Tuesday September 8, 2026
Location
- Brussels Institute for Advanced Studies (BrIAS), U-Square, Building A/B, Blvd Général Jacques 210, 1050 Ixelles
- Public transportation: Etterbeek Station (train, tram 7/25, bus 95)
Registrations are open! Please register by August 31, 2026 below.
MORNING
Countering disinformation by …
08:30
Registration
09:00
Welcome by EDMO BELUX and BrIAS
- Trisha Meyer (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Geoffroy Patriarche (UCLouvain Saint-Louis Bruxelles), EDMO BELUX Co-Leads
- Silvia Erzeel (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), BrIAS Programme Co-Director, Democratic Governance: Challenges and Innovations
09:10
Quand journalistes et élèves se rencontrent : regards sur les ateliers de terrain
Cette présentation partage les résultats d’une étude collaborative coordonnée par Média Animation dans le cadre du volet Éducation aux médias d’EDMO BELUX. Basée sur une méthodologie d’observation commune mise en œuvre par l’AJP, Lie Detectors et la RTBF, l’étude s’intéresse à ce qui se joue lors des rencontres entre journalistes et élèves autour des questions de désinformation et d’information. À partir d’observations réalisées lors de ces ateliers, elle analyse le déroulement de ces derniers, comment les élèves participent aux échanges et quelles dynamiques pédagogiques émergent de ces interactions. Elle explore également les représentations, les connaissances et les discours mobilisés par les journalistes et les élèves autour de l’information, des médias, du journalisme et de la désinformation, ainsi que la façon dont ils se confrontent, se négocient ou se complètent au fil des échanges. Le panel reviendra enfin sur les principaux enseignements méthodologiques et éducatifs issus de cette collaboration entre partenaires.
When journalists meet students: Observing media literacy workshops in practice
This presentation shares the results of a collaborative study coordinated by Média Animation as part of the Media Literacy work package of EDMO BELUX. Based on a shared observation methodology implemented by AJP, Lie Detectors and RTBF, the study explores what takes place during encounters between journalists and students around questions of information and disinformation. Drawing on observations conducted during these workshops, it examines how the sessions unfold, how students participate in the discussions, and what pedagogical dynamics emerge from these interactions. It also explores the representations, knowledge and narratives mobilised by journalists and students around information, media, journalism and disinformation, as well as the ways in which these perspectives are challenged, negotiated and complemented throughout the exchanges. The panel will also reflect on the main methodological and educational insights emerging from this collaboration between partners.
This opening panel will be held in French.
Moderator: Valentine François (Média Animation, EDMO BELUX WP4 Lead)
Speakers
Jil Theunissen
Valentin Jamet
Marie Gilson
Faustine Grosjean
09:55
Transition and transfer to breakout rooms (parallel tracks)
Research Track
10:00
Analysing deep fakes, AI slop and disinformation
This session will be held in English.
Moderator: Tom Willaert (Royal Military Academy)
This presentation examines the role of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in Russian propaganda and disinformation campaigns targeting European audiences through social media, with particular attention to X (formerly Twitter). The study focuses specifically on the growing use of deepfakes and so-called “AI slop” videos—rapidly produced, low-quality AI-generated audiovisual content designed to flood information spaces with misleading or emotionally manipulative material.
Speaker
Gabriele Cosentino
This presentation introduces a prototype automated pipeline for monitoring online disinformation. By collecting a corpus of social media content from a selected case study across Belgium and Luxembourg, the study seeks to classify recurring narratives and usages of generative artificial intelligence for information manipulation. This work constitutes an early-stage prototype of the empirical component of a broader PhD project examining the relationship between generative artificial intelligence, information manipulation, and trust.
Speaker
Joseph Di Vincenti
Media Literacy Track
10:00
Assessing media literacy needs
This session will be held in English and French.
Moderator: Sascha Helsper (University of Luxembourg)
Cette communication interroge la théorie de l’inoculation, souvent présentée comme une solution clé contre la désinformation, mais dont les fondements et les pratiques pédagogiques restent flous. Elle montre que cette métaphore vaccinale sert parfois de caution scientifique, au risque de masquer la complexité réelle des phénomènes de désinformation et des médiations éducatives. L’objectif est de clarifier sur quelles preuves un éducateur peut réellement s’appuyer pour mobiliser cette approche.
Speaker
Martin Culot
The presentation examines how EU discourses frame disinformation as a threat to democracy by constructing the figure of the “informed citizen,” which in turn shapes both the problem definition and policy responses. Using Critical Discourse Studies, it argues that underlying assumptions about how citizens become informed have significant implications for the design of disinformation mitigation strategies.
Speaker
Sabri Derinöz
11:00
Break and networking
11:25
Transition and transfer to breakout rooms (parallel tracks)
Raising democratic resilience by…
Research Track
11:30
Voicing disinformation expertise in public debates? Well, it’s complicated
In this workshop, participants will engage in a ‘diagnosis’ of the issues and challenges that they face and/or must take into consideration when talking about disinformation in public debate, and outline approaches, strategies, or even techniques that allow disinformation expertise to be voiced – and heard – in the public sphere.
This workshop will be held in English
Moderator: Geoffroy Patriarche (UCLouvain Saint-Louis Bruxelles, EDMO BELUX Co-Lead)
Speakers
Sabri Derinöz
Simon Desplanque
Media Literacy Track
11:30
Equipping citizens
This session will be held in English and French.
Moderator: Tatiana Debrabandere (CSEM)
Cette communication interroge la manière dont l’injonction institutionnelle à lutter contre la désinformation reconfigure les pratiques et les positionnements des acteurs de l’éducation aux médias en Belgique francophone. À partir d’entretiens menés auprès de professionnel/les du secteur, elle montre que si cette injonction structure de plus en plus les dispositifs de financement et d’action, elle donne aussi lieu à des stratégies d’appropriation, de mise à distance et de réaffirmation de l’autonomie pédagogique. L’analyse met ainsi en lumière les tensions et recompositions professionnelles qui traversent aujourd’hui l’éducation aux médias.
Speakers
Cédric Tant
Marie Dufrasne
This presentation discusses how Lie Detectors prepares journalists for involvement in media and information literacy (MIL) activities. Drawing on experiences from across Europe, it highlights how journalists can adapt their professional skills for educational settings and engage young audiences in critical discussions about disinformation, information, and ethical journalism. Participants will learn about the training, materials and ongoing support that help journalists deliver impactful media literacy workshops.
Speaker
Sinem Sahin
12:30
Lunch
13:25
Transition and transfer to breakout rooms (parallel tracks)
AFTERNOON
Countering disinformation by …
Fact-Checking Track
13:30
Monitoring climate disinformation, mainstream media and democratic resilience: Evidence-based responses in Belgium and the EU
This panel addresses climate disinformation as a systemic democratic risk, with a particular focus on its presence not only on digital platforms but also within mainstream media ecosystems. QuotaClimat has developed an evidence-based monitoring and advocacy approach following the detection of recurring cases of climate misinformation and misleading framing in mainstream media across several EU Member States, including Belgium, France, Spain, Germany. The panel will present recent European findings on climate disinformation trends and amplification mechanisms, alongside preliminary research results from Belgium. It will explore how misleading content travels between online platforms, political actors and traditional media, and how gaps in professional standards, editorial practices and regulatory oversight may contribute to information vulnerabilities.
This panel will be held in English.
Moderator: Louna Wemaere (QuotaClimat)
Speakers
Arnaud Benoîs
Sabri Derinöz
Policy Track Panel
13:30
Researching gender and identity-based disinformation
Identity-based disinformation increasingly targets individuals and groups based on gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, migration background, and other identity markers. These campaigns are designed not only to undermine trust in individuals and institutions but also to deepen social polarization and discourage participation in democratic life.
This panel brings together researchers and practitioners to discuss how identity-based disinformation manifests across European contexts, with particular attention to gendered disinformation targeting women in politics and public life. Drawing on recent research from Central Europe, including comparative findings from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the discussion will situate these experiences within broader European trends and explore similarities and differences across countries and communities.
Panelists will examine emerging narratives, methodological approaches to researching identity-based disinformation, the impact on political participation and democratic resilience, and policy responses at national and European levels. The session aims to connect academic research with practical policy considerations and contribute to ongoing discussions on safeguarding democratic debate in increasingly fragmented information environments.
This panel will be held in English.
Moderator: Natália Sabol Tkáčová (Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom)
Speaker
Rachel Winny
14:30
Transition and transfer to breakout rooms (parallel tracks)
Raising democratic resilience by …
Fact-Checking Track
14:40
Reinforcing relevant and sustainable fact-checking
This session will be held in English.
Moderator: Grégoire Ryckmans (RTBF)
Although financial sustainability is a growing concern for the fact-checking community, academic research into this sector’s business models remains limited. Based on a scoping review of 82 academic publications, this presentation explores how researchers have approached the business aspects of fact-checking. It also considers the possibility that there is no one-size-fits-all model for fact-checking, and that rather than being directly replicated, sustainability strategies need to be adapted to specific market conditions.
Speaker
Helene Seynaeve
This presentation investigates the integration of Artificial Intelligence within fact-checking journalism through a comparative analysis involving semi-structured interviews with practitioners in six countries. The study explores how varying sociopolitical contexts and professional routines influence the adoption of AI as an essential tool in fact-checking. The findings demonstrate that while AI is an indispensable asset for preliminary verification, a persistent reliance on human agency currently ensures that final editorial judgments remain a human responsibility.
Speaker
Paulo Ferracioli
Policy Track
14:40
Mitigating political disinformation
This session will be held in English and French.
Moderator: Trisha Meyer (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, EDMO BELUX Co-Lead)
A whole-of-society approach to countering FIMI requires empowering civil society actors to identify and tackle enablers and incentives of information manipulations across sectors. International IDEA developed an interdisciplinary Global Methodology designed to do that. Building on its recent roll-out in pilot contexts such as Moldova, the presentation will review findings, assess impact and validate the overall framework, delivering value for practitioners and policymakers.
Speakers
Federico Giulio Sicurella
Alisa Schaible
This presentation will provide an overview of the implementation of the Code of Conduct on Disinformation, with a focus on the CEDMO region and the French case through DE FACTO. It will examine the commitments of the signatory very large online platforms in relation to user empowerment, research community empowerment, and fact-checking community empowerment.
Speaker
Amine Bidar
Cette communication interroge la loi galloise visant à criminaliser le mensonge en politique. Serait-elle plus qu’un simple évènement législatif mais le point de départ d’une nouvelle pratique de la politique? Que prévoit-elle? Quels sont les facteurs qui ont permis à cette idée d’arriver jusqu’au parlement et d’obtenir un soutien?
Speaker
Léopold Verlaine Corbion
15:45
Break and networking
16:15
Digital Services Action: what if we actually enforced the DSA?
This closing policy panel at the EDMO BELUX conference seeks to clear some of the bottlenecks in the enforcement of the EU Digital Services Act. Speakers reflect on how researchers can access platform research data, discuss preliminary insights on how DSCs are fulfilling their mandates, and how civil society is taking platforms to court over violations of the DSA.
Digital Services Action : et si on appliquait vraiment le DSA ?
Ce panel de clôture de la conférence EDMO BELUX cherche à lever certains des blocages dans l’application du règlement européen sur les services numériques (DSA). Les intervenants reviendront sur les modalités d’accès des chercheurs aux données des plateformes, partageront des premiers enseignements sur la manière dont les coordinateurs pour les services numériques (CSD) remplissent leurs missions, et comment la société civile recourt aux tribunaux pour faire respecter le DSA face aux manquements des plateformes.
This closing panel will be held in English.
Moderator: Joe McNamee (EU Disinfolab)
Speakers
Aidan O’Brien
Nikos Sarris
17:15
Closing remarks
- Trisha Meyer (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Geoffroy Patriarche (UCLouvain Saint-Louis Bruxelles), EDMO BELUX Co-Leads
- Geoffroy Patriarche (UCLouvain Saint-Louis Bruxelles), EDMO BELUX Co-Leads
17:30