Truth or tale? Fact-checking, disinformation and fake news in European and national election campaigns

Today,  the  proliferation  of  fake  news  is  a  top  concern  among Europeans. According to the “Flash Eurobarometer  on  Fake  News  and  Online  Disinformation”,  published  by  the  European  Commission  in  March  2018,  83%  of  respondents  think  that  fake  news  represent  a  danger to democracy. 

This workshop will provide participants with the opportunity  to  discuss  the  policy  challenges  related  to  disinformation  in  electoral  campaigns  at  different  levels,  with a specific focus on the upcoming European elections. 

Together with high-level experts, participants will learn to identify online disinformation techniques and will engage in innovative discussions on how to tackle misinformation and achieve a more effective communication during electoral campaigns and beyond. The conversation will revolve around the role politicians can have in improving  the  standards  of  political communication, especially when it comes to the role national Members of  Parliaments  in  the  European  debate,  and  in  encouraging more truthful and reality-based discussions, thus increasing interaction with voters and contributing to a healthier democratic system. 

The  upcoming  European  elections  will  offer  the  opportunity  to  explore  whether  fake  news  have  any  real  effects  on  national  debates,  analyse  and  compare  the  quality  of  political  discussions  across  Europe,  as  well  as to touch upon the regulations and policies which exist at national and European level in this field.