The European Union has dropped its sponsorship of a leading disinformation conference after pressure from Trump administration officials, according to reports. The annual event, #Disinfo2026, organized by EU Disinfo Lab, faced unexpected withdrawals from key supporters just days before it began in Vilnius, Lithuania.
US Pressure Leads to Sponsor Withdrawals
The Trump administration reportedly contacted multiple governments to urge them to withdraw their sponsorship of the conference. Canada, Lithuania, and the EU's diplomatic service, the European External Action Service (EEAS), subsequently agreed to do so. Internal State Department documents seen by The Guardian show US officials thanking Lithuania for "taking US concerns seriously" and expressing gratitude for their cooperation.
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The conference, which drew hundreds of researchers, journalists, technologists, and policymakers, is a key annual meetup for Europe's counter-disinformation community. The removal of sponsors was evident on the event's website, where logos of the Lithuanian ministry of foreign affairs, EEAS, and Global Affairs Canada were wiped off. Photos from the event also revealed white stickers affixed over printed logos on official materials, indicating a hasty removal.
Impact on the Disinformation Community
The withdrawals raise concerns about political interference in independent research and dialogue on disinformation. The conference serves as a vital platform for sharing insights and strategies to combat false information. The absence of major sponsors could affect future events and the broader fight against disinformation.
Three people familiar with the matter, including European officials, confirmed that the US State Department had been in touch with multiple governments regarding their support for the conference. The pressure campaign appears to be part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to influence how disinformation is addressed internationally.
Key Takeaways
- The EU, Canada, and Lithuania withdrew sponsorship from #Disinfo2026 after US pressure.
- The conference is a major annual event for Europe's counter-disinformation community.
- Internal US documents show gratitude to Lithuania for cooperating with US concerns.
- Sponsor logos were removed from the website and covered with stickers at the event.
- The withdrawals may have lasting effects on disinformation research and policy.
Comparison of Sponsor Withdrawals
| Sponsor | Country/Region | Withdrawal Status |
|---|---|---|
| Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Lithuania | Withdrawn |
| European External Action Service (EEAS) | European Union | Withdrawn |
| Global Affairs Canada | Canada | Withdrawn |
FAQ
What is #Disinfo2026?
#Disinfo2026 is an annual conference on disinformation organized by EU Disinfo Lab, bringing together researchers, journalists, and policymakers to discuss strategies against disinformation.
Why did the EU drop its sponsorship?
The EU withdrew its sponsorship after the Trump administration pressured multiple governments to do so, according to reports.
How did the conference handle the sponsor withdrawals?
Sponsor logos were removed from the conference website, and white stickers were placed over printed logos on official materials at the event.
The incident underscores the growing politicization of disinformation efforts and the challenges faced by independent organizations in navigating international pressures.
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