EU-funded Project Aimed at Promoting Media Literacy and Combating Disinformation Concludes in Uzbekistan

EU-funded Project Aimed at Promoting Media Literacy and Combating Disinformation Concludes in Uzbekistan

"The EU's respond to disinformation is both strategic and principled: we counter false narratives while defending freedom of expression.", - Mindaugas, Kacerauskis, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the EU Delegation in Uzbekistan

On 10 June 2025, a closing seminar was held for the comprehensive project titled "Media Education and Fact-Checking: Promoting Critical Thinking and Information Literacy", implemented by the "Yuksalish" Movement with financial support from the European Union. The event presented key achievements of the project, including proposals to strengthen the professional capacity of media professionals and to improve the legal framework for combating disinformation.

The main goal of the project was to enhance the knowledge and skills of media personnel, bloggers, and young professionals entering the field in critical thinking, fact-checking, and information literacy.

The project was implemented in two key directions:

1. "Media School" Educational Programme:
   In February of this year, two-day intensive training sessions were organized for 27 young journalists, students of specialized faculties, bloggers, and media workers. "Media School" was recognized not only as an educational initiative but also as an important effort to raise media literacy culture in society, teach methods of detecting fake news, and contribute to the creation of a quality information environment.
2. Analysis of the Legal Framework to Combat Disinformation:
   In the second phase of the project, Uzbekistan's legislation on countering the spread of disinformation in national media was studied. The research assessed the alignment of existing laws and practices with international standards on human rights and freedom of expression. The final report developed concrete recommendations for reducing the risks associated with the spread of false information and for improving regulatory mechanisms.

"The EU's respond to disinformation is both strategic and principled: we counter false narratives while defending freedom of expression.", - Mindaugas, Kacerauskis, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the EU Delegation in Uzbekistan

"This project has been a significant step for Uzbekistan's media environment. We have not only enhanced the skills of journalists and bloggers, but also developed concrete proposals to strengthen the legal basis for combating disinformation. All of this contributes to building a reliable information space in society," said Askar Mamatkhanov, Executive Director of the "Yuksalish" Movement.

The final analytical report and recommendations will be shared with relevant state institutions and the wider public.