In today’s digital age, social media has become the main source of information for more than half of the youth population in Europe. While this offers unprecedented access to content and communication, it also presents significant risks in the form of misinformation and disinformation.
This is why media literacy, critical thinking, and resilience against manipulation have become essential skills—particularly for young people in the Western Balkans, where the challenges of democratic development and European integration are often targeted by hybrid threats and false narratives.
Earlier this month, a regional training titled “Strengthening Media Literacy to Counter Disinformation on EU Integration Among Western Balkan Youth” took place in Durrës. This event was part of a broader effort, following similar trainings held in Belgrade and Žabljak.
The training brought together young leaders and professionals from across the region. Through a series of interactive sessions, participants explored key themes including:
The impact of disinformation and hybrid threats on the EU integration process
Methods for developing effective policy responses to misinformation
Practical strategies for navigating today’s complex and fast-paced media environment
The project was implemented through strong regional collaboration. Alfa Centar in Nikšić worked in partnership with the Professional Association of Security Sector (PASS) in Belgrade, Humanity in Action BiH in Sarajevo, Perspektiva in Durrës, and Horizon Civitas in Skopje.
This initiative is part of the ERC Grant Scheme, co-funded by the European Union under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). The overarching goal is to empower young people across the Western Balkans to become informed, active, and responsible citizens who can contribute to democratic resilience and support the region’s path toward EU integration.
