EU DEFENCE NETWORK

The EU Defence Network project deals with combating Euroscepticism. Open democratic societies in the EU depend on citizens’ ability to approach different verifiable information to be able to form their perspectives on different political issues. In this way, citizens can participate in public discussions and express their will through free and just political processes in an informed manner. However, these democratic processes are increasingly challenged by deliberate, widespread and systemic spread of disinformation.

Euroscepticism has shifted towards mainstream political and popular culture. This movement is gaining traction among people with emotional and simplified rhetoric, as opposed to rational, complex and fact-based reasoning that we – the civil society – are trying to offer. Euroscepticism is receiving more support from the public, endangering the legitimacy and popularity of the European integration process.

People with a high level of media literacy have a better understanding of the EU, form attitudes, come to their own conclusions, tell apart real from fake news, do not follow trends, and are better able to judge accomplishments and benefits of the EU. On the other side, people with a low level of media literacy are vulnerable, affected, impressed, and faced with Eurosceptic narratives.

In order to combat these issues, EU Defence Network Is trying to find ways of promoting examples of good training programmes in regard to media literacy. The main focus is on the improvement of media literacy among young people through the creation of a community of media literacy experts that work with them in schools and informal contexts. By focusing on uncovering and exposing trending narratives, channelling disinformation, and through other techniques, this project ambitiously aims to transform criticism towards the EU in a positive catalyst of European integration, as well as to help the EU approach its citizens and increase their resilience in the long run.

EU Defence Network expects the participation of 18 EU countries.