Disinfo4BlackSea: Investigating disinformation in the Black Sea region – focus on Israel/Hamas

Following the Israel-Hamas War, the Black Sea Region Has Become a Focal Point for Disinformation Campaigns. Foreign and non-state actors have intensified their efforts to manipulate public perception in the region. Russia and China, in cooperation with Iran and other entities, have escalated disinformation strategies to amplify divisive narratives at the EU borders. This has led to a significant rise in misinformation, affecting public opinion in Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine.

Disinfo4BlackSea aims to counter these harmful narratives by investigating and exposing the networks, actors, and methods behind disinformation campaigns. Through a combination of media monitoring, digital forensic analysis, and social media research, this project seeks to uncover the impact of disinformation on public sentiment and policy decisions in the region.

Our Mission

Disinfo4BlackSea is committed to:

  • Mapping and analyzing disinformation networks targeting the Black Sea region.
  • Assessing public sentiment and audience reactions to disinformation narratives.
  • Providing fact-based analyses to inform both citizens and policymakers.
  • Strengthening societal resilience against foreign-led disinformation efforts.

Key Activities

  • Media monitoring & analysis: Tracking narratives surrounding the Israel-Hamas war and their amplification in Black Sea region countries.
  • Fact-checking & investigative journalism: Exposing misinformation campaigns through reports and in-depth investigative pieces.
  • Sociological & behavioral research: Measuring shifts in public perception due to disinformation exposure.
  • Engagement with decision-makers: Presenting key findings to policymakers, security experts, and media professionals to enhance strategic communication and countermeasures.

Target Groups

  • General public in Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine, reached through mainstream and social media.
  • Vulnerable communities, including Muslim communities, minorities, and the elderly, who are more susceptible to disinformation.
  • Experts and media professionals engaged through direct communication and reporting.
  • Key policymakers and security officials, benefiting from project findings to enhance counter-disinformation policies.

Consortium

Disinfo4BlackSea is implemented by a strong consortium, each bringing unique expertise in disinformation research and media monitoring:

  • G4Media (Romania): Consortium leader and independent investigative news platform.
  • Romanian Centre for European Policies (CRPE, Romania): Policy research and EU affairs think tank.
  • Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD, Bulgaria): Leading public policy institute with expertise in disinformation analysis.
  • Veridica.ro (Romania): Independent fact-checking media platform.
  • Avangarde (Romania): Sociological market research institute specializing in behavioral analysis.

This project is financed by the European Media Information Fund, trough the ‘Fast-track Call for Investigations into Critical Disinformation Threats’.