Blueprint for protection of democracy from information threats

Systemic disinformation campaigns increasingly undermine public trust, posing a serious threat to democratic systems, particularly in the Western Balkans, one of Europe’s most vulnerable regions. Weak regulatory frameworks and limited coordination among democratic actors exacerbate these challenges. To address this, the Metamorphosis Foundation and the Anti-Disinformation Network for the Balkans (ADN-Balkans), in collaboration with international and regional partners, organized a wide-ranging consultation process, culminating in the international conference “Together for Truth: Whole-of-Society Approach to Safeguard Democracy” in Skopje on April 2, 2025.

The outcome emphasizes a whole-of-society approach, integrating state institutions, media, civil society, academia, and the private sector to protect democratic integrity. Key strategies include coordinated action at national, regional, and European levels; proportional budgeting matching the scale of disinformation efforts; and smart, strategic action focused on analyzing and countering manipulation campaigns. A common regional strategy across the Western Balkans aligns with Euro-Atlantic integration priorities, strengthening resilience mechanisms and harmonizing with EU standards.

Long-term priorities include safeguarding election integrity through monitoring and rapid response mechanisms, regulating digital platforms via algorithm transparency and user protection under EU laws like the Media Freedom Act and Digital Services Act, and demonetizing disinformation by promoting ethical media and defunding harmful sources.

Overall, the guidelines stress that only a systemic, coordinated, and sustained approach can build effective resilience against information threats, ensuring citizens’ rights to make informed decisions in a transparent and democratic environment.