What is it, and why is it important
Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference - FIMI
Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference, or simply FIMI, represent the ever-evolving strategic and coordinated efforts by foreign actors to twist the truth and sow fear, confusion, and division, ultimately aiming to achieve their own political and economic goals by undermining the credibility of democratic institutions.
Among these foreign actors, two key perpetrators are mentioned most often: Russia and China. Both countries use FIMI as a modern warfare tool to intentionally manipulate public conversations to promote their agenda, encouraging division and polarisation within European societies and beyond.
With 2024 marking a pivotal year for democratic processes – where nearly two billion people worldwide will participate in various elections, including the European Parliament elections in June – FIMI poses a major threat to liberal democracies that rely on the free and open flow of information.
What we do
Our Mission
“Detecting and Countering Information Suppression from A Transnational Perspective” – DE-CONSPIRATOR, is a Horizon Europe-funded project that aims to thoroughly explore Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) using a step-by-step approach that clearly outlines the objectives of the perpetrator’s side, namely Russia and China.
What we aim to achieve
Our Objectives
The project aims to examine the sophisticated information suppression tactics employed by foreign actors, notably Russia and China, within the European Union and its Partner Countries.
Analyse the tactics of those who initiate FIMI
Investigate the factors that contribute to the success of FIMI campaigns
Map out how FIMI spreads within the EU and Partner Countries (PC) through local networks
Develop a multilingual database of FIMI incidents
Who we are
Our Consortium
Comprised of 13 partners from 10 different EU Member States and EU Neighbourhood countries, DE-CONSPIRATOR brings together a diverse group of leading research institutions and organisations, each contributing unique expertise and resources towards developing a better understanding of information suppression by state authorities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions ordered by popularity.
What is Horizon Europe?
Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation, with a budget of €95.5 billion. The programme facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges.
What is DE-CONSPIRATOR?
DE-CONSPIRATOR is a research and innovation project funded by the Horizon Europe programme. It examines Foreign Information and Manipulation Interference tactics employed by foreign actors, notably Russia and China, within the European Union and its Partner Countries.
What is FIMI?
Foreign Information and Manipulation Interference, simply known as FIMI, is a pattern of behaviour that threatens or has the potential to negatively impact values, procedures, and political processes. It is manipulative in character and conducted in an intentional and coordinated manner.
Why do we focus on Russia and China?
The 2nd Report on FIMI Threats by the European External Service Action identifies Russia and China as key perpetrators among foreign actors that employ FIMI techniques, tactics and procedures. Since these two countries use FIMI as a modern warfare tool under their foreign policy doctrine to intentionally manipulate public conversations to promote their agenda, the project works to de-conspire their efforts.
Who is involved?
The project brings together a diverse group of thirteen (13) partners from ten (10) different EU Member States and EU Neighbourhood countries, rallying leading research institutions and organisations, each contributing unique expertise and resources towards delivering the project’s objectives.
How can I join?
You can join our community by contacting us at [email protected] and following our social media accounts. In addition, if you want to join us and get inspired to de-conspire, subscribe to our newsletter.