On April 6-7, 2024, the picturesque city of Rouen, France, played host to the “European Press Day,” a significant conference aimed at addressing the pressing issues of false information, conspiracy theories, and the role of AI in media. The Seminar, a part of the activities from the project Check’Europe (ECR2I) was Organized by Les Jeunes Européens – France, with an impressive consortium including Center for Intercultural Dialogue from North Macedonia, the Union of European Federalists from Hungary, Jeunes Europeens Federalistes from Belgium, Are We Europe from The Netherlands, and Madmoizelle from France, the event brought together journalists, media experts, and enthusiasts from across Europe.
Among the attendees were Besart Shabani, our project coordinator at Center for Intercultural Dialogue (CID); Andrej Kuzevski, a young participant from North Macedonia with a keen interest in fake news and EU awareness; Miroslav Petkovikj, a stand-up comedian who combats fake news through his performances; and Ardit Ramadani, a journalist and speaker at the event. This diverse delegation reflected the broad spectrum of participants who gathered to exchange insights and strategies for tackling misinformation.
The conference was held in the spacious and historic Museum of Arts in Rouen. The lively atmosphere was charged with intellectual curiosity and engagement, as participants eagerly interacted with the speakers, asking questions and sharing their perspectives. The setting provided a perfect backdrop for the vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences.
One of the attendees, Andrej Kuzevski, shared his experience, noting the exceptional quality of the seminar. “I had an overall perfect experience, especially as a listener. It was very helpful for understanding what journalists from all around Europe have to go through,” Andrej remarked. He highlighted the diverse range of speakers, including seasoned investigative journalists and digital media experts, who provided invaluable insights and practical advice tailored to the needs of modern journalists.
The conference’s primary focus was on combating false information and conspiracy theories, particularly during electoral periods. The sessions aimed to train journalists on analyzing false information and fact-checking, equipping them with the necessary skills to ensure the integrity of information disseminated to the public. The conference also sought to raise awareness among students and associations about the treatment of EU information and encourage the exchange of good practices.
A significant aspect of the conference was the opportunity for networking. Besart Shabani noted, “We had the chance to network with journalists from across Europe, which was invaluable.” This networking enabled participants to forge connections, share experiences, and collaborate on future projects aimed at combating misinformation.
The event provided Besart and his colleagues with deeper insights into the complexities of fake news, the importance of accurate information, and the evolving role of AI in media. The discussions and workshops empowered participants to become more adept at fact-checking and understanding the nuances of EU information.
The European Press Day in Rouen was more than just a conference; it was a crucial gathering of minds dedicated to addressing some of the most significant challenges facing modern journalism. With its focus on training, awareness, and the exchange of good practices, the event underscored the importance of integrity and accuracy in media, particularly in the digital age. As Andrej Kuzevski aptly summarized, “I am grateful that I had the chance to be part of it and look forward to visiting some projects from the same organization in the future.”
The conference not only provided valuable knowledge and skills but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose among European journalists, united in their commitment to truth and accuracy in reporting.
