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Strengthening Europe’s Democratic Resilience through Ukraine's Experience

In recent years, disinformation and hybrid warfare have emerged as serious threats to democracy across Europe. The 'Resilient Europe' forum, held in Brussels, brought together policymakers, security experts, and civil society leaders to address these pressing issues. Co-organized by the Institute for Democracy and Development 'PolitA', the forum highlighted the valuable lessons European nations can learn from Ukraine’s ongoing battle against Russian propaganda and disinformation.

The Forum's Purpose

The event sought to strengthen Europe’s cognitive and informational resilience and emphasized the protection of democratic values amid growing hybrid threats. Participants, who included representatives from EU institutions, national governments, and various Ukrainian organizations, aimed to leverage Ukraine's firsthand experiences with disinformation campaigns for broader European policy frameworks.

A Collective Response to Hybrid Threats

The forum featured discussions around several core themes, including how Russian disinformation adapts to different European contexts. Presenters explored strategic storytelling and narrative-building, focusing on Ukraine's experiences in resisting hybrid warfare and how these insights could enhance European democratic solidarity. Additionally, the use of cultural tools for influence was highlighted, illustrating how Russia employs culture and historical narratives to distort memory and legitimize aggression.

Speakers reflected on the necessity of understanding propaganda not merely as misinformation but as a long-term strategy that undercuts political stability and institutional integrity in democracies. Participants recognized that Russian information operations are designed to exacerbate internal divisions and encourage subversive actions, necessitating robust defenses wherever Western democratic values exist.

Expert Insights from the Frontline

Among the contributors to the forum was Mykola Tochytskyi, Ukraine's representative to the Council of Europe. He emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s institutional knowledge in countering disinformation. Key note discussions included insights from various Ukrainian experts, some of whom have been directly involved in documenting hostile narratives and countering them through strategic communication efforts.

Olha Fabitska, President of the International Democratic Alliance, articulated the need for a shift in approach toward hybrid threats. In her perspective, combating disinformation should not only rely on media literacy. Instead, Europe must also address unregistered lobbying and covert influence networks that underlie democratic decision-making.

Furthermore, Violetta Dvornikova detailed how propaganda distorts the image of Ukrainian women, portraying them negatively within European societies and hampering genuine integration efforts. By analyzing these narratives, the forum sought to counteract such harmful stereotypes that limit the societal inclusion of those affected by the war.

Bridging Knowledge Gaps: A Call for Collaboration

The collaboration of various sectors emerged as a key takeaway from this forum. Participants recognized that modern hybrid threats extend beyond political boundaries and infiltrate cultural, economic, and social spheres. By fostering cross-sector partnerships, stakeholders can facilitate ongoing research, policy advocacy, and shared learning to strengthen defenses against disinformation.

One powerful message from the event was delivered by Iryna Kopanytsia, who stated that resilience involves a set of skills, institutions, and decisions arising from real-world experiences. Europe's safety, she argued, depends on institutionalizing these lessons learned from Ukraine’s experience against hybrid warfare.

Conclusion

As Europe grapples with heightened geopolitical tensions and foreign interferences, it becomes imperative to learn from Ukraine's challenges and successes. The 'Resilient Europe' forum serves as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration and sharing strategies to uphold democratic values across the continent. By uniting efforts, nations can fortify their defenses against disinformation and create a safer, more resilient Europe against new-age threats.

In summary, Ukraine's extensive experience in countering disinformation has now become a cornerstone for enhancing European democratic resilience. The meaningful dialogues initiated at the 'Resilient Europe' forum mark an important step toward a concerted European response to safeguarding democratic integrity and cultural cohesion in the face of hybrid threats.