Ob mednarodnem prazniku dela je 40. epizoda GOVSI podkasta posvečena razmisleku o pomenu delavskih pravic nekoč in danes. Gostja, dolgoletna sindikalistka Lidija Jerkič, je opozorila, da pravice delavcev niso samoumevne, temveč rezultat dolgoletnega boja in prizadevanj.

Praznik dela, ki ga obeležujemo 1. maja, ima korenine v delavskih protestih za osemurni delovnik v Chicagu leta 1886. Danes, več kot stoletje kasneje, ostaja simbol prizadevanj za dostojne delovne pogoje. Kot je poudarila Jerkičeva, se razmere sicer spreminjajo, a temeljno sporočilo ostaja enako: »Nič ni podarjeno, vse je priborjeno – in zelo hitro tudi izgubljeno.«

Sindikati imajo po njenem mnenju še vedno ključno vlogo pri zastopanju interesov zaposlenih in sodelovanju v socialnem dialogu. V Sloveniji ta poteka tudi v okviru Ekonomsko-socialnega sveta, kjer sodelujejo predstavniki vlade, delodajalcev in delojemalcev. Kakovosten socialni dialog je po besedah sogovornice eden od temeljev stabilne in pravične družbe, ob tem je poudarila, da se v mandatu aktualne vlade socialni dialog zelo okrepil.

Gostja je opozorila tudi na pomen ustrezne zakonodaje, kot je minimalna plača, ki po njenem mnenju postane nujna, kadar socialni dialog ne deluje dovolj učinkovito. Ob tem je izpostavila, da ima Slovenija razmeroma dobro pravno ureditev, vendar se težave pojavljajo pri njenem izvajanju.

Ob zaključku je gostja poudarila pomen solidarnosti: »Posameznik sam težko stoji, skupaj pa je lažje. Pomembno je, da se ljudje zavedajo svojih pravic in jih tudi uveljavljajo.«

Epizoda spodbuja razmislek o tem, kakšno družbo želimo graditi in kakšno mesto ima v njej delo – danes in v prihodnje.

Vabljeni k ogledu in poslušanju.

[ENGLISH VERSION]

Government Podcast GOVSI: On May Day about the importance of workers’ rights, social dialogue and the challenges of the modern labour market

On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, the 40th episode of the government GOVSI podcast is dedicated to reflecting on the importance of workers’ rights in the past and today. The guest - long-time trade unionist Lidija Jerkič - stressed that workers’ rights are not self-evident, but the result of long-term struggle and effort.

Labour Day, celebrated on 1 May, has its roots in workers’ protests for the eight-hour workday in Chicago in 1886. Today, more than a century later, it remains a symbol of the fight for decent working conditions. As Jerkič pointed out, while circumstances change, the core message remains the same: “Nothing is given, everything is fought for – and it can be lost very quickly.”

In her view, trade unions still play a key role in representing employees’ interests and participating in social dialogue. In Slovenia, this also takes place within the framework of the Economic and Social Council, which brings together representatives of the government, employers and employees. According to the guest, high-quality social dialogue is one of the foundations of a stable and fair society, and she emphasised that it has significantly strengthened during the current government’s term.

The guest also highlighted the importance of appropriate legislation, such as the minimum wage, which becomes necessary when social dialogue does not function effectively. She noted that Slovenia has relatively well-developed labour legislation, but that problems often arise in its implementation.

In conclusion, the guest emphasised the importance of solidarity: “An individual can hardly stand alone, but together it is easier. It is important that people are aware of their rights and also exercise them.”

The episode encourages reflection on the kind of society we want to build and the place of work within it – today and in the future.

You are invited to watch and listen.<

Ob 23. aprilu, svetovnem dnevu knjige, je bila v ospredju pogovora z državno sekretarko Vesno Humar razprava o pomenu branja v sodobni družbi. Ta dan, ki ga je Unesco simbolično povezal z obletnicama smrti Williama Shakespeara in Miguela de Cervantesa, opozarja na izjemno vlogo knjige pri razvoju posameznika in družbe.

V najnovejši epizodi GOVSI podkasta je gostja poudarila, da knjige niso le vir znanja, temveč prostor domišljije, razmisleka in osebne rasti. Branje po njenem mnenju ni pasivna dejavnost, temveč aktivno ustvarjanje notranjih svetov, ki krepi sposobnost razumevanja kompleksnih družbenih vprašanj.

Poseben poudarek je bil namenjen vlogi branja pri razvoju kritičnega mišljenja, zlasti med mladimi. V času hitrih in pogosto površinskih informacij branje daljših in zahtevnejših besedil omogoča poglobljeno razumevanje ter odpornost proti dezinformacijam.

Leto 2026 je posvečeno pesniku Srečku Kosovelu in pisateljici Zofki Kveder, kar dodatno poudarja pomen literature za slovensko kulturno identiteto. Takšna obeleževanja krepijo zavedanje o bogati literarni dediščini ter spodbujajo razmislek o sodobnih družbenih vprašanjih, vključno z vlogo žensk v literaturi.

Knjiga ostaja tudi ključna vez med Slovenci v zamejstvu in po svetu. Dostop do sodobnih slovenskih vsebin, zlasti v digitalni obliki, je pomemben za ohranjanje jezika, kulture in občutka pripadnosti.

Ob svetovnem dnevu knjige tako ostaja jasno sporočilo: branje ni le osebna izbira, temveč naložba v znanje, kulturo in prihodnost družbe.

Vabljeni k poslušanju na vseh priljubljenih platformah za podkaste ter na YouTube kanalu Vlade Republike Slovenije.

[ENGLISH VERSION]

On 23 April, World Book Day, the discussion with State Secretary Vesna Humar focused on the importance of reading in contemporary society. The day, symbolically linked by UNESCO to the anniversaries of the deaths of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, highlights the exceptional role of books in the development of both individuals and society.

In the latest episode of the GOVSI podcast, State Secretary Vesna Humar emphasised that books are not only a source of knowledge, but also a space for imagination, reflection, and personal growth. In her view, reading is not a passive activity, but an active process of creating inner worlds that strengthens our ability to understand complex social issues.

Particular emphasis was placed on the role of reading in developing critical thinking, especially among young people. In a time of fast and often superficial information, reading longer and more demanding texts enables deeper understanding and greater resilience to disinformation.

The year 2026 is dedicated to poet Srečko Kosovel and writer Zofka Kveder, further underlining the importance of literature for Slovenia’s cultural identity. Such commemorations strengthen awareness of the country’s rich literary heritage and encourage reflection on contemporary social issues, including the role of women in literature.

Books also remain a key link for Slovenians living abroad. Access to modern Slovenian content, especially in digital form, is essential for preserving language, culture, and a sense of belonging.

On World Book Day, the message is clear: reading is not just a personal choice, but an investment in knowledge, culture, and the future of society.

You are invited to listen to the conversation on all major podcast platforms and on the YouTube channel of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.

V novi epizodi GOVSI podkasta je naš gost ameriški strokovnjak za medijsko zakonodajo Michael M. Epstein, ki opozarja na vpliv dezinformacij na demokracijo, zlasti pred volitvami.

Profesor Epstein poudarja, da so zanesljive informacije temelj demokracije, in izpostavlja razliko med dezinformacijami (z namenom zavajanja) in napačnimi informacijami. V času družbenih omrežij in umetne inteligence je po njegovih besedah vse težje preveriti verodostojnost informacij.

Kot rešitev predlaga koncept informacijske suverenosti – pomembno ni le, kaj je vsebina informacije, ampak predvsem od kod prihaja, kdo je vir informacije. Državljanom svetuje, naj postanejo kritični, odgovorni uporabniki informacij in naj vedno preverijo vir, še posebej pred volitvami.

Epizoda ponuja ključne vpoglede v enega največjih izzivov sodobne družbe – kako zaščititi demokracijo v času motenj informacijskega kaosa.

Vabljeni k poslušanju pogovora na vseh priljubljenih platformah za podkaste ter na YouTube kanalu Vlade Republike Slovenije.

[ENGLISH VERSION]

In the latest episode of the GOVSI podcast, the guest is Michael M. Epstein, a U.S. expert in media law, who highlights the impact of disinformation on democracy, especially in the run-up to elections.

He emphasizes that reliable information is the foundation of democracy and points out the difference between disinformation (intentional deception) and misinformation. In the age of social media and artificial intelligence, he notes, it is becoming increasingly difficult to verify the credibility of information.

As a solution, he proposes the concept of information sovereignty – what matters is not only the content of information, but also its origin. He advises citizens to become critical and responsible consumers of information and to always verify sources, particularly before elections.

The episode offers key insights into one of the biggest challenges of modern society – how to protect democracy in an era of information chaos.

You are invited to listen to the conversation on all major podcast platforms and on the YouTube channel of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.

V tokratni epizodi GOVSI podkasta je naš gost Tomaž Petek, generalni direktor Geodetske uprave Republike Slovenije (GURS). Z voditeljico Petro Prešeren Golob razkrivata, kako GURS upravlja ključne prostorske evidence – od katastra nepremičnin do podatkov o stavbah. Petek pojasni, zakaj so natančni geodetski podatki temelj urejenega prostora in zaupanja v pravni sistem.

Geodetska uprava vodi ključne državne evidence, med njimi kataster nepremičnin, evidence stavb, hišnih številk, državne meje in številne prostorske podatkovne zbirke. Za upravljanje več milijonov podatkovnih zapisov skrbi več kot 450 zaposlenih, ki zagotavljajo zanesljive informacije o prostoru in nepremičninah. GURS skrbi tudi za razvoj sodobnih prostorskih podatkov.

Slovenija je med državami, ki so zgodaj začele sistematično digitalizirati prostorske evidence in odpirati podatke javnosti. »Upal bi si trditi, da smo tukaj kar med pionirji, kar se tiče prehoda iz papirja v digitalni svet«. S tem Slovenija na področju geodetskih podatkov in digitalizacije pogosto sledi najsodobnejšim praksam – in jih tudi soustvarja. Na vprašanje, ali na tem področju držimo korak z najboljšimi v svetu, Petek odgovarja: »Če sem malo neskromen, bi temu kar pritrdil.«

Geodetska uprava je vključena tudi v številne mednarodne organizacije in sodelovanja, slovenski strokovnjaki pa aktivno sodelujejo pri razvoju evropskih standardov na področju geodetskih in prostorskih podatkov.

Urejene evidence pa niso pomembne le za državo, temveč predvsem za lastnike nepremičnin. Petek ob tem opozarja, da lastnina ni samoumevna, temveč zahteva aktivno skrb. »Ključno sporočilo bi bilo, da je za lastnino treba nekaj narediti. Ni samo po sebi umevno, da bo naša lastnina ustrezno zavarovana.«

Vabljeni k poslušanju pogovora na vseh priljubljenih platformah za podkaste ter na YouTube kanalu Vlade Republike Slovenije.

[ENGLISH VERSION]

The Surveying and Mapping Authority of the Republic of Slovenia manages several core national registers, including the real estate cadastre, building registers, house number records, state border records, and numerous spatial data databases. More than 450 employees are responsible for managing millions of data records, ensuring reliable information about space and real estate.

GURS is also responsible for the development of modern spatial data systems. Slovenia is among the countries that began systematically digitizing spatial records and opening data to the public at an early stage. “I would even dare to say that we are among the pioneers when it comes to the transition from paper to the digital world.”

As a result, Slovenia often follows the most advanced practices in geodetic data management and digitalisation—and helps shape them as well. When asked whether Slovenia keeps pace with the world’s best in this field, Petek responds: “If I may be a little immodest, I would say yes.” The Surveying and Mapping Authority is also involved in numerous international organisations and collaborations, with Slovenian experts actively contributing to the development of European standards in geodetic and spatial data.

Well-maintained registers are not only important for the state but above all for property owners. Petek emphasizes that ownership is not self-evident and requires active responsibility: “The key message would be that ownership requires action. It is not self-evident that our property will be properly protected.”

You are invited to listen to the conversation on all major podcast platforms and on the YouTube channel of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.

Državna volilna komisija (DVK) se intenzivno pripravlja na parlamentarne volitve, ki bodo 22. marca 2026. Za nemoteno izvedbo volitev je predvideno sodelovanje približno 20.000 ljudi na skoraj 3000 voliščih po vsej Sloveniji, kar predstavlja največjo civilno akcijo v državi. V vladnem GOVSI podkastu je predsednik DVK Igor Zorčič poudaril, da je zaupanje v volilne postopke temelj legitimnosti izvoljene oblasti. »Zaupanje v volilne postopke generira zaupanje v volilni izid, zaupanje v izid pa legitimnost oblasti. Delo volilnih organov je zato izjemno pomembno.« Vse državljane je povabil, naj se volitev udeležijo v čim večjem številu, saj s tem prispevajo k legitimnosti in stabilnosti naše demokracije.

Priprave so se začele z analizo izvedbe preteklih volitev in referendumov. Poseben poudarek je bil namenjen izboljšavam postopkov, ki jih je mogoče uvesti brez spremembe zakonodaje. DVK kot izvajalski organ skrbi za natančno in transparentno uporabo veljavnih pravil ter za dodatna navodila, kjer je to potrebno.

Z voditeljico Petro Bezjak Cirman sta se pogovarjala tudi o morebitnih napakah. Pojasnil je, da do napak sicer lahko pride zaradi obsega dela in velikega števila vpletenih v volilni proces. Ključno za zaupanje je, da volilna pravila vsebujejo tudi varovalke in pravna sredstva za primer nepravilnosti. Teh je več (na primer pritožbe zoper delo volilnih organov), čeprav si na DVK želijo, da jih ne bi bilo treba uporabljati. Dodatno varovalo pa predstavlja pluralna sestava volilnih organov, ki omogoča medsebojni nadzor različnih deležnikov.

Vabljeni k ogledu pogovora na YouTube kanalu Vlade Republike Slovenije.

[ENGLISH VERSION]

The National Election Commission (NEC) is intensively preparing for the parliamentary elections to be held on 22 March 2026. To ensure the smooth conduct of the elections, approximately 20,000 people will be engaged at nearly 3000 polling stations across Slovenia, making this the largest civic operation in the country. In the government GOVSI podcast, President Igor Zorčič emphasized that trust in electoral procedures is the foundation of the legitimacy of elected authority. »Trust in electoral procedures generates trust in the election result, and trust in the result generates the legitimacy of authority. The work of electoral bodies is therefore extremely important.« He invited all citizens to participate in the elections in as great numbers as possible, as this contributes to the legitimacy and stability of Slovenia’s democracy.

Preparations began with an analysis of the implementation of previous elections and referendums. Special emphasis was placed on procedural improvements that can be introduced without legislative amendments. As the implementing authority, the NEC ensures the precise and transparent application of existing rules and provides additional instructions where necessary.

In conversation with host Petra Bezjak Cirman, Zorčič also addressed the possibility of errors. He explained that errors can occur due to the scope of the work and the large number of people involved in the electoral process. What is crucial for maintaining trust is that electoral rules include safeguards and legal remedies in cases of irregularities. There are several such mechanisms (for instance appeals against the work of electoral bodies), although NEC hopes they will not need to be used. An additional safeguard is the plural composition of electoral bodies, which enables mutual oversight among different stakeholders.

You are invited to watch the conversation on the YouTube channel of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.

Pred zimskimi olimpijskimi igrami Milano–Cortina 2026 smo v vladnem GOVSI podkastu gostili Blaža Perka, vodjo slovenske olimpijske reprezentance, in Matica Švaba, poslovnega direktorja Olimpijskega komiteja Slovenije (OKS).
Navijači kot nevidna energija športnikov
Na zimskih olimpijskih igrah bo Slovenijo predvidoma zastopalo okoli 38 športnic in športnikov v šestih panogah. Po besedah Blaža Perka so pričakovanja visoka, zlasti v smučarskih skokih, kjer slovenska ekipa v letošnji sezoni dosega vrhunske rezultate. Ena od prednosti letošnjih iger je njihova bližina Sloveniji. To omogoča številnim navijačem, da športnike podprejo v živo. »Navijači dajejo tisto nevidno dodatno energijo, ki pa jo športniki še kako čutijo,« je poudaril Perko in dodal, da je prav domača podpora lahko odločilen dejavnik v boju za odličja.
Slovenska hiša – prostor povezovanja in promocije
Milano–Cortina bodo prve zimske olimpijske igre z izrazito razpršenimi prizorišči, kar je velik logistični izziv. Kljub temu slovenska reprezentanca verjame, da bo organizacija omogočila optimalne pogoje za nastope športnikov na vseh prizoriščih. Pomemben del slovenskega olimpijskega nastopa bo tudi Slovenska hiša v Cortini d’Ampezzo. Matic Švab je poudaril, da bo hiša odprta za javnost in bo delovala kot stičišče športa, gospodarstva, turizma, kulture in diplomacije. Pod znamko I feel Slovenia bo predstavljala Slovenijo v malem ter ponujala prostor za dogodke, srečanja in navijanje.
Športniki kot najboljši ambasadorji Slovenije
Slovenska hiša bo gostila številne delegacije, poslovne dogodke in obiske uglednih gostov, pomembno vlogo pa bo imela tudi ambasadorka hiše Tina Maze. Olimpijske igre so tako priložnost ne le za športne uspehe, temveč tudi za krepitev prepoznavnosti Slovenije v svetu.
Epizodo si lahko ogledate na vladnem YouTube kanalu.

[ENGLISH VERSION]
Olympic Games Milan–Cortina: Sport, Fans and the Slovenian House as Slovenia in Miniature
Ahead of the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the Government GOVSI Podcast hosted Blaž Perko, Head of the Slovenian Olympic Team, and Matic Švab, Managing Director of the Slovenian Olympic Committee.
Fans as the Invisible Energy of Athletes
At the Winter Olympic Games, Slovenia is expected to be represented by around 38 female and male athletes across six sports disciplines. According to team leader Blaž Perko, expectations are high, particularly in ski jumping, where the Slovenian team has been achieving top results this season. Competitions will begin in the very first days after the opening ceremony, meaning Slovenian athletes will quickly be in contention for the highest places. One of the advantages of this year’s Games is their proximity to Slovenia, allowing many fans to support the athletes in person. »Fans provide that invisible extra energy which athletes can truly feel,« Perko emphasised, adding that home support can be a decisive factor in the fight for medals.
The Slovenian House – A Hub for Connection and Promotion
An important part of Slovenia’s Olympic presence will also be the Slovenian House in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Matic Švab highlighted that the House will be open to the public and will serve as a meeting point for sport, business, tourism, culture and diplomacy. Under the I feel Slovenia brand, it will present Slovenia in miniature and provide a space for events, meetings and cheering.
Athletes as Slovenia’s Best Ambassadors
The Slovenian House will host numerous delegations, business events and visits by distinguished guests, with a special role played by the House’s ambassador, Tina Maze. The Olympic Games thus represent an opportunity for sporting success, and also a chance to further strengthen Slovenia’s international visibility.
You can watch the episode on YouTube.

V novi epizodi GOVSI podkasta smo se posvetili enemu najzahtevnejših in hkrati najpomembnejših obdobij slovenske zunanje politike – dvoletnemu mandatu Slovenije kot nestalne članice Varnostnega sveta Organizacije združenih narodov.

V studiu se je voditeljici Poloni Prešeren pridružil stalni predstavnik Republike Slovenije pri OZN, veleposlanik Samuel Žbogar, ki je v poglobljenem pogovoru osvetlil, kaj je v praksi pomenilo sodelovanje v organu, kjer so se sprejemale odločitve o najtežjih vprašanjih miru in varnosti v svetu.

Mandat Slovenije je potekal v času izjemno zaostrenih globalnih razmer, ki so jih zaznamovali konflikti v Ukrajini, Gazi in Sudanu ter številne druge, pogosto spregledane krize. Veleposlanik Žbogar je pojasnil, kako je Slovenija kot majhna država, a z jasno izoblikovanimi stališči in vrednotami, aktivno sodelovala pri razpravah, oblikovanju pobud in iskanju rešitev, tudi v okoliščinah, ko Varnostni svet zaradi globokih političnih razhajanj ni bil zmožen sprejemati odločitev. Poseben poudarek je namenil načelnosti slovenskih nastopov, doslednemu zagovarjanju mednarodnega prava, zaščite civilnega prebivalstva in odgovornosti do mednarodne skupnosti, tudi takrat, ko ta stališča niso bila najlažja ali politično najbolj udobna.

Pogovor je razkril tudi zakulisje diplomatskega dela v New Yorku, pomen usklajenega delovanja med Ljubljano in stalno misijo pri OZN ter povezovalno vlogo Slovenije kot med zahodnimi državami in t. i. svetovnim jugom. Prav ta sposobnost poslušanja in razumevanja različnih pogledov je Sloveniji prinesla ugled odgovorne in zaupanja vredne članice Varnostnega sveta, kar so ob zaključku mandata potrdile tudi številne pohvale.

Epizoda je na voljo na vseh priljubljenih platformah za podkaste ter na YouTube kanalu Vlade Republike Slovenije.

[ENGLISH VERSION]

Ambassador Žbogar: Principled Action Defined Slovenia’s Membership in the UN Security Council

In the new episode of the GOVSI podcast, we focused on one of the most demanding and at the same time most significant periods of Slovenian foreign policy – Slovenia’s two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Host Polona Prešeren was joined in the studio by Slovenia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Samuel Žbogar, who in an in-depth discussion shed light on what participation in a body where decisions on the most critical issues of global peace and security are made meant in practice.

Slovenia’s mandate took place during a period of exceptionally strained global circumstances, marked by conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan, as well as numerous other often overlooked crises. Ambassador Žbogar explained how Slovenia, as a small country but one with clearly defined positions and values, actively participated in debates, initiatives and the search for solutions, even in situations where deep political divisions prevented the Security Council from reaching decisions. He placed particular emphasis on the principled nature of Slovenia’s positions, its consistent advocacy of international law, the protection of civilians and responsibility towards the international community, including at times when such positions were neither the easiest nor the most politically comfortable.

The conversation also revealed the behind-the-scenes aspects of diplomatic work in New York, the importance of close coordination between Ljubljana and Slovenia’s Permanent Mission to the UN, and a bridge-builder Slovenia’s role between Western countries and the so-called Global South. This ability to listen to and understand different perspectives earned Slovenia a reputation as a responsible and trustworthy member of the Security Council, as confirmed by numerous commendations at the conclusion of its mandate.

The episode is available on all major podcast platforms and on the YouTube channel of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.

V najnovejši epizodi podkasta GOVSI nadaljujemo s temo dezinformacij in informacijske vojne. Tokratni gost je Mykhailo Dankanych, ukrajinski veteran in strokovnjak za boj proti ruskim dezinformacijam, ki opozarja, da se informacijska fronta ne odvija le v Ukrajini, temveč tudi znotraj Evropske unije. V pogovoru z voditeljem Zoranom Potičem gost pojasni, da informacijska vojna ni ločen pojav, temveč del širše kognitivne vojne, katere cilj je širjenje kaosa, nezaupanja in razkrajanje družbene kohezije.

Priče kot najmočnejši odgovor na lažne narative
Dankanych izpostavi, da je eden najbolj učinkovitih načinov boja proti dezinformacijam pogovor z ljudmi, ki so dogodke doživeli na lastni koži. Svoje delo povezuje s projektom To Break the Fake, v okviru katerega zbira pričevanja nekdanjih ukrajinskih vojnih ujetnikov. Po njegovih besedah so prav njihove izkušnje ključne za razumevanje, kako se ruski narativi gradijo in utrjujejo skozi leta.

Ruski narativi v Evropi in tudi v Sloveniji
Gost poudari, da Rusija informacijsko deluje tudi v evropskem medijskem prostoru. Njegova ekipa spremlja medije v različnih državah EU in išče značilne propagandne fraze, ki se ponavljajo v proruskih narativih. Med najnovejše analizirane države uvrščajo tudi Slovenijo, kjer so zaznali več virov, ki širijo ruske dezinformacijske vzorce.

»Dezinformacij ni mogoče premagati — se pa moramo upirati«
Pomembno sporočilo epizode je, da dezinformacij ni mogoče v celoti odpraviti, saj se bodo z razvojem tehnologije in umetne inteligence širile še hitreje. Kljub temu je, kot poudarja Dankanych, ključno vztrajati: izobraževati, preverjati vire in krepiti kritično mišljenje že pri otrocih. Epizodo zaključi s pozivom: »Bodite skeptični.«

Pogovor si lahko ogledate na YouTube kanalu Vlade Republike Slovenije.

[ENGLISH VERSION]

On Disinformation in Russia's War against Ukraine
In the latest episode of the GOVSI podcast our guest is Mykhailo Dankanych, a Ukrainian veteran and expert in countering Russian disinformation, who warns that the information front is not taking place only in Ukraine, but also within the European Union.

In conversation with host Zoran Potič, the guest explains that information warfare is not an isolated phenomenon, but part of a broader cognitive war, aimed at spreading chaos, distrust and undermining social cohesion.

Witnesses as the strongest response to false narratives
Dankanych highlights that one of the most effective ways to fight disinformation is to speak with people who have experienced events first-hand. He connects his work to the project To Break the Fake, through which he collects testimonies from former Ukrainian prisoners of war. According to him, their experiences are essential for understanding how Russian narratives are constructed and reinforced over time.

Russian narratives in Europe—and in Slovenia as well
The guest emphasises that Russia also operates in the European media space. His team monitors media outlets across various EU countries, searching for recurring propaganda phrases that appear in pro-Russian narratives. Among the most recently analysed countries is Slovenia, where they have identified several sources spreading patterns typical of Russian disinformation.

»Disinformation cannot be defeated — but we must resist«
A key message of the episode is that disinformation cannot be completely eliminated, as it will spread even faster with the development of technology and artificial intelligence. Nevertheless, as Dankanych stresses, it is essential to persist: to educate, verify sources and strengthen critical thinking from an early age. He concludes the episode with a simple call: »Be sceptical.«

You can watch the episode on YouTube.