This meeting will build on the outcomes of an expert event held in March 2020 on foreign
interference and act as the continuation for ensuing discussions, with Vice-President Vera
Jourova expected to join us with a keynote address on the work leading to the European
Democracy Action Plan (tbc).
We would be honoured if you could take time out of your busy schedule to join us for this
virtual event.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you plan to attend by replying to this e-mail.
Additionally, we invite you to register via this link if you will be able to join us for the expert
roundtable.
The roundtable in detail
The European Union has worked for some years to tackle foreign interference and recognised
the need to improve existing strategies further in its recent Joint Communication on COVID-
19 Disinformation, building on the 2018 Action Plan against Disinformation. In this context,
we have made a clear distinction between misinformation, disinformation and influence
operations by third countries, which present different challenges and require distinct policy
responses. The disinformation challenge requires a comprehensive approach and building of a
more resilient and democratic information space. As far as foreign influence operations are
concerned, a cross-sectoral approach is needed too, going beyond disinformation and taking
into account the broader threat landscape.
The Joint Communication also underlines that cooperation with civil society and private
industry partners is vital in crafting an effective response to foreign interference. Ongoing and
forthcoming policy initiatives, such as the European Democracy Action Plan, will further
address the complex challenge that the EU and societies across the globe are facing. Many
experts and civil society organisations have submitted their input to the European Democracy
Action Plan during the public consultation; however, this event will provide room to discuss
insights and recommendations beyond the scope of the public consultation in an informal
setting. Acknowledging the sensitive nature of the topic and the restrictions of a virtual debate,
this event should provide you with the opportunity of exchanging views within the community
of experts and with EU policy makers on the most pressing topics you see in your sector as
well as provide policy recommendations.
The
EEAS plans to continue this structured exchange by organising a series of expert
roundtables in 2021. The aim is to continue the dialogue and to bring together on a regular