Clingendael Academy supports Bulgaria in responding to foreign information manipulation

At the end of March 2026, Clingendael Academy concluded a three-day training course in Sofia, Bulgaria that revolved around strengthening national responses to Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and disinformation. The course was organized with the support of the Netherlands Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bulgaria and codesigned and delivered in cooperation with the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute (BDI) and the Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD). 

The training brought together 20 Bulgarian and 5 Dutch civil servants to examine the rapidly evolving information landscape and explore how state and non‑state actors design and deploy disinformation and FIMI campaigns. Participants discussed vulnerabilities within government and society, the international frameworks for countering hybrid threats, and the role of interinstitutional coordination in enhancing national resilience. 

A central part of the programme highlighted both Dutch and Bulgarian approaches to countering FIMI, including institutional mandates and inter‑government cooperation during election periods. Participants reflected on current gaps, the importance of civil society engagement, and ways to improve early detection and coordinated responses. 

The training concluded with a simulation exercise in which participants were placed in an election period scenario and tasked with developing a cross-government strategy to prepare for and mitigate FIMI activities. This interactive session enabled colleagues to put policy principles into practice and test their coordination mechanisms under realistic conditions.

We extend our sincere thanks to all our partners for their valuable cooperation in making this training possible, and we warmly thank all participants for their contributions and the valuable exchange throughout the programme.