Battling disinformation in the shadow of hybrid warfare: lessons from Romania and Moldova

Romania and Moldova are on the frontlines of hybrid warfare, where disinformation has become a powerful weapon aimed at destabilizing democracies. During recent presidential elections, both countries witnessed the rise of candidates fueled by networks of dubious social media accounts on platforms like Facebook and TikTok—some allegedly coordinated by shadowy companies.
These efforts undermined trust in the electoral process, with journalists caught in the crossfire between misinformation campaigns and public skepticism.
This panel will bring together journalists from Romanina news outlets Hotnews.ro and Snoop.ro, and Moldova’s Ziarul de Gardă, to explore how independent media navigates this turbulent landscape.
The discussion will delve into the impact of disinformation on journalism and democracy: how it shifts the role of journalists, challenges newsroom sustainability, and complicates efforts to reach and engage audiences. The panelists will share practical insights on fact-checking in post-truth environments, building trust in deeply polarized societies, and funding independent media under constant attack.
At a time when conspiracy theories and right-wing populism are surging across Europe, the lessons from Romania and Moldova are urgent and instructive. This session will not only highlight the resilience of independent media in these hybrid war zones but also provide actionable strategies for newsrooms across Europe facing similar threats to democracy and journalistic integrity.
Moderated by Cristian Lupsa.