Democracy in Dialogue. Fake (f)or real
The interactive Hike & Talk event in Innsbruck explored how disinformation works, why it spreads, and what can be done about it.
Fighting Disinformation Through Dialogue
How can we spot disinformation? Why does it spread so rapidly? And what can individuals do to combat it?
These were the central questions at the heart of Democracy in Dialogue: Fake (f)or Real, an event held on 6 June 2025 in Innsbruck. But this was not a typical panel discussion. This time, participants headed into the mountains for a discussion on the move. In an interactive “Hike & Talk” format, attendees walked alongside experts from politics, academia and the media, engaging in open conversations about the growing challenges posed by disinformation.
Before setting off, Othmar Karas, President of the European Forum Alpbach, welcomed participants and underscored the value of open, honest dialogue in a well-functioning democracy. Throughout the afternoon, Reingard Diermayr, journalist at ORF Tirol, guided the discussions, encouraging a lively debate.
Democracy depends on solid foundations
Professor Matthias C. Kettemann highlighted that clear legal frameworks are vital for any democracy to function properly. Fundamental rights must be protected to enable free and informed public opinion. The state, he argued, has a duty to provide a trustworthy communication infrastructure by safeguarding it through thoughtful regulation.
The digital sphere and political responsibility
MEP Sophia Kircher spoke about the challenges of protecting democracy in the digital age. With digital platforms and artificial intelligence reshaping how we access and share information, she stressed the need for political action to ensure citizens can navigate this space critically. Media literacy is essential to this effort.
Fact or fiction?
Matthias Krapf, editor-in-chief of the Tiroler Tageszeitung, gave insights into journalism nowadays. Not all incorrect information is disinformation, he cautioned that there is often a fine line between opinion, mistakes and intentionally misleading content. In the age of social media and growing public scepticism, the role of professional journalism has never been more crucial. According to Krapf, the challenge lies in maintaining factual accuracy while rebuilding trust in the media.
EFA365: Year-round Policy Debates
The event is part of the EFA365 initiative, where the European Forum Alpbach organises discussions throughout the year in Vienna, Berlin, Brussels, Innsbruck and other cities. The goal is to deepen key policy topics continuously, preparing for the Forum's debates in August.
These are the topics of the Democracy Track at the EFA25:
- Europe in the World Days (23-26 August): People and Power: Strengthening Truth and Trust
- Austria in Europe Days (26-29 August): Democracy and Rule of Law in the Digital Age: AI, Disinformation and Media
Join us at EFA25 for more hikes and discussions
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