On 20 June 2025, the Council of Europe will host the flagship Freedom of Information and Anti-Disinformation Hackathon in Strasbourg, as part of the New Democratic Pact for Europe launched by Secretary General Mr Alain Berset. The event will bring together diverse participants – from youth activists and developers to diplomats and civil society leaders – for a day of collaborative problem-solving, debate, and innovation aimed at strengthening democratic resilience.
The Permanent Representation of Malta will take part in the event as part of the ongoing Presidency, contributing to discussions on the defence of democracy, free expression, and the fight against disinformation. Centred on the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy, this Hackathon will feature 11 teams working on real-world challenges such as disinformation in elections, culture, and gender equality. Plenary debates, team pitches, and an award ceremony will form part of the dynamic programme. Secretary General Mr Alain Berset will open the event and engage directly in the discussions.
The Hackathon will explore critical questions about the future of democracy in the digital age, including how to balance freedom of expression with countering harmful content and how to make democratic institutions more inclusive and resilient. A satellite event in Budapest will extend the initiative to young participants across Council of Europe member states.
