When does the panel discussion take place?

The event takes place on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Where is the event taking place?

The venue is Lecture Hall 3 of the University of Potsdam at Griebnitzsee Campus, August-Bebel-Straße 89, 14482 Potsdam.

How much does it cost to enter?

Participation in the panel discussion is free of charge.

Who will discuss on the panel?

Scheduled are Dr. Sergey Lagodinsky, MEP, Danylo Poliluev-Schmidt, and Sabine Schicketanz (invited). The evening will be moderated by Iryna Shulikina from Vitsche e.V.

What topics will be highlighted?

The focus will be on fakes, disinformation, propaganda, hybrid attacks, and the question of how Europe's democracies can strengthen their resilience.

When Truth Comes Under Pressure: Potsdam Panel Discusses Europe's Democratic Future

Name: Panel Discussion: Fakes, Disinformation and Attacks on Democracy
Start: 2026-10-09T18:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-10-09T20:00:00+02:00
Location: Universität Potsdam, Campus Griebnitzsee, Hörsaal 3

How do you defend the truth?

Disinformation, propaganda, and hybrid attacks put pressure on Europe's democracies. The panel discussion at the University of Potsdam on October 9, 2026, will address how democratic societies deal with fakes, targeted manipulation, and attacks on public debate.

Democracy in Digital Stress Test

The focus will be on the impacts of disinformation on trust, media, and political opinion formation. The event connects current political issues with experiences from Ukraine and creates space for a factual discussion on threats and counter-strategies.

Expertise from Politics, Civil Society, and Media

On the panel, Dr. Sergey Lagodinsky, Member of the European Parliament, Danylo Poliluev-Schmidt, and Sabine Schicketanz (invited) will discuss. The moderation will be led by Iryna Shulikina from Vitsche e.V. The evening is organized in cooperation with BBAG – Education, Encounter, Exchange – gemeinsam e.V., the University of Potsdam, and the Europa-Union Potsdam and Potsdam-Mittelmark.

An Evening for Critical Thinking

The event is aimed at all who actively want to think about political communication, media competence, and the protection of democratic values. The concentrated atmosphere in Lecture Hall 3 at the Griebnitzsee Campus provides the right setting for contextualization, exchange, and audience questions.

Conclusion

Visitors can expect an informative discussion evening about fakes, propaganda, and hybrid attacks on Europe's democracies. Those who want to understand current developments and discuss the resilience of democratic public life will experience a relevant event in Potsdam.