropa, and in close cooperation with the EEAS Strategic communication Western Balkans Task Force in Brussels and the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats “Hybrid CoE” in Helsinki
The main goal of this conference is to raise awareness in the Western Balkans about the challenges of disinformation in contemporary democracies, and to work towards actionable policy recommendations based on best practices from across Europe that take into account regional dynamics and the potential for cross-border cooperation.
DRAFT AGENDA:
11 november 2020
Ore 14:00 – 14:20
Opening of the seminar: Welcome and introductory remarks
- Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General, Regional Cooperation Council
- Andrea Cascone, Adriatic and Balkans Director at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
- Luisa Chiodi, Head of OBC Transeuropa (OBCT)
- Lutz Güllner, Head of EEAS Division for Strategic Communications and Information Analysis
14:20 – 15:45 - Panel 1: Disinformation operation as a part of hybrid threats: what do we need to know and why?
Moderator: Mr. Giorgio Comai, Researcher and Data Analyst, OBC Transeuropa
- Jussi Toivanen, Finnish Prime Minister's Office
- Hanna Smith, Director of Strategic Planning and Response at the Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats
- Alicia Wanless, Carnegie’s Partnership for Countering Influence Operations
- Agron Sojati, Head of the IISG Secretariat (Integrative Internal Security Governance of the WB)
15:45 - 16:00 Q & A / Discussion
16:00 - 16:30 Break
16:30 - 18:00 Panel 2: Disinformation in the Western Balkans and how to address it – a civil society perspective
Moderator: Ms. Jasna Jelisić, Head of Western Balkans Task Force, Strategic Communications and Information Analysis, EEAS
- Aleksandar Miladinović, reporter, BBC (Serbia);
- Ilva Tare, News Director, Euro News (Albania);
- Milica Kovačević, Raskrinkavanje; Center for democratic transition; (Montenegro);
- Ana Brakus, Faktograf.hr (Croatia);
- Agron Bajrami, editor „Koha“ (Kosovo*);
- Rosana Aleksoska, F2N2.mk – Citizens Association MOST (North Macedonia);
- Nermina Kuloglija, Journalist, Balkan Investigative Reporting Network B&H (BIRN BiH)
18:15 - 18:45 Q & A / Discussion and Wrap up of DAY 1
12 november
10:00-11:30 Panel 3: Disinformation in the Western Balkans and how to address is - Institutional perspective
Moderator: Amela Odobašić, Director of Broadcasting, Communications Regulatory Agency (RAK), Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Mikael Tofvesson, Head of Counter Information Influence Section, Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB)
- Communications Regulatory Agency (RAK), Bosnia and Herzegovina (TBC)
- Mirela Kumbaro, Deputy Chair of Media Parliamentary Committee, Albania
- Zoran Trajchevski, Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media, North Macedonia
- Ranko Vujović, Agency for Electronic Media of Montenegro
- Josip Popovac, Member of the Electronic Media Council - Electronic Media Agency (AEM) Croatia
- Luan Latifi, Chief Executive of Independent Media Commission - IMC, Kosovo*
11:30-12:00 Q & A / Discussion / Closing session
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
The conference will be held via online platform ZOOM. Register in advance for this webinar:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OhTUYlmKTuKGCpa5a_V0Jg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
