Southeast Europe Media Forum held in Chișinău

The Southeast Europe Media Forum (SEEMF), organized for the first time in Chișinău brought together journalists, experts, and European officials to discuss media sustainability, combating disinformation and the challenges of hybrid warfare, as well as the need to enhance journalists' safety—a topic treated as a major priority by participants. Speaker Igor Grosu said that choosing Chișinău as the host represents a vote of confidence for Moldova and emphasized the importance of cooperation between institutions, civil society, and media in protecting democratic processes from destabilization attempts. 

Parliament open for cooperation and dialogue to adjust legislation. Igor Grosu: “We see examples of intimidation, regress, attacks on journalists”


“The Republic of Moldova already has significant experience. Despite enormous pressures, we have managed to counter unprecedented attempts to derail democratic electoral processes. I am referring to the massive, disproportionate resources invested by the Russian Federation and criminal networks operating in our informational and political space. Despite this pressure, I believe that in the last three years we have largely managed to maintain the course of European integration despite efforts to compromise or block this path. Now, this relatively calm period, without elections, is suitable for reflection and anticipating upcoming challenges.”


The speaker assured that the Legislative body in Chișinău is open for cooperation and dialogue to adjust the legislation on combating hybrid attacks, disinformation, and enhancing journalist protection:


“The fight against propaganda and manipulation will continue, and hostile actors are proving, unfortunately, increasingly skillful and cynical. Comparing the situation from 2021 with now, we see a significant transformation in the illegal mechanisms of funding election campaigns, political parties, and opinion leaders who, unfortunately, have accepted to spread falsehoods and disinformation. Parliament must respond. We need to analyze together what legislative changes are necessary. In the upcoming period, we will also launch an evaluation exercise of the electoral framework used in the 2025 elections. We will analyze what worked and what didn’t: whether it was because the law was not good enough, or institutions did not have the necessary capacity, or there were gaps that need to be closed. We see examples of intimidation, regress, attacks on journalists. Here I believe in the application of clear and firm punitive tools: as long as the perpetrators feel impunity, they will continue.”


Moreover, he pointed out that protecting democratic processes requires cooperation between institutions, civil society, media, and political factors:


“In the coming period, the attention of those who propagate and manipulate public opinion will focus on the process of European integration. New false narratives will appear, new attempts to manipulate public opinion, distort reality, and create confusion. Therefore, we must work as a team, explain, communicate better. We must show citizens the advantages of European integration and what the reforms entail—reforms that sometimes take people out of their comfort zone but are necessary. We must clearly explain what we gain and what responsibilities we have.”


EBU Director General Noel Curran: “The elections in the Republic of Moldova demonstrated the importance of providing safe and credible information to citizens”

EBU Director General Noel Curran reiterated that editorial independence is the cornerstone of public service media and emphasized the role of professional journalism in an increasingly vulnerable informational environment:


“The recent parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova have once again demonstrated the importance of providing safe and credible information to citizens. The EU is ready to collaborate with all involved to strengthen public service media as trustworthy information sources and key actors in promoting European values. Our cooperation with SEEMF is particularly important, and the Southeast Europe Media Forum remains an essential platform where public media representatives from different countries meet, exchange ideas, and build partnerships.”


EU accession - an existential objective for the Republic of Moldova

The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Alexandru Codreanu, stated that EU accession is an existential objective for the Republic of Moldova:


“The war in Russia, the tragedy caused to the Ukrainian people, and the threat to European security have created a new reality. Accelerating the process of integration and EU accession has become an existential objective for Moldova to protect the country’s security and the well-being of our citizens. The new Government is firmly committed to the path of accession, aiming to sign the treaty by 2028 and complete the process by 2030.”


During the presidency of the Council of Europe, the country will emphasize the vital role of journalists in democratic societies, promoting their protection and freedom, as well as supporting the activities of the Council of Europe in combating disinformation.

In 2026, the Republic of Moldova will host an international conference dedicated to journalists' safety as part of the “Journalists Matter” campaign.

“Moldovan media played an important role in protecting democratic processes”

Austria's Ambassador Stella Avallone warned that freedom of expression is increasingly violated, and journalists face growing risks. She appreciated the Moldovan media’s contribution to documenting electoral irregularities and protecting democracy.


“If 40–50 years ago we were mostly talking about traditional media, today the challenges are much more complex, in the context of globalization and digital media expansion. The conference is dedicated to how we can counter hybrid threats to media. In the electoral years 2023–2025, marking parliamentary, presidential elections, and a referendum, Moldova has faced major risks generated by the geopolitical context and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Hybrid attacks—disinformation, false bomb alerts, and other manipulations—have tried to influence public opinion. However, we have seen an impressive level of resilience and commitment to reform and European integration from the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. Moldovan media played an important role in protecting democratic processes. During elections, journalists quickly documented irregularities and attempts to influence the electoral process, thus limiting the impact of manipulation.”


The 19th edition of SEEMF continues with debates on combating disinformation, media resilience, and strengthening journalists' protection in the region. 

The Southeast Europe Media Forum (SEEMF), 19th edition: “The Enemies of Media and How to Tackle Them” operates under the auspices of the South East Europe Media Organization (SEEMO), the Konrad Adenauer Foundation’s Media Program for Southeast Europe, and the Central European Initiative (CEI), in collaboration with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the Embassy of Austria in the Republic of Moldova, Deutsche Welle’s German News Service, DPA agency, SECEPRO, II IMC, International Academy, School of Journalism in Moldova, and the Investigative Journalism Center in Moldova.