European External Action Service has stepped back from involvement in a conference billed as Disinfo2026 in Lithuania‘s capital, joining Canada and the event’s host authorities in withdrawing official support. The move coincides with media reports of pressure from the United States, and EU officials said they felt “uncomfortable with the framing” of some panels, prompting the pull-out.
Organisers of Disinfo2026 had planned a programme focused on the study and countering of disinformation, but details about which sessions prompted the withdrawals were not disclosed by the institutions that pulled back. The three removals—by the EU diplomatic service, Canada and the host Lithuania—affect the event’s official endorsement and public profile, though independent participation by researchers and NGOs was not addressed in the statements released.
The decision adds a diplomatic dimension to the event’s organisation. Institutional backing from a union-level diplomatic service and national governments typically signals a degree of vetting and alignment with policy priorities; its withdrawal can influence funding, venue access and the willingness of other stakeholders to engage. The public explanation referencing discomfort with how panels were framed highlights the sensitivities organisations face when navigating issues that intersect with geopolitics, free expression and information integrity.
At present it is unclear whether Disinfo2026 will proceed with revised programming or alternative supporters. The withdrawals underline the practical consequences for conferences that attract high-profile international attention and the broader challenge for policymakers and civil society in coordinating responses to misleading or harmful information while maintaining open debate. Further statements from organisers or other partners may clarify the event’s status in the coming days.