Between two elections – The role and significance of Russian disinformation in Polish and Hungarian societies during the 2025 and 2026 election periods
Rola rosyjskiej dezinformacji w procesach wyborczych Polski i Węgier: Kontekst społeczny i polityczny (2025-2026)
Két választás között – Az orosz dezinformáció helye és szerepe a lengyel és magyar társadalmakban a 2025-ös és 2026-os választási években
The project aims to reflect on the place and significance of Russian disinformation in the Hungarian and Polish public spheres during the years of elections.
The project exposes and counteracts disinformation and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) in Hungary and Poland while building public resilience against threats to democratic values, electoral processes and social stability. The primary goal of the project is to engage researchers and audiences in both countries. The project highlights the complexity of disinformation activities and their impact on everyday life of the people, as well as structural effects on democratic processes in Europe and beyond. The project is implemented in a highly relevant context: Polish presidential elections were taking place in 2025, while Hungarian parliamentary elections will be held in April 2026.
The project also serves as a bridgebuilder between Polish and Hungarian researchers, highly recognised experts and audiences, highlighting how narratives influence local realities and fostering collaboration to uphold democratic values and social integrity. The project could also serve as a focal point for future media literacy projects in which audience raising awareness is one of the key objectives.
Within the framework of this project CIJ carries out the following activities:
1.) High-level international workshop involving key Polish and Hungarian experts on Russian disinformation and FIMI
2.) Publication which explores and explains the role and significance of Russian disinformation and FIMI in Hungary and Poland
3.) Communication campaign: project results will be disseminated through various channels
Duration:
29 September 2025 – 18 December 2025
Project managers:
Erik Uszkiewicz & Éva Vajda
The project is financed by the Wacław Felczak Polish-Hungarian Cooperation Institute. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the Wacław Felczak Polish-Hungarian Cooperation Institute.
Przedsięwzięcie jest finansowane ze środków Instytutu Współpracy Polsko-Węgierskiej im. Wacława Felczaka. Jednak poglądy i opinie wyrażone w tekście są wyłącznie poglądami i opiniami autorów i nie odzwierciedlają poglądów Instytutu Współpracy Polsko-Węgierskiej im. Wacława Felczaka.
A Wacław Felczak Lengyel-Magyar Együttműködési Intézet által finanszírozott projekt. A kifejtett nézetek és vélemények azonban kizárólag a szerző(k) sajátjai, és nem feltétlenül tükrözik a Wacław Felczak Lengyel-Magyar Együttműködési Intézet nézeteit.
