Strengthening Cooperation in the Fight Against Disinformation: A French-Estonian Mission

A delegation of French disinformation experts successfully concluded a fact-finding mission in Estonia from October 9 to 12 as part of the NATO-funded project “France and Estonia – Together Against Disinformation” (FREETAD). It brought together experts from both countries to strengthen cooperation and enhance understanding of disinformation and hybrid threats, informed by Estonia’s leading experience in these fields.

Collaborative Engagements in High-Level Meetings

The delegation, representing ESPOL, the University of Bordeaux, University of Caen Normandy, and Free University of Brussels, engaged in high-level meetings with Estonian stakeholders, including government officials, academics, cybersecurity professionals, military personnel, and strategic communication experts.

Key highlights of the mission included meetings with Marek Kohv (International Centre for Defence and Security), Rainer Saks (CybExer Technologies), Mihkel Tamm (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia), and experts from the Government Office of Estonia’s Strategic Communication Department. These discussions provided valuable insights into Estonia’s innovative strategies for combating disinformation and protecting societal resilience.

On October 10, Ambassador Emmanuel G.F. Mignot of the French Embassy in Estonia hosted the delegation at the French Residence, fostering dialogue with representatives from media, education, and civil society. The discussions underscored the importance of transnational cooperation in addressing this evolving threat and set the stage for future collaborative efforts.

Discussing Hybrid Interference and Military Cooperation

The mission also included a visit to the Baltic Defence College, where the delegation participated in a debate on hybrid interference and disinformation with resident experts and visiting U.S. Congressional staffers. At the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies, the delegation met with in-house specialists addressing different aspects of disinformation, gaining deeper insights into Estonia’s comprehensive approach to these challenges.

On October 12, the delegation visited the French garrison in Tapa and held discussions with Commander Lt. Col. Pauchet, who shared the unit’s contributions to NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence (EFP) in Estonia. A static display of the unit’s vehicles and capabilities showcased the operational readiness and role of the French forces in maintaining regional security.

Reflections on Disinformation and Democratic Resilience

Kim Graves, a political science doctorate at ESPOL, reflected on the importance of addressing disinformation, emphasizing its critical role in safeguarding democratic processes. “Mitigating disinformation is essential for preserving the integrity of our democracies, but we must also remain vigilant about the risks posed by the countermeasures themselves. In the effort to curb false information, there is always the potential for misuse, which could encroach on freedom of speech. Striking a balance between protecting democracy and safeguarding fundamental rights is crucial to avoid undermining the very values we seek to protect.”

Article by Kim Graves