Held at the Central Military Club in Sofia, the three-day conference took place with the financial support of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Media Programme South East Europe, alongside other partners. The forum provided a platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing experiences and exploring practical solutions to strengthen the resilience of democratic societies against information threats.
In his opening remarks, Christoph Plate, Director of the KAS Media Programme South East Europe, emphasised that defending democracy requires continuous commitment, reminding participants that “The task to defend democracy and protect free Europe does not end after this conference.” His words highlighted the importance of turning discussions into lasting action and ensuring that efforts to safeguard democratic values continue beyond the conference itself.
Throughout the three days, participants explored a wide range of topics, including Russia's information warfare strategies, foreign interference in democratic processes, the growing role of artificial intelligence in spreading disinformation, and the influence of digital platforms on public opinion and elections.
Particular attention was given to the challenges facing Southeast Europe and the Black Sea region, where geopolitical tensions and information manipulation increasingly threaten democratic institutions and public trust. Discussions also addressed the importance of independent media, fact-checking initiatives and cooperation between researchers, technology experts and civil society in building a more resilient information environment.
The forum also underlined the need for stronger international cooperation and practical approaches to protecting information integrity. By bringing together perspectives from different countries and professional backgrounds, SIIF 2026 encouraged an exchange of ideas on how democratic societies can respond more effectively to evolving information threats.
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