The French Ambassador to Kosovo, Oliver Guerot, emphasized the seriousness of the disinformation situation in our region and the risk it poses to social and political stability.
France is taking steps to combat disinformation also in the Balkans, particularly in Kosovo, where, according to Guerot, there are many actors who would like to create chaos once again.
At the opening of the “Balkan News Truck” activity—an initiative where citizens can engage in dialogue with members of Hybrid. Info to learn about disinformation and artificial intelligence, and how to detect them—Guerot said that this fight is mainly being waged by Russia.
Guerot added that the French government has decided to respond to these fake news narratives created by Russia, by supporting the media and raising public awareness.
“The situation is very serious, we are in the middle of an information war where no lie is too big, where everything is allowed. And this war is being waged mainly by Russia, but not only by Russia. They are targeting civilians, just as Russian drones are targeting civilians in Ukraine. And what they are trying to do is to sell their lies… That is why the French government has decided to respond to this. One of the responses is to support the media, free and independent media, as well as to raise public awareness of the fact that they are victims of a disinformation campaign… We also have a range of programs to support free media,” said Guerot.
Meanwhile, yesterday in France, near several mosques, pig heads were found placed there by foreign actors. The French ambassador, Olivier Guerot, declared that his country is being affected by disinformation campaigns originating from countries like Russia, due to France’s support for Ukraine.
“We want to be active not only in France, and in the defense of our society, but we want to be active here in the Balkans, here in Kosovo, because this region is at peace, but fragile. And there are many actors, malicious actors, who would like to create chaos here again. France is targeted by Russia because of our concrete involvement in supporting Ukraine. The amount of lies and campaigns is very concerning. Yesterday, there were pig heads placed outside mosques in France, and the police tracked down that the perpetrators of the crime were foreign agents. So, the goal is to create division and chaos,” he said.
Meanwhile, the manager of Hybrid. Info, Xhemajl Avdyli, said that Pristina is the final destination of the “Balkan News Truck” and that citizens can visit it today at “Ibrahim Rugova” square.
“This project started in Kosovo. First, we stayed in Prizren, Mitrovica, yesterday we were in Peja, and today, finally, we are with the citizens of Pristina. We will speak with all citizens passing by to inform them about the great risks posed by disinformation, which is being spread everywhere,” added Avdyli. Today’s activity, “Balkan News,” will be an action across the entire region, starting here in Kosovo. The “Balkan News Truck” initiative is implemented by CFI (the French Media Development Agency), in partnership with the Metamorphosis Foundation, and supported by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, as part of the Shared Horizons project.
