INTERREG project: “Empowering border communities: education and strategies against disinformation. Practical recommendations”
Interreg is a series of EU funding programs that support cooperation. By bringing together organizations from across Europe and beyond, Interreg tackles common challenges and builds long-lasting relationships. From boosting economic growth and regional cohesion to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development, Interreg-funded projects are making a real difference to people’s lives. Together, we are building a more united, resilient, and prosperous Europe, where every region thrives.
The project, which is being developed by the Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy, aims to neutralize the influence of Russian propaganda and fake news on the younger generation and adults living in the border regions of Lithuania and Poland, which border Russia and Belarus. These regions are currently particularly vulnerable to the threats of information warfare, so the project’s activities are focused on increasing public resilience.
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its intensifying information campaign pose a serious threat to democracy, civic cohesion, and regional security. The younger generation, which actively uses social networks, is particularly vulnerable to disinformation. The project will help to develop critical thinking, media literacy, and the ability to recognize propaganda.
Main activities:
- Social research on the impact of propaganda in border regions.
- Training for students and adults on how to recognize and neutralize disinformation.
- Preparation of a special handbook and training program for schools and universities.
- Summer school for Lithuanian and Polish students, promoting cooperation and resilience to information threats.
- Public events and an international conference to raise public awareness.
Project benefits:
- Strengthen the resilience of Lithuanian and Polish border communities to propaganda.
- Develop critical thinking and media literacy among young people and adults.
- It will create long-term measures to combat disinformation (textbooks, training programs).
- It will promote international academic cooperation and public engagement.
Project duration: June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2027.
Budget: EUR 209,868.75 (EU contribution – EUR 167,895).
Partners: University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland) and Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania).
Project implementers at VMU: Prof. Mindaugas Jurkynas and Lect. Aistė Žemaitytė.
