---
title: "European expert's three key disinformation strategies presented at Moldova Security Forum"
url: https://moldova1.md/p/87260/european-expert-s-three-key-disinformation-strategies-presented-at-moldova-security-forum
published: 2026-10-09T12:27:00Z
language: en
author: "Liubomir Guțu"
section: "Social"
source: moldova1.md
---

# European expert's three key disinformation strategies presented at Moldova Security Forum

> Effectively combating disinformation goes beyond mere reactive measures; it requires a culture of prevention and the exposure of inauthentic behavior. Speaking at the Moldova Security Forum 2026, Jan Latal—a communications expert with the East StratCom Task Force (EEAS)—outlined three key strategies that states can employ to counter information warfare and halt the artificial exploitation of societal conflicts.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/6712faf1-f4b6-4ff3-bbac-ee26139593b8.jpg)

Effectively combating disinformation goes beyond mere reactive measures; it requires a culture of prevention and the exposure of inauthentic behavior. Speaking at the Moldova Security Forum 2026, Jan Latal—a communications expert with the East StratCom Task Force (EEAS)—outlined three key strategies that states can employ to counter information warfare and halt the artificial exploitation of societal conflicts.

"Distinguishing a genuine public debate from a hidden agenda is best achieved by analyzing inauthentic behavior regarding the dissemination and amplification of messages. It is essential to track the involvement of propaganda networks, which invariably seek to highlight existing societal rifts and conflicts," stated Jan Latal, a communications expert with the European External Action Service's (EEAS) East StratCom Task Force, on the second day of the forum held in Chișinău.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/f204f643-ffdb-4aad-ae0b-5ac51d941917.jpg)

The expert outlined three strategies designed to counter the spread of propaganda messages online:

- Prevention and proactive agenda-setting

*"Step up prevention efforts and challenge disinformation directly within the information space whenever an adversary attempts to define specific concepts. When it comes to vulnerabilities, raise public understanding and awareness. Be transparent about your own vulnerabilities and define the issues before hostile actors do so, thereby reducing the likelihood of such information attacks spilling over into the public sphere,"* recommended Jan Latal at the Moldova Security Forum 2026.

- Situational awareness and early monitoring

*"Develop a monitoring system capable of detecting early signals of manipulative messaging, enabling a rapid response. Detecting an attack at an incipient stage creates a window of opportunity to significantly limit damage—for instance, by quickly issuing an official statement. It is crucial to maintain a presence in the information space at key levels before manipulated information is picked up by other media outlets,"* the expert said. 

- Unmasking and exposing illicit networks

*"Work to identify individuals using fake identities, particularly in cases involving hate speech or incitement to violence. When networks engaged in manipulation are detected, expose them publicly. It is important to clearly establish the facts and identify who is behind these actions. In this way, the next time these actors or media outlets attempt to launch new attacks, the public will already be familiar with the mechanism, and the impact of the disinformation will be significantly limited,"* Jan Latal further recommended.

We remind you that, in July 2023, the Center for Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation was established at the initiative of President Maia Sandu; its goal is to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation in the fight against disinformation, information manipulation, and foreign interference.

The institution monitors media flows in real time to identify false narratives and hybrid threats that could affect national security.

Additionally, the Center coordinates the efforts of public authorities, collaborates with civil society, and develops educational programs to enhance citizens' media literacy.


***

The **Moldova Security Forum 2026**—the third edition of this security dialogue platform—is taking place on October 8–9 at the Palace of the Republic in Chișinău.

The event brings together a record 700+ participants and nearly 100 speakers from more than 20 countries, including President Maia Sandu, Moldovan ministers, and representatives from NATO, the EU, Ukraine, and the USA.

The central theme is strengthening democratic resilience in Europe and the Black Sea region against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and hybrid threats.