4. 3. 2024 | European Digital Diplomacy Exchange, PR, Strategic Communication
In 2024, the power of strategic communication holds and will hold unprecedented significance for the future of humankind. Over 4 billion individuals, representing half the planet’s population, will exercise their right to vote. It will not be just about countering disinformation; it will be about preserving democracy. In this pivotal moment, digital communication emerges as one of the essential tools poised to shape the course of events and uphold the values of democratic governance. Digital communication has the ability to reach a large audience, communicate more effectively and efficiently and connect people all over the world. It also enables immediate and real-time interaction, which will be crucial in facing all global crises, especially in the election year.
This year, our EDDE training that just successfully concluded was as relevant as ever. It was the 24th training since the launch of a project in 2016. The topic of this year’s edition was Enhancing Digital Strategic Messaging. We were joined by 46 government communicators from 20 countries and by nine international experts from CEP, DigiTips, META and the US State Department.
The four-day EDDE training took place in Bled from 27 February to 1 March 2024. It provided a comprehensive exploration of the critical intersection between government affairs and digital engagement. It offered participants a diverse display of speakers and activities aimed at enhancing their understanding and skills in this rapidly evolving field. The topics ranged from the evolution of the digital society to audience analysis, strategic marketing, and practical sessions on videography and photography techniques. The lectures also delved into graphic design principles, digital media monitoring, AI, and strategies for combatting digital disinformation. They culminated in a simulation exercise where attendees applied their knowledge in real-time scenarios. The final day showcased a dynamic simulation activity, challenging participants to create digital strategic communications campaigns for authentic case scenarios. This hands-on approach provided invaluable insights and skills, empowering attendees to navigate the complex landscape of digital engagement in government affairs.
In addition to educational sessions, our event emphasised fostering connections and strong bonds among participants. We organised different engaging activities. The highlight was a dinner in Ljubljana, attended by esteemed ambassadors, promoting meaningful exchanges in an informal atmosphere.
The project is a result of cooperation between the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana, and the Centre for European Perspective.
You can check out more photos with a click on the photo below.
![[16 June] Transatlantic Economic Leadership in the 21st Century](https://www.cep.si/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CEP-webinar-June-2023-1-1080x675.webp)
6. 6. 2023 | PR, Transformative Power of Digital
The Centre for European Perspective (CEP) and INFOBALT invite you to an interactive roundtable discussion titled:
Transatlantic Economic Leadership in the 21st Century
Friday, 16 June, 09:00 CET/10:00 EET
ROCKIT VILNIUS, Gyneju str. 14
Follow live here.
Russian aggression in Ukraine, China’s strive not only for economic but for political influence, and authoritarian regimes questioning international order may create a challenge to transatlantic economic leadership. On the one hand, the Russian war in Ukraine has established grounds for the further consolidation of the EU and NATO alliance, including moving to joint procurements, speeding up green financial packages, and reviewing regulations on economic dependencies on semiconductors, raw materials, and hydrocarbons (oil and gas) supplies. At the same time, the global economy is going through a technological shift with digitalization and the growth of the intangible economy, e.g., stock of patents, brands, R&D, and software, defining much of the productivity growth in modern economies. As Europe and the US remain the central sources for this shift, they are perfectly positioned to harness it and create a new wave of globalization.
Concurrently, a Europe that is not afraid to receive ideas, technologies, and people from the rest of the world, a Europe without fear of technological change and capable of taking risks to fight climate change and support social diversity and economic prosperity, would be a dynamic Europe that we need, confident in its capabilities and with public policies that promote exchange and competition.
All in all, if Europe and America can find the (common) ground for establishing the policies and rules that will guide new commerce and concretize their strategic partnership, they can increase their capacity to generate new prosperity and stand up against new aggressions by malevolent regimes.
- What will the digital economy of the future look like?
- Is the EU’s strategic autonomy the right answer to achieve its “long-term” industrial and technological ambitions?
- What competitiveness policies should the EU pursue to ensure higher economic growth?
- What should our next steps (future policies) be to ensure that our strategic partnership can reap the benefits of the emerging ideas-based economy, trade in services, and ideas?
Joining us to discuss these questions are:
❖ Jovita Neliupšienė, Deputy Foreign Minister of Lithuania
❖ Jaka Repanšek, Chair of the Strategic Committee on Digital Regulation and Environment of the Slovenian Digital Coalition
❖ Marta Poslad, Head of Public Policy, Central and Eastern Europe, Google
❖ Fredrik Erixon, Director of ECIPE
Moderated by: Dr Rolandas Kačinskas, Foreign Policy Advisor to the Speaker of the Seimas
Join us for a discussion live or on social media, as the discussion will be streamed on INFOBALT’s and CEP’s Facebook profiles.
![[Event] Slovenia and Latvia: Spacebound](https://www.cep.si/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/647f1d08e6c9d_2359187526.jpeg)
6. 6. 2023 | PR, Transformative Power of Digital
The Centre for European Perspective (CEP) and the Latvian Institute of International Affairs (LIIA) invite you to a high-level international discussion
Slovenia and Latvia: Spacebound
12 June 2023 at 13:00 (CET)
ALTUM hall, Domas laukums 4 & online
Europe and the world are going through a profound geopolitical realignment. Our digital future has thus become not only a question of economic growth and prosperity but also a geopolitical one. The war in Ukraine has shown, once again, how important it is for the EU and the US to take the lead in promoting certain shared values, which are based on human rights, democratic accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
The two-panel event will feature a discussion with the Former Presidents of Slovenia and Latvia and their reflections on current geopolitical developments, opportunities for strategic partnership – military cooperation, and the future role of the East and the United States in shaping security dynamics. The second panel will explore the digital dimension of the strategic partnership within the European Union and address the potential for collaboration in areas such as digital innovation and the development of emerging technologies and future digital transformation.
Please register to attend event in-person here.
Presidential Reflections: Future Geopolitical Realities
Speakers:
- H.E. Borut Pahor, Former President and Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia
- H.E. Vladis Zatlers, Former President of the Republic of Latvia
Moderator: Dr Karlis Bukovskis, Director, Latvian Institute of International Affairs
Charting Prospects of the Digital Economy
Speakers:
- Matevž Frangež, State Secretary, Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of Slovenia.
- Juris Pūce, Chairperson of the Latvian Development, Former Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of Latvia
- Ieva Siliņa, Advisor to the Minister of Economy on issues of innovation and digitization
Moderator: Morten Hansen, Head of Economics Department of Stockholm School of Economics
The entire agenda of the event can be found here.
The event will be streamed on CEP and LIIA Facebook profiles.
25. 5. 2023 | EUCTI, PR
CEP’s Peace and Security and the Strategic Communication Department are happy to announce they will again be able to contribute to the overall efficiency, resilience and strength of the EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine). Under the auspices of the European Union Civilian Training Initiative (EUCTI), CEP will conduct a need-based online Advanced Digital Communication training, split into three days: 31 May, 7 & 13 June 2023.
The rapid and immense spread of dis- and misinformation and the emergence of quickly evolving artificial intelligence programmes and tools such as ChatGPT has strongly affected the work of civilian crisis management missions. Additionally, the war in Ukraine significantly contributed to the need of the EUAM Ukraine to focus even more and in a different way on digital communication tools and channels. In the past year, they have been able to help improve the resilience and effectiveness of civilian crisis management in the country through disseminating information, coordinating response efforts and engaging with the local communities. The tailor-made Advanced Digital Communication training will build on the knowledge and experience of the Press and Public Information Office personnel and provide them with practical examples of how to upgrade their communication efforts.
The course methodology is designed to maximise practical skill development. Through pre-training tasks, evaluations, and interactive sessions with the trainers, participants will engage in collective brainstorming, reflective practice, and case studies to reinforce their learning experience. They will also touch upon the findings of the EUAM Ukraine’s social media channels analysis, prepared by one of the trainers.
Digital Communication Modules
Each module of the course is tailored to address specific communication challenges:
- Storytelling, where participants will gain a deep understanding of storytelling methods and tools, enabling them to communicate complex topics effectively. Furthermore, by overcoming the “curse of knowledge,” they will learn to engage audiences through compelling narratives, improving the visibility of the mission and its activities.
- Social Media Report Analysis will provide practical and strategic guidance on improving social media channels. Participants will learn to optimise their communication strategies, outlook, and performances, enhancing their digital presence.
- Disinformation, where the participants will examine significant disinformation cases in Ukraine and worldwide, which will help them gain valuable insights and develop strategies to raise awareness and build resilience against disinformation.
- Meta platform changes will focus on the latest changes and future developments in Meta (formerly Facebook) since January 2023. With a focus on communication strategy, participants will gain valuable advice on adapting their communication activities to leverage the new platform effectively.
- and Telegram utilisation, through which the participants will receive essential training on Telegram, from efficient usage to launching and managing a successful Telegram channel. This module will equip participants with the skills needed to enhance their communication activities and prepare for the launch of their channel.
CEP is happy to support EUCTI and believes this training will help improve EUAM Ukraine’s communication strategies, learn and use storytelling techniques, and fight against dis- and misinformation. Last but not least, it will assist the mission personnel in adapting to new and evolving communication platforms. In turn, the mission’s overall impact and reach will be improved, alongside the participants’ skills necessary to excel in the dynamic world of digital communication.
