Skopje, 20 September 2023 (MIA) - Disinformation in Western Balkans emphasize the connection between harmful foreign influences and domestic stakeholders who use disinformation narratives aimed at destabilizing the region and hindering the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Western Balkan countries. Disinformation is not only a media issue, but also a security problem.

Minister of Defense Slavjanka Petrovska addressed a panel discussion on Wednesday on the harmful influence of disinformation and combating false narratives, organized by the Nexus-Civil Concept Association, held under the auspices of NATO Public Diplomacy Division.

The panel discussion titled "Disinformation and Russia's War of Aggression Against Ukraine: threats, implications and how to counteract false and misleading content in Western Balkans with focus on North Macedonia," Minister Petrovska emphasized the new reality of when a European sovereign, independent, democratic country is conventionally attacked, while the rest are faced with an invasion of false and misleading information, whose aim is to undermine the trust in institutions, trust in society as a whole and cause fear and uncertainty in citizens, the Ministry of Defense informed in a press release.

The best response to false news and disinformation, according to her, is transparency and the truth, as well as strengthening democracy, the rule of law and the trust in state institutions.

"In the fight against disinformation, there is no better response than transparency and the truth. Our society must function as one organism, prepared and able to fight back disinformation. We have to trust our democracy and the rule of law, be open and honest in creating a society based on the rights and responsibilities of every individual. We have to continue creating a society for all, and we have to be prepared to accept our differences, because they make us stronger," Petrovska said.

Professor Nano Ruzin, former NATO ambassador, professor and dean at the Faculty of Security, Nikola Dujovski, Editor-in-Chief and Journalist Vasko Popetrevski and Security Council member and professor Nenad Markovikj also attended the forum. ssh/sk/

Photo: Ministry of Defense