Voices for Moldova

A newly launched social media campaign is bringing together 18 content creators from across Moldova to counter disinformation and promote unity in the face of concerted malign influence operations.

IWPR’s six-month Voices for Moldova will support journalists, bloggers, and digital creators from across the country - including the autonomous republic of Gagauzia and the Transnistrian region – to produce original content across multiple platforms.

Moldova is highly exposed to disinformation due to its position between Russian and European spheres of influence, alongside internal political divisions. Weak media independence and low public trust in institutions further enable misleading narratives to spread easily, driven by external actors, Kremlin-affiliated outlets and domestic influence networks.

IWPR's Voices for Moldova is responding to this challenge by empowering trusted local voices to shape a more informed and resilient information environment.

“Social media allows anyone to publish unverified information instantly,” said one project participant from the capital Chișinău, underlining the responsibility that comes with digital reach. “As a result, influencers and content creators can now reach more people than a prime-time news bulletin - often without the same editorial standards.”

“Beyond the wars fought with rockets, there is also a very active war for our minds - and we must work to keep our minds clear and resilient,” said one digital creator, highlighting the broader context in which information warfare unfolded.

The participating content creators come from varied professional and social backgrounds, from youth activists to members of minority communities, ensuring that the campaign reaches diverse segments of Moldovan society.

“Disinformation is not just a communication issue - it is a human rights issue,” said a content creator from the LGBT community.

"When information is intentionally distorted to manipulate people, it infringes upon the right to receive accurate and truthful information.”

Many participants bring prior experience in civic engagement and advocacy, strengthening both credibility and outreach.

The project is implemented in collaboration with media partners including Tuk.md, Ziua de Azi, Nord Press Club, and eSP, alongside civil society organisations such as WatchDog.md and the Youth Media Centre.

Voices for Moldova will also partner with Transparency International-Moldova to strengthen the capacity of local leaders ahead of the 2027 local elections.

Over six months, the initiative will train 200 mayors and local councilors from ten districts on strategic communication and fact-checking.

IWPR Moldova project manager Lara Moraru said the campaign’s regional workshops, practical guides, and scenario-based exercises would equip local officials with skills to counter false narratives and communicate more effectively.

“By combining trusted local voices, strategic partnerships, and practical training, Voices for Moldova represents a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to democratic resilience, placing communities themselves at the forefront of the response to disinformation and safeguarding Moldova’s European future,” she said.

This project is implemented by IWPR with the financial support of the Government of Norway within the BRIC project. The content of this statement is the sole responsibility of IWPR and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Norway.