THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS IS PARTICIPATING IN A PROJECT ON CYBER SECURITY AND COUNTERING DISINFORMATION, SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION

On October 23, 2026, a press conference was held at the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, featuring representatives from the NGO "Detector Media," the Department of Economics at KNUTD, and the "Foundation for Resilience and Recovery of Ukraine" charitable foundation. The representatives announced the launch of a joint project titled "Citizen Digital Security: Countering Disinformation, European Data Protection Standards, and Media Literacy on Ukraine’s Path to the EU." The project is financially supported by the European Union under the "Resilience and Engagement for Ukraine" (REU) program, which is implemented by the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting (IER).

According to Yevhen Angel, a senior research fellow at the IED, this grant mechanism is a pilot initiative. He also noted that the EU places significant emphasis on supporting the harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with EU law, particularly by involving civil society organizations in the relevant reforms.

Halyna Petrenko, Director of the NGO "Detector Media," highlighted that the spread of manipulative content via social networks, digital platforms, and emerging technologies-particularly artificial intelligence-creates additional risks for public trust and citizens' ability to make informed decisions. At the same time, effectively countering disinformation does not entail restricting freedom of speech; rather, it involves fostering critical thinking, media literacy, and fact-checking skills.

The project includes the preparation of analytical and educational materials, the hosting of thematic events and public discussions, and the establishment of a permanent information platform hosted by "Detector Media." This platform is intended to serve as a hub for disseminating expert content, practical recommendations, and research concerning digital security, media literacy, and European standards for digital policy.

Yevheniia Khaustova, Doctor of Economics and Professor at the Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design (KNUTD), highlighted the importance of the educational dimension of digital resilience and the need to prepare citizens to apply European standards in their daily lives. This encompasses areas such as personal data protection, citizens' digital rights, the responsible use of digital technologies, and a practical understanding of the principles of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

KNUTD will provide the scientific and educational component of the project, engaging faculty, researchers, and students in the preparation of analytical materials, the delivery of lectures, and the organization of expert discussions and awareness-raising events.

Volodymyr Martsynovskyi, Director of the "Ukraine Resilience and Recovery Fund" charitable foundation, noted that digital resilience is a component not only of Ukraine’s national security but also of the security of European states. According to him, Russian information operations are not confined to the territory of Ukraine; rather, they pose a threat to democratic institutions, public trust, and the information space across Europe.

Participants in the press conference noted that the partnership model combines the experience of an independent media organization, the academic and educational potential of a university, and the capabilities of a charitable foundation in the realm of international cooperation.

02.11.2026