TruthTalks Podcast by Euractive.pl features EDMO Hubs
Representatives from EDMO Hubs are discussing their work in the TruthTalks podcast, a new series by Euractiv.pl that explores the challenges posed by fake news and propaganda. Hosted by Karolina Zbytniewska, the podcast engages experts from the EU and Ukraine to uncover key disinformation trends and the strategies to tackle them.
Re-information repurposes news to push far-right narratives – Stéphanie Lukasik, Luxembourg (EDMO BELUX)
3 April 2025
Stéphanie Lukasik of the University of Luxembourg described how “re-information” repurposes real news to subtly promote far-right ideas. Disinformation often focuses on public safety and financial fear, using deepfakes or false claims featuring political figures like Prime Minister Frieden and Grand Duke Henri. While Russian disinformation is present, the main spreaders are domestic far-right actors with political or financial motives. AI-generated content and websites imitating trusted media further amplify the problem. In response, Luxembourg promotes media literacy through initiatives like Be Secure, fact-checking via EDMO BELUX and MediaLux, and efforts to strengthen digital education and journalistic ethics.
False narratives fuel tensions between Danes and Greenlanders – Thomas Hedin, Denmark (NORDIS)
1 April 2025
Thomas Hedin of TjekDet and Nordic Observatory for Digital Media and Information Disorder – NORDIS explained how disinformation in Denmark revolves around Ukraine, Greenland, COVID-19, and green policies. Russia spreads falsehoods about Ukraine, but domestic figures also contribute, especially concerning EVs and renewable energy. Narratives often depict Greenland as a mistreated colony, pushing independence or US alignment. To counter this, Denmark employs media literacy in schools, government-funded fact-checking like TjekDet, and a new state agency focused on information disorder.
Ireland and NATO: No mutual interest in membership – Eileen Culloty, Ireland (EDMO Ireland)
28 March 2025
Eileen Culloty of Dublin City University and EDMO Ireland described how disinformation in Ireland is driven by fringe groups and amplified by foreign actors, especially from the US and UK. Narratives include anti-migrant rhetoric, health conspiracies, and criticism of hate speech laws. Though Russian influence is limited, transatlantic pile-ons – often sparked by Elon Musk – fuel division. Offline protests tied to disinformation have turned violent. Ireland counters this through a national strategy, library and school media literacy, fact-checking, and academic research.
Putin and Trump cast as champions of traditional values – Dr. Maria Murumaa-Mengel, Estonia (BECID)
12 March 2025
Maria Murumaa-Mengel of the University of Tartu and Baltic Engagement Centre for Combating Information Disorders – BECID noted that Estonian disinformation centers on Soviet nostalgia, anti-EU/NATO narratives, and youth-bashing. Pro-Russian and nationalist parties, some foreign-funded, push ideas like Russia’s moral superiority. Ukrainians are often smeared as disrespectful or violent. Estonia responds through media literacy, pre-bunking, international collaboration, and humorous content to expose falsehoods.
Migrants are voiceless against false narratives - Neville Borg, Malta (MedDMO)
5 March 2025
Neville Borg of the Times of Malta and the Mediterranean Digital Media Observatory – MedDMO said Maltese disinformation typically targets domestic politics, migration, the EU Green Deal, and gender topics. Falsehoods exaggerate migrant numbers, attack judicial reforms, or claim WHO overreach. Both major political parties and their media push these narratives. Malta relies on bilingual fact-checking to counter them.
Autocrats’ unofficial ties reshape global dynamics - Dr. Péter Krekó, Hungary (HDMO)
4 March 2025
Dr. Péter Krekó of ELTE PPK and Hungarian Hub Against Disinformation – HDMO outlined Hungarian disinformation, dominated by anti-migration, anti-gender, and anti-EU stories. Fidesz and Viktor Orbán, alongside Russia, spread narratives framing Hungary as superior and the EU as oppressive. Tools like HDMO research, media literacy, and documentaries such as “The Dynasty” help address the issue.
We need to change how we consume and analyse information - Mato Brautović, Croatia (ADMO)
6 February 2025
Mato Brautović of the University of Dubrovnik and Adria Digital Media Observatory – ADMO explored Croatian disinformation trends, focusing on elections, NATO, the army, gender topics, and COVID-19. Russian and Serbian state media are key spreaders, along with local populists. Croatia promotes universal media education as its main defence.
Democracies are particularly susceptible to disinformation - Mikko Salo, Finland (NORDIS)
4 February 2025
Mikko Salo of Faktabaari and NORDIS described Finnish disinformation as focused on Ukraine, immigration, and NATO. Russia is a major source, with some input from domestic populists and figures like Elon Musk. Finland counteracts with diverse independent journalism, updated education, and teacher guidance.
Disinformation spreads more widely when it includes anti-government agenda - Ivan Ruta Cuker, Czech Republic (CEDMO)
29 January 2025
Ivan Ruta Cuker of Central European Digital Media Observatory – CEDMO explained how Czech disinformation focuses on Ukraine, COVID-19, sports events, NATO, and US politics. Narratives often include anti-Western and anti-government themes. Russia and local actors are key spreaders. CEDMO promotes media literacy and critical thinking in youth to counteract these messages.
Regional divisions impact disinformation patterns - Trisha Meyer, Belgium (BELUX)
27 January 2025
Trisha Meyer of EDMO BELUX highlighted Belgian disinformation topics: migration, regional economic divides, climate denial, tech fears, and political misinformation. Russia, China, and Flemish separatists drive much of the content. Belgium tackles it through youth media education and strong public media efforts.