An International Conference on Foreign Influence Operations Was Held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The main topic of the one-day conference was foreign interference, influence operations, and foreign disinformation, which pose an increasing threat to the security of both the Czech Republic and Europe as a whole. The conference was opened by Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský.

"Russia is currently responsible for 80 percent of influence operations in Europe. This is four times more than the rest of the world combined. We need much more determination in the fight against Kremlin influence than we have shown so far. The solution lies in strategic communication, sanctions, exposing crimes, and utilizing existing legal measures," Minister Lipavský stated at the beginning of the conference.

Representatives from public administration, non-governmental organizations, academia, and civil society gathered to discuss, in particular, the influence activities of the Russian Federation against Europe. In addition to representatives from European countries, attendees included individuals from Australia and the United States.

“War against Ukraine and the aggressive policies of the Kremlin clearly illustrate the need to more effectively counter hybrid threats. The information space is a battleground of the Russian regime, and state communication is becoming an urgent necessity. I am glad that Czechia is setting an example,” said Karel Smékal, Director of the Communication Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who spoke on one of the panels.

By the end of the conference, all participants agreed that the exchange of information on this timely topic is highly desirable and expressed their willingness to continue collaborative efforts.

"Resilient Europe"

"Resilient Europe"

"Resilient Europe"

"Resilient Europe"