Ljubljana, October 24, 2025 – On Thursday, October 23, the House of the European Union in Ljubljana hosted Break the Fake, an event dedicated to strengthening resilience against disinformation and promoting cooperation between Slovenia, Ukraine, and European partners in defending truth and democratic values.
Organized by the NGO Platform for Development Projects “Priority” in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine in Slovenia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Government Communication Office of the Republic of Slovenia, and the Centre for European Perspective (CEP), the event brought together diplomats, experts, and civil society representatives to explore the human and societal impact of disinformation.
Opening remarks were delivered by H.E. Petro Beshta, Ambassador of Ukraine to Slovenia; Ms. Petra Bezjak Cirman, Head of the Government Communication Office; and Ms. Nina Čepon, Executive Director of the Centre for European Perspective.
The programme featured an analysis of Russian propaganda strategies by disinformation expert Mr. Mykhaylo Dankanych, followed by the deeply moving personal testimony of Mr. Malik Yevgeniy, a former Ukrainian prisoner of war, who shared his experience of captivity and the psychological toll of propaganda.
In her address, CEP Executive Director Nina Čepon underlined that disinformation is not an abstract concept but a force that undermines trust, weakens social cohesion, and erodes democratic foundations. She highlighted CEP’s long-term engagement in strengthening Europe’s information resilience through partnership, education, and capacity building.
Through initiatives such as Countering Disinformation and Building Resilience in the Western Balkans and the European Digital Diplomacy Exchange (EDDE), CEP works with journalists, diplomats, and public officials to strengthen media literacy, build cross-sectoral cooperation, and promote communication grounded in trust and transparency. These programmes have also fostered close collaboration with Ukrainian partners, particularly since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Further demonstrating this partnership, CEP’s Slovenia Connects – Rebuild Ukraine initiative supports capacity building and good governance in Ukraine, focusing on empowering local and regional authorities in the country’s recovery and reconstruction process.
The event concluded with an open discussion on countering Russian propaganda and violations of international law.
As Ms. Čepon emphasized, resilience begins with truth, and the most effective response to disinformation lies in cooperation among institutions, media, educators, and citizens. Break the Fake served as a reminder that every verified story, every act of solidarity, and every informed conversation helps build a Europe that is resilient, united, and free.