On September 23rd and 24th, the Euro-Arab Foundation participated in the launch of a new project, ECLIPSE (an acronym for “Preventing and Combating onLine and offline hate speech and dIsinformation through multidisciPlinary innovation, education, and awareneSs in Europe”). This initiative is funded by the European Commission through its HORIZON Innovation Actions program.
The Italian city of Trento hosted the meeting, bringing together the consortium partners, including the Euro-Arab Foundation, the Andalusian Center for Studies, the City Council of Murcia, the University of Trento, Northumbria University of Newcastle, the Free University of Brussels, Sabancı University of Turkey, the Governorate of Ankara, the CSI Center for Social Innovation, the Serbian Institute for AI Research and Development, the German Institute SYNYO, the University of Applied Sciences for Public Administration and Legal Affairs in Bavaria, CESIE Third Sector Entity, Stop Hate UK, YEU Youth for Exchange and Understanding, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development of Austria, and Creative Workers of Belgium. The consortium is coordinated by the Bruno Kessler Foundation.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to a Global Problem
The ECLIPSE project aims not only to combat hate speech and disinformation in Europe but also to strengthen social cohesion, empower citizens, and provide law enforcement and public authorities with effective tools to build a more informed, critical, and resilient society. It will combine advanced technologies with knowledge from fields such as social sciences, criminology, law, and behavioral psychology. Through this synergy, the project will develop tools for the automated analysis of harmful content and the creation of effective, culturally sensitive counter-narratives that respect fundamental rights. At the same time, ECLIPSE promotes the active participation of target groups through innovative training methodologies, such as digital storytelling, gamification, and augmented/extended reality (AR/XR).
The Euro-Arab Foundation will play a key role in the project as the leader of the work package focused on education, training, and public policy recommendations. From this position, it will coordinate the development of pedagogical tools, innovative methodologies, and curricula tailored to different social actors: law enforcement, teachers, social professionals, and civil organizations.
European and Global Impact of the Project
One of the project’s main pillars is the creation of validated tools, methodologies, and training curricula for various social actors, from security forces to educators and civil organizations. ECLIPSE also aims to harmonize European approaches to data collection and the implementation of countermeasures, always ensuring respect for freedom of expression and privacy.
Furthermore, the Euro-Arab Foundation will be responsible for strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies (LEAs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and international organizations to confront hate speech and disinformation. To do this, it will develop tailored training, gamified workshops, and continuous evaluation processes. Its tasks include:
- Creating educational and learning materials through a one-day online workshop with 20 participants, including LEAs, CSOs, and experts, to co-create materials on media literacy, human rights, and best practices against hate speech and disinformation.
- Conducting two in-person gamified workshops in Brussels for LEAs, CSOs, and international organizations, using AR/XR, gamification, and digital storytelling to enhance capabilities.
- Continuously evaluating the effectiveness of the training materials and sessions.
- Drafting evidence-based policy briefs to support decision-making and foster multi-agency cooperation and sustainability.
The Foundation will lead the development of these public policy reports, which will include practical recommendations for national and European policymakers, with the goal of promoting a coherent and effective approach to hate speech and disinformation.
The results of ECLIPSE will be deployed through pilot projects in Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Turkey, as a preliminary step towards broader adoption across Europe and potentially on a global level.
