The “Meet the Future of AI” event examined how artificial intelligence can strengthen Europe’s response to escalating disinformation and support the European Democracy Shield (EUDS). Participants agreed that AI-driven disinformation is now structural—cheap, scalable, and increasingly realistic—posing systemic risks to elections, public debate, and trust. While Europe has strong regulatory tools, including the Digital Services Act and the Code of Practice on Disinformation, their impact depends on consistent enforcement, coordination, and operational capacity.
Real-world election cases showed that disinformation operates continuously, often outpacing institutional responses. Discussions highlighted a threefold strategy: expanding AI-driven analytical capabilities to protect the information space, reinforcing democratic institutions through public-private collaborations, and building societal resilience through media literacy powered by innovative AI-tools.
EU-funded projects demonstrated human-centred AI tools supporting journalists, fact-checkers, and citizens, emphasising transparency and “human-in-the-loop” approaches. Overall, the event framed the EUDS as a living, collaborative framework requiring sustained investment, cross-sector partnerships, and integrated technological and societal solutions.”