Summary of “Resilient Europe” Forum
On December 18, 2025, European and Ukrainian policymakers and various experts gathered in Brussels for the “Resilient Europe” forum, co-organized by The Institute for Democracy and Development “PolitA.” The event aimed to counter Russian propaganda and disinformation, emphasizing the need to strengthen Europe’s cognitive and informational resilience against hybrid threats from Russia.
Participants included representatives from EU institutions, national governments, cultural organizations, and the Ukrainian expert community, focusing on integrating Ukraine’s experiences with hybrid warfare into European policy. Key discussions revolved around Russian information operations, utilizing culture and arts for influence, and recognizing the long-term strategy underlying propaganda.
Ukraine, serving as a frontline state against Russian disinformation for over a decade, shared valuable insights on countering hostile narratives and influencing networks. The forum emphasized that propaganda undermines political stability and is designed to destabilize Western democracies.
Panels featured prominent speakers discussing various aspects of countering Russian narratives, including issues of representation and the impact of disinformation on Ukrainian women. Experts highlighted the systemic nature of Russian disinformation in countries like Bulgaria, and how misinformation encompasses not just lies but manipulative tactics that distort public perception.
The forum’s outcomes included increased awareness of how Russian propaganda adapts to European environments and the establishment of partnerships aimed at continued collaboration in countering such threats. Overall, the discussions underscored the importance of proactively enhancing democratic resilience through shared experiences and strategic insights from Ukraine.
