ADMO Contributes to International Training on Countering Disinformation

Adria Digital Media Observatory (ADMO) participated in a high-level session dedicated to countering disinformation, media literacy, and public awareness campaigns, held at the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia in Zagreb. The session was organized as part of an official study visit for communication officers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and related agencies, implemented in cooperation with EUAM Ukraine.

During the session, Prof. Mato Brautović, ADMO Project Coordinator at the University of Dubrovnik, delivered a presentation on the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) governance model and the role of regional hubs such as ADMO in strengthening coordinated responses to disinformation across Europe. The presentation highlighted the transition from fragmented national responses to a structured, multi-level governance system that connects research institutions, fact-checking organizations, policymakers, and media stakeholders.

A key focus of the presentation was the Rapid Response System (RRS), described as a coordination and decision-making mechanism enabling timely information exchange and joint action among national and regional stakeholders. Practical examples from recent electoral processes-including Croatian parliamentary, presidential, and European Parliament elections, as well as preparations for the Slovenian elections in 2026-were presented to illustrate how coordinated monitoring and response mechanisms can support democratic resilience.

Special attention was given to ongoing research and innovation initiatives, including the mapping of disinformation narratives related to the war in Ukraine in Croatia and Slovenia, as well as the development of an AI-powered system prototype designed to support large-scale monitoring and analysis of disinformation ecosystems. The importance of cross-border cooperation with other EDMO hubs, collaboration with the European Commission, and partnerships with international research and data organizations was emphasized as a cornerstone of sustainable institutional responses to disinformation.

The session formed part of a broader multi-day programme addressing strategic communication in the civilian security sector, anti-corruption communication, crisis risk communication, digitalisation of public services, and public information strategies. Through its contribution, ADMO demonstrated the value of structured, evidence-based approaches to countering disinformation and strengthening institutional resilience-particularly relevant for countries facing hybrid threats and complex information environments.

ADMO’s participation in this international training further reinforced its role as a regional hub supporting knowledge transfer, policy dialogue, and capacity-building activities aimed at enhancing preparedness against disinformation across Europe and partner countries.