Navigating Disinformation Trends and Civil Society Challenges in Central and Eastern Europe: Regional Mapping Reports 2023-2024
In an era where disinformation is a persistent threat to democratic societies, understanding its complex and evolving nature is crucial for the resilience of civil society organizations (CSOs) and the wider society.
As part of the Digital Activism Program, led by TechSoup in collaboration with regional partners, we present the 2023-2024 Disinformation and Civil Society Regional Mapping Reports. These reports focus on four key regions in Central and Eastern Europe: the Western Balkans, the Visegrad Region, the Black Sea Region, and the Baltics. Each report provides a comprehensive analysis of the disinformation trends, the impact of external actors, war in Ukraine, and the unique challenges faced by CSOs in these regions as well as the needs they have in order to effectively carry out their mission.
Since 2018, the Digital Activism Program by TechSoup and its partners in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and beyond has been dedicated to empowering CSOs to build resilience by providing them with practical tools and skills. At TechSoup, we believe that meaningful change begins with a deep understanding of the needs of the organizations we support and a thorough analysis of the socio-political landscape in the countries where we operate. By highlighting the needs and gaps of CSOs, these reports aim to equip organizations with the insights needed to strengthen their resilience against disinformation and adapt their strategies effectively.
Methodology and Partners
The Disinformation and Civil Society Regional Mapping Reports were created as a common effort within the program by TechSoup’s partner organizations with support from Google.org, namely the NIOK Foundation in collaboration with Political Capital (covering Hungary), Funky Citizens (covering Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova), Metamorphosis Foundation (covering North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo), Civic Resilience Initiative - CRI (covering Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia), PDCS (covering Slovakia) and VIA Association/ Sdruzení VIA (covering Czech Republic).
The information collected in the Disinformation and Civil Society Mapping Reports involved a combination of desk research, where existing data and reports were scrutinized, and in-depth interviews with experts and representatives from civil society in each of the 13 countries involved in the Program.
[H2] Explore the four Disinformation and Civil Society Regional Mapping Reports below to gain deeper insights into the disinformation landscape and the needs of civil society organizations in each region:
Get a sneak preview into the Disinformation and Civil Society Regional Mapping Reports.
See the highlights below to pique your interest and get the gist of what each of the affected regions has been going through in 2024:
Disinformation and Civil Society Regional Mapping Reports highlights:
- Western Balkans
- Key Challenges: Political instability, ongoing protests, and ethnic tensions are prevalent across Serbia, North Macedonia, and Kosovo. The use of disinformation by both government and opposition to manipulate public opinion has been a significant concern. The war in Ukraine further exacerbates these issues, as it influences disinformation narratives and external political pressures.
- CSO Needs: CSOs in this region require enhanced support to address the rising polarization, maintain election integrity, and navigate the geopolitical influences affecting their work.
- Visegrad Region
- Key Challenges: CSOs in Hungary and Slovakia face intense political pressures, with pro-Russian disinformation complicating their efforts. Financial instability and inadequate strategic communication exacerbate these challenges, particularly in the face of war fatigue and economic crises.
- CSO Needs: The most urgent requirement for CSOs in this region is financial assistance, along with the development of more impactful communication strategies to counter disinformation effectively.
- Black Sea Region
- Key Challenges: Corruption, political instability, and pervasive disinformation are critical issues in Moldova, Romania, and Bulgaria. The ongoing war in Ukraine adds layers of complexity, as Russian-backed narratives undermine democratic values and fuel anti-Western sentiments.
- CSO Needs: CSOs need resources to bolster their capacity to counter disinformation, particularly in addressing the vulnerability of Ukrainian refugees and diminishing the Russian influence.
- Baltic Region
- Key Challenges: Financial constraints and reliance on inconsistent funding sources undermine the sustainability of CSOs in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. The disinformation landscape in these countries is marked by external efforts to destabilize democratic institutions and societal cohesion.
- CSO Needs: Strengthening financial stability and fostering regional cooperation are critical for CSOs in the Baltics. Enhancing digital literacy and developing localized strategies to counter disinformation are also essential.
