The European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN) has received a €5 million grant to support independent fact-checking organisations across Europe. Together with seven partner organisations— Pagella Politica/ Facta, Faktograf, Newtral, Fact Review, Greece Fact Check, Fact Check Cyprus and Science Feedback—the EFCSN will strengthen information integrity through four distinct actions:
- Set up a protection scheme for fact-checkers facing legal threats or physical attacks;
- Support cooperation during crisis situations – such as political instability or natural disasters – where malicious actors may exploit information voids;
- Create a repository of fact-checks and a database of disinformation by collecting, structuring and enriching data from certified European fact-checking organisations;
- Launch a dedicated fund to support the long-term sustainability and resilience of the fact-checking ecosystem through targeted financial support to fact-checking organisations and ensure fact-checking coverage in all EU Member States and official EU languages.
The grant was awarded to the EFCSN by the European Commission following a competitive call for proposals. Its goal is to foster a more trustworthy information space and free, fact-based debate. By further improving situational awareness on disinformation and strengthening Europe’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to information manipulation, it will also contribute to the objectives of the European Democracy Shield.
The 30‑month project titled “Fact-Checkers for European Resilience Against Disinformation: Network for Emergency, Protection and Technology” (FACTEUR), will distribute more than 60% of the grant amount to fact-checking organisations from all over Europe.
This support comes at a time when Europe’s information spaces are at risk: Foreign information manipulation and interference is a daily reality, large digital platforms have retreated from the fight against disinformation, and the rapid evolution of AI is making it harder for citizens to distinguish fact from fiction. The EFCSN and its members are committed to countering these threats and working towards a healthy information space for all Europeans, recognising that robust, independent fact-checking is essential to democratic resilience.
