The Battle for the Truth

This is the final symposium of the KVAB Thinkers’ Programme on Democracy & Disinformation that aimed to reflect on the impact of disinformation on the democratic processes.

‘Thinkers-in-residence’ Anja Bechmann and Ben O’Loughlin present their findings. Policymakers and experts from media and academia respond.

The symposium will be held in English. It will take place at the Flemish Parliament in Brussels.

Program

• 09:00 – 10:00: Registration & coffee
• 10:00 – 10:15: Opening
• 10:15 – 10:30: About the Thinkers’ Programme – Jaak Billiet (KVAB, KU Leuven)
• 10:30 – 12:00: Disinformation crisis in Europe? Evidence from the European 2019 elections – Claes de Vreese (University of Amsterdam)
  • Responses: Tim Pauwels (VRT), Lien Verpoest (KU Leuven)
  • Q&A
• 12:00 – 13:00: Lunch
• 13:00 – 15:00: Preliminary thinkers report on Democracy and Disinformation – Anja Bechmann (Aarhus University) en Ben O’Loughlin (Royal Holloway, University of London)
  • Responses: Jan-Frederik Abbeloos (De Standaard), Ike Picone (VUB), Katia Segers (Sp.a)
  • Q&A
• 15:00 – 15:45: Response from federal minister Philippe De Backer (Ministre de l’Agenda numérique, des Télécommunications et de la Poste)
• 15:45 – 16:00: Closing – Peter Van Aelst (UAntwerpen)
• 16:00 – 17:00: Reception