The Institute for Development and Social Initiatives (IDIS) "Viitorul" has launched a new project on disinformation, through which it aims to increase, through a digital campaign, the critical thinking skills of the society in the Republic of Moldova to improve media literacy, but also the level of public awareness in the context of the 2025 election year. As part of the project, several video contents will be created to address disinformation related to the September 2025 parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova.
The project entitled ”Strengthen societal resilience against disinformation during the 2025 parliamentary elections in Moldova” is being carried out between June and December 2025 and is implemented by IDIS "Viitorul," with the financial support of the European Union (EU) within the regional project “ProElect - Promote accountability in Electoral processes in EaP through increased participation and capacity of civic actors” is a regional project run by the Transatlantic Foundation in partnership with IREX Europe (doing business as Equal Rights and Independent Media - ERIM).
The project aims, in the upcoming electoral context, to contribute to reversing the current harmful trend of Russian propaganda and disinformation, which is gaining control in the Republic of Moldova with relatively small investments despite the Republic of Moldova's tangible advantages and its long-standing relationship with the EU. The 2024 presidential elections and constitutional referendum were the target not only of attempted fraud through corruption but also of Russian propaganda, seeking to convince voters to vote for Russian representatives and say no to the referendum on Moldova's accession to the EU.
In the first phase of the project, a working group of 5 young content producers was created, who will monitor electoral disinformation trends on social media platforms until the elections. The young people participated on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in a workshop where the project's context, objectives, expectations, activities, tasks, targeted narratives, potential actors, work schedule, and other relevant details were explained to them. In the coming period, young people will participate in several hackathons, where they will present the video content they have created, which will later be promoted on social networks for communication with the public of IDIS "Viitorul."
"The materials that will be created are aimed at dismantling the disinformation that appears on the eve of the electoral campaign. We understand that a period with sufficient challenges is ahead that targets the information space in the Republic of Moldova," said Radu Soltan, a member of the working group.
"Today, there is a growing need for activities to combat the negative effects of information manipulation and promote an informed society. It is our responsibility, everyone's, to contribute to a safer future," said Snejana Jitari, a member of the working group.
"Through these interactive materials, we aim to inform citizens about the dangers of manipulation, fake news, and propaganda that aims to divide society," said Mihail Nesteriuc, a member of the working group.
"We are pleased to participate in the ProElect initiative - Promoting accountability in electoral processes through increased involvement of civic actors, at an essential moment for the consolidation of democracy in the Republic of Moldova. Our project comes as a direct response to the growing threats of disinformation and hate speech that taint the electoral space and affect free elections. Through this first workshop, we bring together young content creators and experienced experts to build an active core of monitoring, reaction, and accurate information, which will help citizens make informed decisions. It is an essential step in our effort to strengthen the resilience of Moldovan society and promote the values of European integration," said Carolina Ungureanu, vice-director of IDIS "Viitorul," project manager.
This press release has been produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the project ”Strengthen societal resilience against disinformation during the 2025 parliamentary elections in Moldova” and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
IDIS “Viitorul” is an independent think tank established in 1993 that combines social, political and economic research with strong advocacy components. The institution conducts applied monitoring research in several areas: economics, social policy, EU policies, regional development, and security and foreign policy risks.
Follow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IDISViitorul ;
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/idisviitorul/;
Subscribe to the Telegram channel – https://t.me/idis93 ;
Watch us on the Youtube channel – https://www.youtube.com/@idisviitorul8539 .
