On 18 April 2023, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), in partnership with the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrid CoE) and with support from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, held a one-day workshop at the Hybrid CoE Headquarters in Helsinki. The workshop brought together 20 key Western Balkan stakeholders, including government officials, institutions, media outlets, media regulatory authorities from the Western Balkans, and civil society representatives.

The seminar, titled “The Importance of Media Literacy”, provided participants with insights into the importance of media literacy in combating hybrid threats and investing in countering disinformation. The workshop included ex-cathedra presentations, practical lectures, and interactive sessions, focusing on the proper techniques, strategies, and tactics to counter disinformation. The participants expressed interest in continuing to explore these topics, building capacity, and transferring and applying the know-how in the region.

The workshop aimed to build a strong narrative on understanding hybrid threats and disinformation and increase awareness of their detrimental impact on various aspects of society in the Western Balkans. It is the fourth in a series of RCC-organized events on disinformation and a follow-up to discussions from the third disinformation conference held in June last year.