Building institutional capacity to counter foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) in Ukraine

Join International IDEA for an event titled “Building institutional capacity to counter foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) in Ukraine" on 19 March 2026 from 12:30 to 16:30 (Kyiv time) in Kyiv. The event will be held in-person and online.

This event will bring together representatives of Ukrainian institutions, international organizations, and civil society to discuss approaches to countering foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), including international practices and possible institutional models for Ukraine.

The programme includes opening remarks from representatives of the Embassy of Norway, the Central Election Commission of Ukraine, and other stakeholders, followed by three thematic sessions focusing on:

•    the concept and relevance of FIMI for Ukraine;
•    international experience and institutional frameworks for countering FIMI;
•    discussion of possible coordination models and policy approaches for Ukraine.

The event will be conducted primarily in Ukrainian, with several speakers presenting in English.  

Registration deadline: 16 March 2026.

AGENDA

13:00-13:20   Welcome remarks 

• Representative, Embassy of Norway (TBC)
• Christina Danielsson, the Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden
  CEC Representative
• Olha Herasymiuk, National council on television and radio broadcasting of Ukraine
• Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, Head of the VR Committee on freedom of speech (TBC)
• Mykyta Poturaiev, Head of the VR Committee on information policy (TBC)

13:20-14:20  Session 1

What is FIMI and why is it important
Introduction: what is FIMI and why is it important for Ukraine 

• Alberto Fernandez Gibaja, International IDEA (online

Safeguarding elections against hybrid threats 

• Emma Mihlzén, The Folke Bernadotte Academy (online)

Criminal liability for external interference: regulation and challenges of application

• Bohdan Mokhonchuk, legal advisor to the OPORA Civil Network
   

14:20-15:10  Session 2

International experience and architecture for countering FIMI

Presentation of key models existing in EU and NATO countries   

• Yuliya Shypilova, Programme Manager, International  IDEA 

Answers to questions from the audience and online participants.

Case studies - Presentation by France, Sweden, EU

• Julian Merer, VIGINUM (France, online), Psychological Defence Agency (Sweden, online), EEAS (online)

Answers to questions from the audience and online participants.
 

Break

15:20-16:30  Session 3

Discussion of possible models for Ukraine

The state of affairs regarding countering external interference in Ukraine: the existing institutional and legislative framework 

• Serhii Savelii, IFES

Answers to questions from the audience and online participants.

Experience of state authorities in countering external interference in Ukraine 

SSU; CCD (TBC); National council on television and radio broadcasting

Experience of non-governmental organizations in countering foreign interference in Ukraine

Internews-Ukraine

Moderated discussion

• Yuliya Shypilova, Programme Manager, International  IDEA - Moderator

Key issues for discussion:

• Centralized hub or network model? What will work better in the Ukrainian context: a single body or interagency coordination
• Functionality: Identification, analysis, informing management, or direct coordination of the communication response
• Accountability: To whom should one be accountable?
• Development and application of methodology: responsible for development and training.
• The role of NGOs and think tanks: independent watchdogs as support for state institutions.

16:30-16:50 Q&A and agreement on recommendations

• Answers to questions from the audience and online participants.
• Recording proposals for a “road map” for implementing the FIMI countermeasures system in Ukraine.

Closing remarks 

• Yuliya Shypilova, Programme Manager, International  IDEA
• Gio Kobakhidze, IFES Ukraine Country Director