A new edition of Coffee with Ambassadors was held yesterday at Europe House Veles, focusing on “Digitalisation, Cybersecurity and FIMI (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference)”. The event brought together the French Ambassador, H.E. Christophe Le Rigoleur, and the Italian Ambassador, H.E. Paolo Palminteri.
Among the participants were representatives of local institutions, the media, civil society and the business community, as well as young people and teachers. Discussions focused on the impact of digital platforms on public discourse and democracy, media independence, the protection of citizens’ rights online, and the challenges posed by disinformation and cybersecurity threats.
The conversation explored who sets the rules and shapes the content we see, share and read on digital platforms, as well as Europe’s efforts to safeguard citizens’ rights and democratic values in the digital environment. Participants also discussed European regulations governing digital platforms, the relationship between protecting democracy and upholding freedom of speech, and ways to strengthen journalistic integrity at both local and global levels.
Cyberattacks were examined as a security challenge, rather than merely a technical problem. Particular attention was given to foreign information manipulation and disinformation in Europe and the Western Balkans. The discussion addressed how existing divisions and unresolved disputes can be exploited to spread messages that undermine trust and contribute to instability.
Participants also considered what candidate countries can do to protect democracy and the information space even before joining the EU, and what support EU Member States can provide to help them meet these challenges.
At the end of the discussion, participants were invited to reflect on how local institutions, the media, schools, civil society and the business community can help make their communities more resilient to manipulation.
Coffee with Ambassadors is part of Europe House’s activities aimed at creating space for dialogue on European policies, experiences and values, and exploring their practical significance for citizens and local communities across North Macedonia.