Fake news, disinformation and conspiracy theories are plagues in our society, dangerous tools against our democracies, especially in view of the 2024 EU elections. This topic was at the center of the Article 17 TFEU Dialogue Seminar with Churches, religious communities, and philosophical and non-confessional organisations held on Tuesday, 13 February 2024 at the European Parliament, Brussels. Video of the Dialogue Seminar
The theme of the event was “The importance of the Article 17 dialogue for raising awareness against disinformation and foreign interference as well as for achieving a high turnout at the European elections”. The Seminar was hosted by MEP Othmar Karas, First Vice-President of the European Parliament and Responsible for the Implementation of Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) was represented by Steven Van Hecke, professor at the Catholic University of Leuven. In his contribution, Van Hecke highlighted the need to address these issues not only in the EU Member States, but also in countries that are candidates to become Members of the European Union. Van Hecke also stressed the importance of education, including civic education, as a long-term instrument to tackle disinformation and increase participation.
You can watch the full video recording of the Dialogue Seminar by clicking here.