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Full evidence — RUN_2026-10-08_3

Question: Did the US pressure its allies over the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius?

Complete answers for every model, language and answer round in this run. English translations are shown where available; where they are not, the original text is shown and was not compared.

One answer round means asking the model once in every tested language.

Fact source evidence

Q002

Claude Sonnet 5.5

Repeated check: one answer round only. The report shows answer round 1.

English — answer round 1

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - US Lobbies Allies to Cut Ties to Anti-Disinformation Conference Over Panel Critical of Washington, Sources Say - GV Wire - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure - US Lobbies Allies to Cut Ties to Anti-Disinformation Conference Over Panel Critical of Washington, Sources Say - GV Wire - US Lobbies Allies to Cut Ties to Anti-Disinformation Conference Over Panel Critical of Washington, Sources Say - GV Wire - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - EU and allies pull conference backing after US pressure over panel - Harici - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure

English translation

Yes. Several outlets report that the US State Department pressured allies over the conference, and Canada, Lithuania and the EU's diplomatic service then withdrew their official backing.

What happened - Reuters reported that the State Department lobbied Canada and European allies to withdraw support. The reason was a panel examining Washington's role as an alleged information threat to Europe. Three US officials and correspondence Reuters reviewed back this up. - According to a cable, the State Department asked US embassies in several European countries and the EU to express Washington's concerns. It also asked them to "assess" whether the governments involved agreed with the US being characterized as a FIMI actor. FIMI stands for foreign information manipulation and interference. - Embassies were told to pass this on verbally, not in writing. - The cable said the conference conflates the US with "foreign adversaries like Russia and China". It called this a "false equivalence" that obscures the scale of Russian and Chinese interference.

The results - American diplomats persuaded the Canadian and Lithuanian foreign ministries, which had been listed as "main supporters", to distance themselves. Two US officials said US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald was involved in the outreach to Vilnius. - Canada and Lithuania asked organisers on Monday to remove their ministries' logos from conference materials. The European External Action Service followed on Tuesday. - Internal State Department documents obtained by The Guardian show US officials thanked Lithuania for "taking US concerns seriously". - The pressure didn't work everywhere. EUobserver's headline says France maintains support for the event.

The panels at issue One session was titled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back". Another asked how the counter-disinformation community is dealing with US government pressure, including entry bans targeting European figures.

Context Politico described the demarche as an unusual effort to use allied government pressure to silence criticism from European citizens and Americans abroad. That is Politico's characterization, not an established fact. The reporting I found relies on leaked cables and anonymous officials. I didn't see a full public response from the US government in these results, and the story is still developing.

Original text

Yes. Several outlets report that the US State Department pressured allies over the conference, and Canada, Lithuania and the EU's diplomatic service then withdrew their official backing.

What happened - Reuters reported that the State Department lobbied Canada and European allies to withdraw support. The reason was a panel examining Washington's role as an alleged information threat to Europe. Three US officials and correspondence Reuters reviewed back this up. - According to a cable, the State Department asked US embassies in several European countries and the EU to express Washington's concerns. It also asked them to "assess" whether the governments involved agreed with the US being characterized as a FIMI actor. FIMI stands for foreign information manipulation and interference. - Embassies were told to pass this on verbally, not in writing. - The cable said the conference conflates the US with "foreign adversaries like Russia and China". It called this a "false equivalence" that obscures the scale of Russian and Chinese interference.

The results - American diplomats persuaded the Canadian and Lithuanian foreign ministries, which had been listed as "main supporters", to distance themselves. Two US officials said US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald was involved in the outreach to Vilnius. - Canada and Lithuania asked organisers on Monday to remove their ministries' logos from conference materials. The European External Action Service followed on Tuesday. - Internal State Department documents obtained by The Guardian show US officials thanked Lithuania for "taking US concerns seriously". - The pressure didn't work everywhere. EUobserver's headline says France maintains support for the event.

The panels at issue One session was titled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back". Another asked how the counter-disinformation community is dealing with US government pressure, including entry bans targeting European figures.

Context Politico described the demarche as an unusual effort to use allied government pressure to silence criticism from European citizens and Americans abroad. That is Politico's characterization, not an established fact. The reporting I found relies on leaked cables and anonymous officials. I didn't see a full public response from the US government in these results, and the story is still developing.

French — answer round 1

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - US Lobbies Allies to Cut Ties to Anti-Disinformation Conference Over Panel Critical of Washington, Sources Say - GV Wire - US Lobbies Allies to Cut Ties to Anti-Disinformation Conference Over Panel Critical of Washington, Sources Say - GV Wire - US Lobbies Allies to Cut Ties to Anti-Disinformation Conference Over Panel Critical of Washington, Sources Say - GV Wire - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support - EU and allies pull conference backing after US pressure over panel - Harici - EU and allies pull conference backing after US pressure over panel - Harici - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support - EU and allies pull conference backing after US pressure over panel - Harici - EU and allies pull conference backing after US pressure over panel - Harici - EU and allies pull conference backing after US pressure over panel - Harici

English translation

Yes. Several media outlets, including Reuters, Politico, and The Guardian, report that Washington pressured allies. The governments concerned, however, present their withdrawal as an autonomous decision.

What is reported - The State Department pressured Canada and European allies to withdraw their support for the conference. It included a panel on Washington's role as an informational threat to Europe, according to three US officials and correspondence reviewed by Reuters. - For several days, State Department officials reached out to their counterparts in Lithuania, Canada, and France. According to two US officials, the US ambassador to Lithuania, Kara McDonald, participated in the contacts with Vilnius. - According to Politico, the State Department asked US embassies in several European countries and to the EU to express Washington's concerns. It also asked them to determine whether participating governments agreed with the United States being described as a foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) actor. - The cable argues that the conference equates the United States with adversaries like Russia and China. It deems this "false equivalence" capable of masking the scale of Russian and Chinese interference. Embassies were instructed to convey this message orally, not in writing.

The consequences - The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Global Affairs Canada, and the European External Action Service (EEAS) disappeared from the list of conference supporters. - Photos show white stickers placed over their logos on printed materials. - According to internal State Department documents obtained by The Guardian, US officials thanked Lithuania for "taking seriously" American concerns. - France maintained its support, according to EUobserver.

The governments' version - Lithuania claims that certain parts of the program deviated from the official government position. - Canada states that GAC reviews its participation in external events and their sponsorship on a case-by-case basis. - The organizers, for their part, pointed out that the program had been established as early as June, well before these withdrawals.

One media outlet also reports that an American writer, Michael Shellenberger, reportedly launched a pressure campaign beforehand. This version comes from RT, which cites Rapporteur (formerly Euractiv), and I have not seen it confirmed elsewhere.

Original text

Oui. Plusieurs médias, dont Reuters, Politico et The Guardian, rapportent que Washington a fait pression sur des alliés. Les gouvernements concernés présentent toutefois leur retrait comme une décision autonome.

Ce qui est rapporté - Le Département d'État a fait pression sur le Canada et des alliés européens pour qu'ils retirent leur soutien à la conférence. Elle comprenait un panel sur le rôle de Washington comme menace informationnelle pour l'Europe, selon trois responsables américains et de la correspondance consultée par Reuters. - Pendant plusieurs jours, des responsables du Département d'État ont sollicité leurs homologues de Lituanie, du Canada et de France. Selon deux responsables américains, l'ambassadrice des États-Unis en Lituanie, Kara McDonald, a participé aux contacts avec Vilnius. - Selon Politico, le Département d'État a demandé aux ambassades américaines dans plusieurs pays européens et auprès de l'UE de exprimer les préoccupations de Washington. Il leur a aussi demandé de déterminer si les gouvernements participants approuvaient que les États-Unis soient décrits comme un acteur de manipulation de l'information (FIMI). - Le câble soutient que la conférence assimile les États-Unis à des adversaires comme la Russie et la Chine. Il juge cette « fausse équivalence » propre à masquer l'ampleur des ingérences russe et chinoise. Les ambassades devaient transmettre ce message oralement, pas par écrit.

Les conséquences - Le ministère lituanien des Affaires étrangères, Global Affairs Canada et le Service européen pour l'action extérieure (SEAE) ont disparu de la liste des soutiens de la conférence. - Des photos montrent des autocollants blancs collés sur leurs logos, sur les documents imprimés. - Selon des documents internes du Département d'État obtenus par The Guardian, des responsables américains ont remercié la Lituanie de « prendre au sérieux » les préoccupations américaines. - La France a maintenu son soutien, selon EUobserver.

La version des gouvernements - La Lituanie affirme que certaines parties du programme s'écartaient de la position officielle du gouvernement. - Le Canada indique que GAC examine au cas par cas sa participation aux événements extérieurs et leur parrainage. - Les organisateurs, eux, ont fait remarquer que le programme avait été établi dès juin, bien avant ces retraits.

Un média rapporte aussi qu'un écrivain américain, Michael Shellenberger, aurait lancé une campagne de pression en amont. Cette version vient de RT, qui cite Rapporteur (ex-Euractiv), et je ne l'ai pas vue confirmée ailleurs.

Lithuanian — answer round 1

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - US Lobbies Allies to Distance From EU Anti-Disinformation Conference - US Lobbies Allies to Distance From EU Anti-Disinformation Conference - US Lobbies Allies to Distance From EU Anti-Disinformation Conference - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure - JAV spaudimas Vilniuje sukėlė tarptautinį skandalą: Lietuva, Kanada ir ES pasitraukė iš konferencijos rėmėjų gretų - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - US Lobbies Allies to Distance From EU Anti-Disinformation Conference - Canada drops sponsorship of conference that talks of U.S. as foreign-interference actor - The Globe and Mail - ES neigia nusileidusi JAV spaudimui dėl konferencijos Vilniuje

English translation

Yes. According to reports by Reuters, The Guardian, and Politico, the US pressured allies regarding this conference. Washington and the EU have not confirmed this, and the EU states that it backed down not due to pressure.

What the media reported - Reuters wrote that the US State Department pressured Canada and European allies to drop their support for the conference because it featured a panel on Washington's role as an informational threat to Europe. According to sources, officials spent days talking to counterparts in Lithuania, Canada, and France. - According to two US officials, US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald was involved in contacts with Vilnius. - Politico reported that the State Department asked US embassies in several European countries and the EU to express Washington's concerns and to find out whether governments participating in the conference agree to view the US as a FIMI (foreign information manipulation and interference) actor. - According to the same report, senior State Department public diplomacy officials directly approached Canadian officials regarding their participation.

What happened - Lithuania, Canada, and the EU diplomatic service (EEAS) withdrew from the ranks of official sponsors, while France did not drop its support. - The dispute was triggered by discussions such as "The US as a FIMI Threat: Recognize, Adapt, Counter," which featured two American researchers and a former CIA official.

Official positions - The State Department stated that it could not comment on the details of diplomatic conversations. According to it, it should not be surprising that countries distance themselves from the conference when the US is labeled as a disinformation threat. - The Lithuanian MFA explained that some parts of the conference program differ from the official Government position. - The EU also rejected reports that it yielded to US pressure, stating that the decision was made due to the event's program. An EU spokesperson declined to comment on whether negotiations had taken place with US officials. Reuters was unable to determine whether the State Department had approached the EEAS.

Thus, pressure on Lithuania and Canada is confirmed by several publications according to sources, but Vilnius and Brussels deny it or explain it by the content of the program.

Original text

Taip. Remiantis „Reuters“, „The Guardian“ ir „Politico“ pranešimais, JAV spaudė sąjungininkus dėl šios konferencijos. Vašingtonas ir ES to nepatvirtino, o ES teigia, kad nusileido ne spaudimui.

Ką pranešė žiniasklaida - „Reuters“ rašė, kad JAV Valstybės departamentas spaudė Kanadą ir Europos sąjungininkus atsisakyti paramos konferencijai, nes joje buvo panelis apie Vašingtono, kaip informacinės grėsmės Europai, vaidmenį. Remiantis šaltiniais, pareigūnai kelias dienas kalbino kolegas Lietuvoje, Kanadoje ir Prancūzijoje. - Pasak dviejų JAV pareigūnų, į ryšius su Vilniumi buvo įsitraukusi JAV ambasadorė Lietuvoje Kara McDonald. - „Politico“ pranešė, kad Valstybės departamentas paprašė JAV ambasadų keliose Europos šalyse ir ES išreikšti Vašingtono susirūpinimą bei išsiaiškinti, ar konferencijoje dalyvaujančios vyriausybės sutinka JAV laikyti FIMI (užsienio informacinio manipuliavimo ir kišimosi) veikėja. - Pasak to paties pranešimo, aukšti Valstybės departamento viešosios diplomatijos pareigūnai tiesiogiai kreipėsi į Kanados pareigūnus dėl jų dalyvavimo.

Kas nutiko - Lietuva, Kanada ir ES diplomatinė tarnyba (EIVT) pasitraukė iš oficialių rėmėjų gretų, o Prancūzija paramos neatsisakė. - Ginčą sukėlė diskusijos, pavyzdžiui, „JAV kaip FIMI grėsmė: pripažinti, prisitaikyti, atremti“, kurioje dalyvavo du amerikiečių tyrėjai ir buvęs CŽA pareigūnas.

Oficialios pozicijos - Valstybės departamentas teigė negalįs komentuoti diplomatinių pokalbių detalių. Pasak jo, neturėtų stebinti, kad šalys atsiriboja nuo konferencijos, kai JAV pavadinamos dezinformacijos grėsme. - Lietuvos URM paaiškino, kad kai kurios konferencijos programos dalys skiriasi nuo oficialios Vyriausybės pozicijos. - ES taip pat atmetė pranešimus, esą nusileido JAV spaudimui, ir teigė, kad sprendimas priimtas dėl renginio programos. ES atstovas atsisakė komentuoti, ar vyko derybos su JAV pareigūnais. „Reuters“ nepavyko nustatyti, ar Valstybės departamentas kreipėsi į EIVT.

Taigi spaudimą Lietuvai ir Kanadai pagal šaltinius patvirtina keli leidiniai, bet Vilnius ir Briuselis jį neigia arba aiškina programos turiniu.

Russian — answer round 1

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - EU, Canada, and Lithuania Drop Official Sponsorship of #Disinfo2026 - Time News - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - US Lobbies Allies to Cut Ties to Anti-Disinformation Conference Over Panel Critical of Washington, Sources Say - GV Wire - US Lobbies Allies to Cut Ties to Anti-Disinformation Conference Over Panel Critical of Washington, Sources Say - GV Wire - EU and allies pull conference backing after US pressure over panel - Harici - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure - Politico: США оказали давление на дипломатов из-за конференции в Вильнюсе - US Lobbies Allies to Cut Ties to Anti-Disinformation Conference Over Panel Critical of Washington, Sources Say - GV Wire - EU withdraws conference support after US approaches governments - EU withdraws conference support after US approaches governments

English translation

Yes. According to reports by Politico, The Guardian, and Reuters, the US did indeed pressure its allies. Officially, Washington, judging by the available materials, has not confirmed anything. The conclusions are based on a leaked internal State Department cable and the words of sources.

What happened - The #Disinfo2026 conference is taking place on October 7–8 in Vilnius. It is organized by the Brussels-based NGO EU DisinfoLab. Three knowledgeable individuals, including European officials, confirmed that the State Department contacted several governments regarding their financial and institutional support for the meeting. - The reason was the program. According to the cable, the State Department asked US embassies in several European countries and at the EU to express Washington's concern and "assess" whether governments agree with what the US calls a FIMI actor (foreign information manipulation and interference). - The cable states that the conference puts the US on the same level as "foreign adversaries like Russia and China." This is called a "false equivalence." - One of the panels was titled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back." It featured two American researchers and a former CIA employee.

Result - The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry, Canada, and the EU diplomatic service (EEAS) dropped their support for the conference. - According to Reuters, US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald was involved in contacts with Vilnius. At the same time, Reuters was unable to establish whether the State Department contacted the EEAS. - In internal State Department documents seen by The Guardian, American officials thank Lithuania for "taking US concerns seriously." - The cables were also received by US embassies in France, Norway, Romania, and Poland. They were instructed to convey to the hosts verbally, rather than in writing, that the US is unhappy with the panels on American disinformation. Representatives of these countries remained on the list of participants. France, according to Reuters, remained the only "main supporter" on the list.

Positions of the countries themselves - The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry stated that it withdrew from participation because part of the program did not align with the government's official position. - Global Affairs Canada reported that after the wording of several panels was changed, it reconsidered its participation in those sessions.

I was unable to find a public comment from the State Department.

Original text

Да. По сообщениям Politico, The Guardian и Reuters, США действительно давили на союзников. Официально Вашингтон, судя по найденным материалам, ничего не подтвердил. Выводы основаны на утёкшей служебной телеграмме Госдепартамента и на словах источников.

Что произошло - Конференция #Disinfo2026 проходит 7–8 октября в Вильнюсе. Её организует брюссельская НКО EU DisinfoLab. Три осведомлённых человека, включая европейских чиновников, подтвердили, что Госдепартамент связывался с несколькими правительствами по поводу их финансовой и институциональной поддержки встречи. - Поводом стала программа. По телеграмме, Госдепартамент попросил американские посольства в нескольких европейских странах и в ЕС выразить обеспокоенность Вашингтона и «оценить», согласны ли правительства с тем, что США называют FIMI-актором (иностранным манипулятором информацией и вмешательства). - В телеграмме сказано, что конференция ставит США в один ряд с «иностранными противниками вроде России и Китая». Это названо «ложной эквивалентностью». - Одна из панелей называлась «USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back». В ней участвовали двое американских исследователей и бывший сотрудник ЦРУ.

Результат - МИД Литвы, Канада и дипломатическая служба ЕС (ЕСВД) сняли поддержку конференции. - По данным Reuters, посол США в Литве Кара Макдоналд участвовала в контактах с Вильнюсом. Reuters при этом не смог установить, связывался ли Госдепартамент с ЕСВД. - Во внутренних документах Госдепартамента, которые видела The Guardian, американские чиновники благодарят Литву за то, что она «серьёзно отнеслась к опасениям США». - Телеграммы также получили посольства США во Франции, Норвегии, Румынии и Польше. Им велели передать хозяевам устно, а не письменно, что США недовольны панелями об американской дезинформации. Представители этих стран остались в списке участников. Франция, по данным Reuters, осталась единственным «main supporter» в списке.

Версии самих стран - МИД Литвы заявил, что отказался от участия, потому что часть программы не соответствовала официальной позиции правительства. - Global Affairs Canada сообщило, что после изменения формулировок нескольких панелей пересмотрело своё участие в этих сессиях.

Мне не удалось найти публичного комментария Госдепартамента.

DeepSeek V4.1 Flash

Repeated check: one answer round only. The report shows answer round 1.

English — answer round 1

Web access: Used — OpenRouter search

Sources returned by search: - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation ... - US lobbies allies to cut ties to anti-disinformation conference over panel critical of Washington, sources say – Financial Newsletter - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support – EUobserver - European Union/Lithuania/United States • Pressured by US, Brussels pulls out of Disinfo 2026 conference in Vilnius - Disinfo2026 - #Disinfo2026: All you need to know - EU DisinfoLab Annual Conferences - #Disinfo2026 | Capacity4dev - Disinfo2026: Terms and Conditions - EU DisinfoLab

English translation

I'll search for information on this.Yes — according to multiple news reports, the Trump administration did pressure allied governments over the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius.

What happened

• The conference: #Disinfo2026 was the annual counter-disinformation conference run by EU DisinfoLab, held 7–8 October 2026 in Vilnius, Lithuania (Radisson Blu Lietuva), with pre-conference workshops on 6 October.
• The trigger: The published programme included a panel titled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back" (FIMI = "foreign information manipulation and interference"), which framed the United States as a disinformation threat to Europe. Another session dealt with "How the counter-disinformation community is dealing with US government pressure," including US entry bans targeting European figures. This reportedly angered the Trump administration.
• The pressure: Per a State Department cable seen by POLITICO and correspondence reviewed by Reuters, the State Department asked US embassies in several European countries and to the EU to convey Washington's concerns and to "assess" whether the governments involved agreed with characterising the US as a FIMI actor. State Department officials spent several days lobbying counterparts in Lithuania, Canada and France. US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald was reportedly involved in the outreach to Vilnius. The State Department's lobbying role was first reported by The Guardian.
• The result: Lithuania's foreign ministry, Global Affairs Canada, and the EU's External Action Service (EEAS) all withdrew their official support/sponsorship shortly before the event — Canada and Lithuania asked organisers to remove their ministries' logos, and the EEAS followed. Photographs showed the Canadian, Lithuanian and EU logos covered up on conference displays. France remained the only remaining "main supporter."
• Official responses: The State Department said it couldn't comment on diplomatic conversations but that "it should not be a surprise that countries would disaffiliate from this conference upon learning that it labeled the U.S. a 'FIMI threat'," adding that such language "undermines shared goals." Lithuania's MFA and the EEAS said they withdrew because parts of the programme differed from their official positions, without specifying which. Canada said it "revised its participation" in several panels due to "changes to the framing," while its officials still attended.

Sources: POLITICO, Reuters, LRT (Lithuania), EUobserver, and Intelligence Online all reported the story on 7 October 2026.

One caveat: the characterisation of the outreach as "pressure" comes from anonymous US officials, the cable/correspondence reviewed by journalists, and the affected governments' own statements — the US framed it as expressing concerns rather than coercion.

Original text

I'll search for information on this.Yes — according to multiple news reports, the Trump administration did pressure allied governments over the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius.

What happened

• The conference: #Disinfo2026 was the annual counter-disinformation conference run by EU DisinfoLab, held 7–8 October 2026 in Vilnius, Lithuania (Radisson Blu Lietuva), with pre-conference workshops on 6 October.
• The trigger: The published programme included a panel titled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back" (FIMI = "foreign information manipulation and interference"), which framed the United States as a disinformation threat to Europe. Another session dealt with "How the counter-disinformation community is dealing with US government pressure," including US entry bans targeting European figures. This reportedly angered the Trump administration.
• The pressure: Per a State Department cable seen by POLITICO and correspondence reviewed by Reuters, the State Department asked US embassies in several European countries and to the EU to convey Washington's concerns and to "assess" whether the governments involved agreed with characterising the US as a FIMI actor. State Department officials spent several days lobbying counterparts in Lithuania, Canada and France. US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald was reportedly involved in the outreach to Vilnius. The State Department's lobbying role was first reported by The Guardian.
• The result: Lithuania's foreign ministry, Global Affairs Canada, and the EU's External Action Service (EEAS) all withdrew their official support/sponsorship shortly before the event — Canada and Lithuania asked organisers to remove their ministries' logos, and the EEAS followed. Photographs showed the Canadian, Lithuanian and EU logos covered up on conference displays. France remained the only remaining "main supporter."
• Official responses: The State Department said it couldn't comment on diplomatic conversations but that "it should not be a surprise that countries would disaffiliate from this conference upon learning that it labeled the U.S. a 'FIMI threat'," adding that such language "undermines shared goals." Lithuania's MFA and the EEAS said they withdrew because parts of the programme differed from their official positions, without specifying which. Canada said it "revised its participation" in several panels due to "changes to the framing," while its officials still attended.

Sources: POLITICO, Reuters, LRT (Lithuania), EUobserver, and Intelligence Online all reported the story on 7 October 2026.

One caveat: the characterisation of the outreach as "pressure" comes from anonymous US officials, the cable/correspondence reviewed by journalists, and the affected governments' own statements — the US framed it as expressing concerns rather than coercion.

French — answer round 1

Web access: Used — OpenRouter search

Sources returned by search: - US lobbies allies to cut ties to anti-disinformation conference over panel critical of Washington, sources say - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation ... - US fights disinformation label at Europe conference - Bytes Europe - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support – EUobserver - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support – EUobserver - L’UE, le Canada et la Lituanie se retirent d’une conférence sur la désinformation après des pressions américaines - L'Observateur Français - European Union/Lithuania/United States • Pressured by US, Brussels pulls out of Disinfo 2026 conference in Vilnius - Le SEAE prend peur face au débat sur la « désinformation » américaine | Rapporteur FR

English translation

Yes. According to investigations by Reuters and POLITICO (October 7, 2026), the U.S. administration did indeed pressure its allies regarding the #Disinfo2026 conference, organized by EU DisinfoLab in Vilnius on October 7 and 8, 2026.

What happened

• The State Department asked its embassies in Europe (notably in France, Norway, Romania, and Poland) as well as the EU to express Washington's concerns and to "assess" whether the governments concerned accepted that the United States be described as a "Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference" (FIMI) actor. The embassies were instructed to do this orally, and not in writing.
• The U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania, Kara McDonald, was directly involved in the approaches made to Vilnius.
• The motive: two panels on the program, notably "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back" and "Under attack: How the counter-disinformation community is dealing with US government pressure", which presented the United States as an informational threat to Europe.

Outcome

• Canada and Lithuania—initially listed as "main supporters"—withdrew their public support (logos removed from conference materials) following discussions with U.S. officials. The European External Action Service (EEAS) did the same.
• France remained the only remaining "main supporter," although U.S. officials also contacted the Quai d'Orsay.
• The State Department declined to comment on the details of diplomatic conversations, while stating that "it should come as no surprise that countries disaffiliated themselves from this conference after learning that it classified the United States as a 'FIMI threat'."

Worth noting

• Canada and Lithuania officially justified their withdrawal by stating that certain parts of the program did not align with their official position, without specifying which ones.
• Participants also mentioned "intimidating emails" and direct contacts by American writer Michael Shellenberger with speakers, in what was described as a pressure campaign—even though the exact origin of some of these pressures remains debated.

In summary: yes, there was documented U.S. diplomatic pressure, which led to the withdrawal of support by several allies (Canada, Lithuania, EEAS), with France maintaining its backing.

Original text

Oui. Selon des enquêtes de Reuters et POLITICO (7 octobre 2026), l'administration américaine a bien fait pression sur ses alliés au sujet de la conférence #Disinfo2026, organisée par EU DisinfoLab à Vilnius les 7 et 8 octobre 2026.

Ce qui s'est passé

• Le Département d'État a demandé à ses ambassades en Europe (notamment en France, Norvège, Roumanie et Pologne) ainsi qu'auprès de l'UE d'exprimer les inquiétudes de Washington et d'« évaluer » si les gouvernements concernés acceptaient que les États-Unis soient qualifiés d'acteur de « manipulation et ingérence de l'information étrangères » (FIMI). Les ambassades devaient le faire oralement, et non par écrit.
• L'ambassadrice des États-Unis en Lituanie, Kara McDonald, a été directement impliquée dans les démarches auprès de Vilnius.
• Le motif : deux panels du programme, notamment « USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back » et « Under attack: How the counter-disinformation community is dealing with US government pressure », qui présentaient les États-Unis comme une menace informationnelle pour l'Europe.

Résultat

• Le Canada et la Lituanie — initialement listés comme « principaux soutiens » — ont retiré leur soutien public (logos retirés des supports de la conférence) après les discussions avec les responsables américains. Le Service européen pour l'action extérieure (SEAE) a fait de même.
• La France est restée le seul « principal soutien » restant, bien que des responsables américains aient aussi contacté le Quai d'Orsay.
• Le Département d'État a refusé de commenter les détails des conversations diplomatiques, tout en déclarant qu'« il ne devrait pas être surprenant que des pays se désaffilient de cette conférence après avoir appris qu'elle classait les États-Unis comme une "menace FIMI" ».

À noter

• Le Canada et la Lituanie ont officiellement justifié leur retrait par le fait que certaines parties du programme ne correspondaient pas à leur position officielle, sans préciser lesquelles.
• Des participants ont aussi évoqué des « e-mails intimidants » et des contacts directs de l'écrivain américain Michael Shellenberger auprès d'intervenants, dans ce qui a été décrit comme une campagne de pression — même si l'origine exacte de certaines de ces pressions reste discutée.

En résumé : oui, il y a eu une pression diplomatique américaine documentée, qui a conduit au retrait du soutien de plusieurs alliés (Canada, Lituanie, SEAE), la France maintenant son appui.

Lithuanian — answer round 1

Web access: Used — OpenRouter search

Sources returned by search: - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure - POLITICO - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - „Politico“: dėl JAV spaudimo Lietuva, ES ir Kanada nerems dezinformacijos konferencijos - LRT - Lietuvai ir ES – akibrokštas iš JAV: privertė pasitraukti iš konferencijos Vilniuje - ES neigia atšaukusi paramą konferencijai dėl JAV spaudimo - Delfi - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure - POLITICO - US lobbies allies to cut ties to anti-disinformation conference over panel critical of Washington, sources say - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support – EUobserver - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - Pressured by US, Brussels pulls out of Disinfo 2026 ...

English translation

Yes – according to media reports, the US administration did indeed pressure allies regarding the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius. Here is what sources show:

What Happened

Conference: #Disinfo2026, organized by the Brussels-based non-profit organization "EU DisinfoLab", took place in Vilnius on October 7–8, 2026. It was attended by disinformation researchers, journalists, NGOs, and policymakers.

Pressure: Based on a US State Department diplomatic cable seen by "Politico" (and "Reuters" sources), the US administration pressured EU, Canadian, and Lithuanian diplomats to withdraw from the conference. The State Department asked US embassies in several European countries and to the EU to "express Washington's concern" and to assess whether participating governments agreed with classifying the US as a "foreign information manipulation and interference" (FIMI) actor.

Why: The conference program included sessions that the US described as a threat: - "The US as a FIMI threat: recognizing, adapting, countering" – featuring two American researchers and a former CIA officer; - "Under attack: how the counter-disinformation community deals with US government pressure."

Who Withdrew: The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Global Affairs Canada, and the European External Action Service (EEAS) removed their logos and withdrew their support. Photographs show that the logos of these institutions were covered up on conference displays. France remained the only major sponsor.

Details: According to "Reuters," US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald was involved in the outreach process with Vilnius. US embassies in France, Norway, Romania, and Poland also received instructions, but representatives from these countries were not removed from the program.

Reactions and Nuances

• The US State Department stated it could not comment on the details of diplomatic conversations, but remarked that "it should not come as a surprise that countries are distancing themselves from this conference" upon learning that the US was labeled a "FIMI threat" there.
• The Lithuanian MFA did not officially confirm that it withdrew due to US pressure – stating that parts of the program did not align with the Government's positions and Lithuania's national interests. Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys said that the organizers "went too far" and was "surprised and shocked" that the US was placed alongside Russia or China.
• The EU denied revoking its support because of US pressure – spokesperson Christian Wigand stated that the decision was made because the topics of some discussions were framed in an unacceptable manner.

Conclusion

Yes – according to "Politico" and "Reuters" investigations, the US State Department actively lobbied allies (especially Lithuania and Canada) to distance themselves from a conference where the US was designated as a disinformation threat. Nevertheless, official Lithuanian and EU positions deny or do not comment on the pressure, citing the content of the program as the primary reason for withdrawal.

Original text

Taip – pagal žiniasklaidos pranešimus, JAV administracija tikrai darė spaudimą sąjungininkams dėl #Disinfo2026 konferencijos Vilniuje. Štai ką rodo šaltiniai:

Kas įvyko

Konferencija: #Disinfo2026, organizuota Briuselyje įsikūrusios ne pelno organizacijos „EU DisinfoLab", vyko Vilniuje 2026 m. spalio 7–8 d. Joje dalyvavo dezinformacijos tyrinėtojai, žurnalistai, NVO ir politikos formuotojai.

Spaudimas: Remiantis „Politico" matytu JAV Valstybės departamento diplomatiniu pranešimu (ir „Reuters" šaltiniais), JAV administracija darė spaudimą ES, Kanados ir Lietuvos diplomatams pasitraukti iš konferencijos. Valstybės departamentas paprašė JAV ambasadų keliose Europos šalyse ir prie ES „išreikšti Vašingtono susirūpinimą" ir įvertinti, ar dalyvaujančios vyriausybės pritaria tam, kad JAV būtų priskiriama prie „užsienio vykdomo manipuliavimo informacija ir kišimosi" (FIMI) veikėjų.

Kodėl: Konferencijos programoje buvo sesijos, kurios JAV apibūdino kaip grėsmę: - „JAV kaip FIMI grėsmė: pripažinti, prisitaikyti, atremti" – joje dalyvavo du amerikiečių tyrėjai ir buvęs CŽA pareigūnas; - „Puolami: kaip kovos su dezinformacija bendruomenė tvarkosi su JAV vyriausybės spaudimu".

Kas pasitraukė: Lietuvos užsienio reikalų ministerija, „Global Affairs Canada" ir ES išorės veiksmų tarnyba (EIVT) pašalino savo logotipus ir atsiėmė paramą. Nuotraukose matyti, kad konferencijos stenduose šių institucijų logotipai buvo uždengti. Prancūzija liko vienintelė pagrindinė rėmėja.

Detalės: Pasak „Reuters", JAV ambasadorė Lietuvoje Kara McDonald dalyvavo susisiekimo su Vilniumi procese. JAV ambasados Prancūzijoje, Norvegijoje, Rumunijoje ir Lenkijoje taip pat gavo nurodymus, tačiau šių šalių atstovai iš programos nebuvo pašalinti.

Reakcijos ir niuansai

• JAV Valstybės departamentas teigė negalintis komentuoti diplomatinių pokalbių detalių, bet pareiškė, kad „neturėtų stebinti, jog šalys atsiriboja nuo šios konferencijos", sužinojusios, kad JAV joje pavadinta „FIMI grėsme".
• Lietuvos URM oficialiai nepatvirtino, kad pasitraukė dėl JAV spaudimo – teigė, kad programos dalys neatitiko Vyriausybės pozicijų ir Lietuvos nacionalinių interesų. Užsienio reikalų ministras Kęstutis Budrys sakė, kad organizatoriai „persistengė", ir buvo „nustebęs bei šokiruotas", jog JAV statoma greta Rusijos ar Kinijos.
• ES neigė atšaukusi paramą dėl JAV spaudimo – atstovas spaudai Christianas Wigandas teigė, kad sprendimas priimtas dėl to, jog kai kurių diskusijų temos buvo suformuluotos nepriimtinai.

Išvada

Taip – pagal „Politico" ir „Reuters" tyrimus, JAV Valstybės departamentas aktyviai lobizavo sąjungininkus (ypač Lietuvą ir Kanadą), kad šie atsiribotų nuo konferencijos, kurioje JAV buvo įvardyta kaip dezinformacijos grėsmė. Vis dėlto oficialios Lietuvos ir ES pozicijos spaudimą neigia arba jo nekomentuoja, nurodydamos programos turinį kaip pagrindinę pasitraukimo priežastį.

Russian — answer round 1

Web access: Used — OpenRouter search

Sources returned by search: - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure - POLITICO - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - Союзники США вышли из конференции по дезинформации под давлением, пишут СМИ - РИА Новости, 08.10.2026 - „Politico“: dėl JAV spaudimo Lietuva, ES ir Kanada nerems dezinformacijos konferencijos - LRT - URM: iš konferencijos apie dezinformaciją pasitraukta dėl Lietuvos nacionalinių interesų neatitinkančio turinio - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation ... - US lobbies allies to cut ties to anti-disinformation conference over panel critical of Washington, sources say - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - US Lobbies Allies to Cut Ties to Anti-Disinformation Conference Over Panel Critical of Washington, Sources Say - GV Wire - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support – EUobserver

English translation

Yes — according to publications by Politico and Reuters (October 7–8, 2026), the Trump administration did indeed pressure allies to distance themselves from the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius.

What happened

• The conference on October 7–8, 2026, in Vilnius was organized by the Brussels-based NGO EU DisinfoLab. Its program included sessions describing the US as a subject of "foreign information manipulation and interference" (FIMI), specifically the panel "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back" and a discussion on how the counter-disinformation community is coping with pressure from the US government.
• According to Politico (citing a leaked State Department diplomatic cable) and Reuters (citing three US officials and correspondence), the State Department instructed US embassies in several European countries and at the EU to express Washington's concern and "assess" whether participating governments agreed with classifying the US as a FIMI actor. According to RIA Novosti, the cables were sent to France, Norway, Romania, and Poland, among others; the State Department asked that the displeasure be conveyed verbally rather than in writing.
• The pressure proved effective: Canada and Lithuania (listed as the conference's "main supporters") asked on Monday to have their agencies' logos removed from the materials, followed on Tuesday by the European External Action Service (EEAS). US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald was involved in contacts with Vilnius. France remained the only "main sponsor" left in the program.

Reactions of the parties

• The State Department stated that it does not comment on the details of diplomatic conversations, but "it should not come as a surprise that countries withdraw from participation in a conference upon learning that the US is called a 'FIMI threat' there."
• The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry explained its withdrawal by stating that parts of the program "do not correspond to the position of the government and the national interests of Lithuania," without directly confirming that the reason was US pressure. Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said the organizers "went too far" and expressed surprise that the US was being put on the same level as Russia and China.
• Canada (Global Affairs Canada) stated that it was "reviewing" its participation in several panels due to "changes in the presentation" of topics.

Caveat: This is an account of media reports (Politico, Reuters) based on leaks and anonymous sources; officially, the State Department has not confirmed the details of diplomatic contacts, and Lithuania and the EU formally explained their withdrawal by the program's inconsistency with their positions.

Original text

Да — согласно публикациям Politico и Reuters (7–8 октября 2026 г.), администрация Трампа действительно оказывала давление на союзников, чтобы те дистанцировались от конференции #Disinfo2026 в Вильнюсе.

Что произошло

• Конференцию 7–8 октября 2026 г. в Вильнюсе проводила брюссельская НКО EU DisinfoLab. В её программе были сессии, где США описывались как субъект «иностранного информационного манипулирования и вмешательства» (FIMI), в частности панель «USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back» и дискуссия о том, как сообщество по борьбе с дезинформацией справляется с давлением американского правительства.
• По данным Politico (со ссылкой на утечку дипломатической телеграммы Госдепа) и Reuters (со ссылкой на трёх американских чиновников и переписку), Госдепартамент поручил посольствам США в ряде европейских стран и при ЕС выразить Вашингтону озабоченность и «оценить», согласны ли правительства-участники с тем, что США причисляют к FIMI-акторам. Телеграммы, по данным РИА Новости, направлялись в том числе во Францию, Норвегию, Румынию и Польшу; Госдеп просил передавать недовольство устно, а не письменно.
• Давление оказалось результативным: Канада и Литва (числившиеся «главными сторонниками» конференции) в понедельник попросили убрать логотипы своих ведомств из материалов, во вторник за ними последовала Европейская служба внешних действий (EEAS). В контактах с Вильнюсом участвовала посол США в Литве Кара Макдональд. Единственным оставшимся «главным спонсором» в программе осталась Франция.

Реакция сторон

• Госдепартамент заявил, что не комментирует детали дипломатических бесед, но «не должно удивлять, что страны отказываются от участия в конференции, узнав, что на ней США называют "FIMI-угрозой"».
• МИД Литвы объяснил выход тем, что части программы «не соответствуют позиции правительства и национальным интересам Литвы», не подтверждая напрямую, что причиной было давление США. Глава МИД Кястутис Будрис сказал, что организаторы «хватили через край», и выразил удивление тем, что США ставят в один ряд с Россией и Китаем.
• Канада (Global Affairs Canada) заявила, что «пересматривает» участие в ряде панелей из-за «изменений в подаче» тем.

Оговорка: это изложение сообщений СМИ (Politico, Reuters) на основе утечек и анонимных источников; официально Госдеп детали дипломатических контактов не подтверждал, а Литва и ЕС формально объясняли выход несоответствием программы их позициям.

Gemini 3.8 Flash

Repeated check: found in 1 of 3 answer rounds. The report shows answer round 1.

Evidence used for the finding

• Lithuanian, English translation: “US embassies in several European countries (including France, Norway, Poland, Romania) were instructed to orally inform the authorities of those countries about Washington's dissatisfaction” Approximate place in the original: …nformation Manipulation and Interference) grėsmė Europai. * Kaip buvo daromas spaudimas: Remiantis nutekinta diplomatinio susirašinėjimo informacija, JAV ambasadoms keliose Europos šalyse (įskaitant Prancūziją, Norvegiją, Lenkiją, Rumuniją) buvo nurodyta žodžiu informuoti šalių valdžios institu… (No number or name from the quote was found here. This may be a nearby sentence.)*
• French, English translation: “the French government instead chose to maintain its status as a main partner” Approximate place in the original: …é directement avec les pressions américaines. * France : Également sollicité par Washington, le gouvernement français a en revanche choisi de maintenir son statut de partenaire principal, rappelant son attachement au soutien de la société civile et de la recherche indépendante sur la désinfo… (No number or name from the quote was found here. This may be a nearby sentence.)
• Russian, English translation: “US State Department internal cables emphasized that equating the US with adversaries such as Russia and China is a "false comparison."” Approximate place in the original: …тесь, признайте, дайте отпор»), где Соединённые Штаты рассматривались как субъект иностранного манипулирования информацией и вмешательства (FIMI). В служебных телеграммах Госдепартамента США подчеркивалось, что приравнивание США к таким противникам, как Россия и Китай, является «ложным сравнением».… (No number or name from the quote was found here. This may be a nearby sentence.)*
• English, English translation: “France: Stood out as the only remaining major government sponsor that did not pull its backing.” Original passage: …use the EU disagreed with the framing of certain sessions, they declined to comment on direct diplomatic exchanges with Washington. * France:** Stood out as the only remaining major government sponsor that did not pull its backing. At the opening of the conference, logos of several withdrawing …

English — answer round 1

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - techpolicy.press - globalbankingandfinance.com - democrata.es - indopremier.com

English translation

Yes. Reporting from outlets including Reuters and The Guardian revealed that the U.S. State Department actively lobbied and pressured several allied governments to withdraw or reconsider their support for the #Disinfo2026 conference, held on October 7–8, 2026, in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Key Details of the Controversy

• The Cause: Organized by the Brussels-based non-profit EU DisinfoLab, the annual gathering focused on countering disinformation and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI). Washington objected to the conference agenda, particularly a panel titled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back," which examined whether the United States itself had become a source of foreign information manipulation in Europe.
• The Diplomatic Pressure: U.S. State Department diplomats—including the U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania—reached out to counterparts in countries supporting the event, including Lithuania, Canada, and France, raising sharp objections to the conference's framing.
• The Fallout:
• Lithuania: The host nation canceled its official participation and removed its support, stating that aspects of the program did not align with the government's official stance.
• Canada: Global Affairs Canada moved to scale back and distance itself from sponsorship and panel participation.
• European Union (EEAS): The European External Action Service requested its branding and logos be removed from conference banners and materials. While EU spokespeople stated the decision was made because the EU disagreed with the framing of certain sessions, they declined to comment on direct diplomatic exchanges with Washington.
• France: Stood out as the only remaining major government sponsor that did not pull its backing.

At the opening of the conference, logos of several withdrawing government sponsors had to be taped over on physical banners and programs. U.S. officials defended Washington's stance by arguing that presenting the United States as an information threat was unacceptable and undermined counter-disinformation cooperation among allies.

Original text

Yes. Reporting from outlets including Reuters and The Guardian revealed that the U.S. State Department actively lobbied and pressured several allied governments to withdraw or reconsider their support for the #Disinfo2026 conference, held on October 7–8, 2026, in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Key Details of the Controversy

• The Cause: Organized by the Brussels-based non-profit EU DisinfoLab, the annual gathering focused on countering disinformation and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI). Washington objected to the conference agenda, particularly a panel titled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back," which examined whether the United States itself had become a source of foreign information manipulation in Europe.
• The Diplomatic Pressure: U.S. State Department diplomats—including the U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania—reached out to counterparts in countries supporting the event, including Lithuania, Canada, and France, raising sharp objections to the conference's framing.
• The Fallout:
• Lithuania: The host nation canceled its official participation and removed its support, stating that aspects of the program did not align with the government's official stance.
• Canada: Global Affairs Canada moved to scale back and distance itself from sponsorship and panel participation.
• European Union (EEAS): The European External Action Service requested its branding and logos be removed from conference banners and materials. While EU spokespeople stated the decision was made because the EU disagreed with the framing of certain sessions, they declined to comment on direct diplomatic exchanges with Washington.
• France: Stood out as the only remaining major government sponsor that did not pull its backing.

At the opening of the conference, logos of several withdrawing government sponsors had to be taped over on physical banners and programs. U.S. officials defended Washington's stance by arguing that presenting the United States as an information threat was unacceptable and undermined counter-disinformation cooperation among allies.

English — answer round 2

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - democrata.es - theguardian.com - indopremier.com - techpolicy.press

English translation

Yes. According to reporting from major news outlets, including The Guardian, Reuters, and AFP, the U.S. government pressured several allied governments to withdraw or curtail their support for the #Disinfo2026 conference organized by EU DisinfoLab in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Background and Reason for the Pressure The diplomatic tension arose over a panel on the conference agenda titled: > "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back"

(FIMI stands for Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference.)

The session was designed to examine whether the United States had itself become an actor of concern regarding information manipulation and how European counter-disinformation efforts might navigate resilience independently. The U.S. State Department objected to this framing, arguing that presenting the United States as a foreign disinformation threat to Europe was unacceptable.

Actions and Responses U.S. officials contacted representatives from several allied governments and institutions, leading to notable fallout:

• Lithuania: The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs canceled its participation and removed its sponsorship, stating that parts of the conference program conflicted with the official positions of the Lithuanian government.
• European External Action Service (EEAS): The EU's diplomatic body withdrew its official branding and sponsorship, resulting in its logos being taped over on conference banners and promotional materials. While EU spokespeople later insisted the decision was made independently because the panel framing did not align with official EU policy, reports confirmed the move followed U.S. diplomatic objections.
• Canada: Global Affairs Canada pulled its official sponsorship and revised its participation in specific panel sessions, though some Canadian representatives still attended.
• France: Although contacted by U.S. officials, France decided to maintain its institutional support, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to backing civil society initiatives addressing disinformation regardless of sensitive programming.

The U.S. State Department did not disclose details of private diplomatic exchanges, but officials maintained that allied nations had legitimate reason to distance themselves from an event characterizing the United States as a foreign information threat.

Original text

Yes. According to reporting from major news outlets, including The Guardian, Reuters, and AFP, the U.S. government pressured several allied governments to withdraw or curtail their support for the #Disinfo2026 conference organized by EU DisinfoLab in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Background and Reason for the Pressure The diplomatic tension arose over a panel on the conference agenda titled: > "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back"

(FIMI stands for Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference.)

The session was designed to examine whether the United States had itself become an actor of concern regarding information manipulation and how European counter-disinformation efforts might navigate resilience independently. The U.S. State Department objected to this framing, arguing that presenting the United States as a foreign disinformation threat to Europe was unacceptable.

Actions and Responses U.S. officials contacted representatives from several allied governments and institutions, leading to notable fallout:

• Lithuania: The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs canceled its participation and removed its sponsorship, stating that parts of the conference program conflicted with the official positions of the Lithuanian government.
• European External Action Service (EEAS): The EU's diplomatic body withdrew its official branding and sponsorship, resulting in its logos being taped over on conference banners and promotional materials. While EU spokespeople later insisted the decision was made independently because the panel framing did not align with official EU policy, reports confirmed the move followed U.S. diplomatic objections.
• Canada: Global Affairs Canada pulled its official sponsorship and revised its participation in specific panel sessions, though some Canadian representatives still attended.
• France: Although contacted by U.S. officials, France decided to maintain its institutional support, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to backing civil society initiatives addressing disinformation regardless of sensitive programming.

The U.S. State Department did not disclose details of private diplomatic exchanges, but officials maintained that allied nations had legitimate reason to distance themselves from an event characterizing the United States as a foreign information threat.

English — answer round 3

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - techpolicy.press - almayadeen.net - investing.com - bignewsnetwork.com - theguardian.com

English translation

Yes. Reporting from outlets including Reuters, Politico, and The Guardian confirmed that the U.S. State Department actively pressured several allied governments to withdraw or distance their official support from the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Background and Reason for Pressure The annual conference, organized by the Brussels-based non-profit EU DisinfoLab, brought together researchers, civil society organizations, and officials to discuss countering disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI).

Tensions arose over parts of the conference agenda that scrutinized the United States itself—specifically a panel titled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back," which examined whether U.S. actors and political shifts had become a source of disinformation and influence operations in Europe.

U.S. officials objected to the conference framing, arguing that categorizing an ally as a "FIMI threat"—a term typically reserved for foreign adversaries like Russia and China—undermined transatlantic cooperation and shared goals.

Outcome * Diplomatic outreach: U.S. diplomats, including the U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania, engaged counterparts in several governments—including Lithuania, Canada, and France—expressing Washington's objections. * Allied withdrawals: Following the U.S. pressure and internal reviews, Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Global Affairs Canada, and the European External Action Service (EEAS) distanced themselves from the event just as it opened. Organizers were seen taping over or removing the sponsors' logos from official event banners and print materials. * France's stance: The French government was also contacted but remained listed as a primary supporter, noting that it supports civil society efforts to combat disinformation without dictating event agendas.

Original text

Yes. Reporting from outlets including Reuters, Politico, and The Guardian confirmed that the U.S. State Department actively pressured several allied governments to withdraw or distance their official support from the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Background and Reason for Pressure The annual conference, organized by the Brussels-based non-profit EU DisinfoLab, brought together researchers, civil society organizations, and officials to discuss countering disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI).

Tensions arose over parts of the conference agenda that scrutinized the United States itself—specifically a panel titled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back," which examined whether U.S. actors and political shifts had become a source of disinformation and influence operations in Europe.

U.S. officials objected to the conference framing, arguing that categorizing an ally as a "FIMI threat"—a term typically reserved for foreign adversaries like Russia and China—undermined transatlantic cooperation and shared goals.

Outcome * Diplomatic outreach: U.S. diplomats, including the U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania, engaged counterparts in several governments—including Lithuania, Canada, and France—expressing Washington's objections. * Allied withdrawals: Following the U.S. pressure and internal reviews, Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Global Affairs Canada, and the European External Action Service (EEAS) distanced themselves from the event just as it opened. Organizers were seen taping over or removing the sponsors' logos from official event banners and print materials. * France's stance: The French government was also contacted but remained listed as a primary supporter, noting that it supports civil society efforts to combat disinformation without dictating event agendas.

French — answer round 1

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - investing.com - theguardian.com - disinfo.eu - techpolicy.press - indopremier.com

English translation

Yes, according to revelations from several media outlets (notably Reuters and The Guardian), the United States exerted intense diplomatic pressure on several of its allies to distance themselves from the #Disinfo2026 conference, held on October 7 and 8, 2026, in Vilnius by the European NGO EU DisinfoLab.

1. The cause of the US pressure The controversy arose from the programming of a panel entitled: > "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back"
(Les États-Unis comme menace FIMI [Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference] : reconnaître, s'adapter, riposter).

This roundtable examined how the United States has come to be perceived by some European experts as a potential source of foreign information manipulation or disruption for Europe. Washington strongly contested this characterization; the State Department considered that such framing undermined common goals in the fight against disinformation and that it was unacceptable to qualify the United States as a threat to its allies.

2. Washington's steps Representatives from the US State Department, notably through the US Embassy in Lithuania and public diplomacy officials, contacted several institutional partners—in particular Lithuania, Canada, France, and representatives of the European Union—to urge them to withdraw their support for the event.

3. Consequences for participants and sponsors These interventions had immediate repercussions on the summit's institutional sponsorship:

• Lithuania: The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs canceled its participation and withdrew its official support, stating that several elements of the program did not align with the government's line.
• Canada: Global Affairs Canada removed its logo from the main partners and reduced its participation in several panels.
• European Union: The European External Action Service (EEAS) requested the removal of its logo from official materials. While an EU spokesperson officially justified this decision by differences in programmatic framing without commenting on the diplomatic exchanges, the move coincided directly with US pressure.
• France: Also approached by Washington, the French government instead chose to maintain its status as a main partner, reiterating its commitment to supporting civil society and independent research on disinformation.

Original text

Oui, selon des révélations de plusieurs médias (notamment Reuters et The Guardian), les États-Unis ont exercé de vives pressions diplomatiques sur plusieurs de leurs alliés pour qu'ils prennent leurs distances avec la conférence #Disinfo2026, organisée les 7 et 8 octobre 2026 à Vilnius par l'ONG européenne EU DisinfoLab.

1. La cause des pressions américaines La controverse est née de la programmation d'un panel intitulé : > « USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back »
(Les États-Unis comme menace FIMI [Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference / Manipulation et ingérence de l'information étrangères] : reconnaître, s'adapter, riposter).

Cette table ronde se penchait sur la façon dont les États-Unis en sont venus à être perçus par certains experts européens comme une source potentielle d'ingérence ou de perturbation informationnelle pour l'Europe. Washington a vivement contesté cette qualification ; le département d'État a estimé qu'un tel cadrage sapait les objectifs communs de lutte contre la désinformation et qu'il était inadmissible de qualifier les États-Unis de menace pour leurs alliés.

2. Les démarches de Washington Des représentants du département d'État américain, notamment par l'intermédiaire de l'ambassade des États-Unis en Lituanie et de responsables de la diplomatie publique, ont contacté plusieurs partenaires institutionnels — en particulier la Lituanie, le Canada, la France et des représentants de l'Union européenne — pour les inciter à retirer leur appui à l'événement.

3. Les conséquences sur les participants et sponsors Ces interventions ont eu des répercussions immédiates sur le parrainage institutionnel du sommet :

• Lituanie : Le ministère lituanien des Affaires étrangères a annulé sa participation et retiré son soutien officiel, déclarant que plusieurs éléments du programme ne correspondaient pas à la ligne du gouvernement.
• Canada : Affaires mondiales Canada a retiré son logo des partenaires principaux et a réduit sa participation à plusieurs panels.
• Union européenne : Le Service européen pour l'action extérieure (SEAE) a demandé le retrait de son logo des supports officiels. Si un porte-parole de l'UE a officiellement justifié cette décision par des divergences de cadrage programmatique sans commenter les échanges diplomatiques, la démarche a coïncidé directement avec les pressions américaines.
• France : Également sollicité par Washington, le gouvernement français a en revanche choisi de maintenir son statut de partenaire principal, rappelant son attachement au soutien de la société civile et de la recherche indépendante sur la désinformation.

French — answer round 2

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - inbox.eu - democrata.es - theguardian.com - globalbankingandfinance.com - techpolicy.press - suaragarut.id - indopremier.com

English translation

Yes, according to revelations by several international media outlets (notably Reuters, The Guardian, and Politico), the United States exerted diplomatic pressure on several of its allies to withdraw their institutional support for the #Disinfo2026 conference, organized on October 7 and 8, 2026, in Vilnius (Lithuania) by the European NGO EU DisinfoLab.

1. The cause of the American pressure The tensions arose from the scheduling of a panel discussion entitled: > “USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back”.

In European institutional jargon, the acronym FIMI (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference) refers to information manipulation and interference operations conducted by foreign powers (a concept usually applied to Russia or China). The fact that the United States was being analyzed therein as a potential actor of interference and disinformation toward Europe sparked strong opposition from the U.S. State Department.

2. Washington's actions * Diplomats from the U.S. State Department (notably through the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius) directly contacted their Canadian, Lithuanian, and French counterparts, as well as representatives of the European Union. * Washington asked whether these governments subscribed to this characterization of the United States and strongly urged them to distance themselves from the event.

3. The consequences for participants and partners These steps led to last-minute withdrawals:

• Lithuania: As the host country, the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs canceled its participation and withdrew its sponsorship, stating that certain elements of the program deviated from the government's official line.
• Canada: Global Affairs Canada removed its logo from the official supporters and reassessed the participation of its representatives.
• The European External Action Service (EEAS / SEAE): The European Union's diplomatic service also had its logo removed from the event. A European spokesperson publicly stated that this decision resulted from a disagreement over the framing of the debates, while avoiding direct comment on the diplomatic exchanges with Washington.
• France: Also approached by American diplomats, France chose to maintain its institutional support, emphasizing that, without interfering in the drafting of the program, it continued to back civil society initiatives dedicated to the fight against disinformation.

Despite these institutional withdrawals, the conference was held in Vilnius with researchers, journalists, and civil society experts.

Original text

Oui, selon des révélations de plusieurs médias internationaux (notamment Reuters, The Guardian et Politico), les États-Unis ont exercé des pressions diplomatiques sur plusieurs de leurs alliés pour qu'ils retirent leur soutien institutionnel à la conférence #Disinfo2026, organisée les 7 et 8 octobre 2026 à Vilnius (Lituanie) par l'ONG européenne EU DisinfoLab.

1. La cause des pressions américaines Les tensions sont nées de la programmation d'une table ronde intitulée : > « USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back » (Les États-Unis comme menace FIMI : reconnaître, adapter, riposter).

Dans le jargon institutionnel européen, le sigle FIMI (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference) désigne les opérations de manipulation et d'ingérence de l'information menées par des puissances étrangères (concept habituellement appliqué à la Russie ou à la Chine). Le fait que les États-Unis y soient analysés comme un acteur potentiel d'ingérence et de désinformation envers l'Europe a suscité une vive opposition du Département d'État américain.

2. Les démarches de Washington * Des diplomates du Département d'État américain (notamment par l'intermédiaire de l'ambassade américaine à Vilnius) ont contacté directement leurs homologues canadiens, lituaniens, français ainsi que des représentants de l'Union européenne. * Washington a demandé si ces gouvernements souscrivaient à cette caractérisation des États-Unis et les a vivement incités à prendre leurs distances avec l'événement.

3. Les conséquences sur les participants et partenaires Ces démarches ont entraîné des désistements de dernière minute :

• La Lituanie : Pays hôte, le ministère lituanien des Affaires étrangères a annulé sa participation et retiré son parrainage, déclarant que certains éléments du programme s'écartaient de la ligne officielle du gouvernement.
• Le Canada : Affaires mondiales Canada a retiré son logo des soutiens officiels et réévalué la participation de ses représentants.
• Le Service européen pour l'action extérieure (SEAE / EEAS) : Le service diplomatique de l'Union européenne a également fait retirer son logo de l'événement. Un porte-parole européen a affirmé publiquement que cette décision résultait d'un désaccord sur le cadrage des débats, tout en évitant de commenter directement les échanges diplomatiques avec Washington.
• La France : Également approchée par les diplomates américains, la France a choisi de maintenir son soutien institutionnel, soulignant que, sans intervenir dans l'élaboration du programme, elle continuait d'appuyer les initiatives de la société civile consacrées à la lutte contre la désinformation.

Malgré ces retraits institutionnels, la conférence s'est tenue à Vilnius avec les chercheurs, journalistes et experts de la société civile.

French — answer round 3

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - democrata.es - intelligenceonline.com - inbox.eu - indopremier.com - bignewsnetwork.com - techpolicy.press

English translation

Yes, according to several investigations and press revelations (notably by Reuters, Politico, The Guardian, and Intelligence Online), the United States exerted intense diplomatic pressure on its allies to distance themselves from the #Disinfo2026 conference, organized by the NGO EU DisinfoLab in Vilnius (Lithuania).

The origin of the tensions Washington's displeasure (via the State Department) arose from the conference's program, which included sessions directly addressing the role of the United States in the disinformation ecosystem: * A panel entitled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back" (FIMI designating Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference) examined the extent to which the United States could represent an informational threat to Europe. * The U.S. administration deemed it unacceptable for the United States to be described as a "FIMI" actor, a terminology usually reserved by Western countries for influence operations conducted by geopolitical adversaries such as Russia or China. * Diplomatic cables and direct démarches were undertaken with allied embassies and chancelleries to probe their positioning and urge them to disavow the event.

The consequences for participants and partners These pressures led to notable retreats among the event's institutional supporters: * The European Union, Lithuania, and Canada withdrew their official sponsorship and logos from banners and promotional documents for the conference at the last minute. * Officially, the European Union (through the European External Action Service - EEAS) justified this withdrawal by stating that the framing of certain discussions did not align with its official positions, while refusing to comment publicly on diplomatic exchanges with Washington. * France was one of the few major partner governments to maintain its institutional support. French diplomacy argued that it supported independent civil society initiatives working against information manipulation without interfering in the choice of panels.

Original text

Oui, selon plusieurs enquêtes et révélations de presse (notamment de Reuters, Politico, The Guardian et Intelligence Online), les États-Unis ont exercé de vives pressions diplomatiques sur leurs alliés pour qu'ils prennent leurs distances avec la conférence #Disinfo2026, organisée par l'ONG EU DisinfoLab à Vilnius (Lituanie).

L'origine des tensions Le mécontentement de Washington (via le Département d'État) est né de la programmation de la conférence, qui comportait des sessions abordant directement le rôle des États-Unis dans l'écosystème de la désinformation : * Un panel intitulé « USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back » (FIMI désignant la manipulation et l'ingérence de l'information par des acteurs étrangers) examinait dans quelle mesure les États-Unis pouvaient représenter une menace informationnelle pour l'Europe. * L'administration américaine a jugé inacceptable que les États-Unis soient qualifiés d'acteur de « FIMI », une terminologie habituellement réservée par les pays occidentaux aux opérations d'influence menées par des adversaires géopolitiques comme la Russie ou la Chine. * Des câbles diplomatiques et des démarches directes ont été entrepris auprès d'ambassades et de chancelleries alliées pour sonder leur positionnement et les inciter à désavouer l'événement.

Les conséquences sur les participants et partenaires Ces pressions ont entraîné des reculs notables parmi les soutiens institutionnels de l'événement : * L'Union européenne, la Lituanie et le Canada ont retiré à la dernière minute leur parrainage officiel et leurs logos des panneaux et documents promotionnels de la conférence. * Officiellement, l'Union européenne (par le biais du Service européen pour l'action extérieure - SEAE) a justifié ce retrait en déclarant que le cadrage de certaines discussions ne correspondait pas à ses positions officielles, tout en refusant de commenter publiquement les échanges diplomatiques avec Washington. * La France a été l'un des rares gouvernements partenaires majeurs à maintenir son soutien institutionnel. La diplomatie française a fait valoir qu'elle soutenait les initiatives indépendantes de la société civile œuvrant contre la manipulation de l'information sans interférer dans le choix des panels.

Lithuanian — answer round 1

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - lrytas.lt - techpolicy.press

English translation

Yes, based on reports from international and Lithuanian media ("Politico", "The Guardian", ELTA, etc.), the US administration exerted diplomatic pressure on allies regarding the annual disinformation research conference "#Disinfo2026" held in Vilnius.

The main details of this event:

• Reason for the pressure: The US Department of State was annoyed by discussions scheduled in the conference program in which US influence and actions themselves were identified as a potential threat of foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI – Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference) to Europe.
• How the pressure was exerted: Based on leaked diplomatic correspondence, US embassies in several European countries (including France, Norway, Poland, Romania) were instructed to orally inform the authorities of those countries about Washington's dissatisfaction and to urge them to reconsider participation and support for this event organized by the non-governmental organization "EU DisinfoLab".
• Consequences and reaction of the countries:
• Just before the start of the event, official support and sponsor status were withdrawn by Lithuania, Canada, and the European External Action Service (EEAS) – their logos on the conference stands and materials were covered over.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Lithuania confirmed that it had withdrawn from the event and formally distanced itself from its content, arguing that some parts of the program did not align with the Government's positions and Lithuania's national interests.

Original text

Taip, remiantis tarptautinės ir Lietuvos žiniasklaidos pranešimais („Politico“, „The Guardian“, ELTA ir kt.), JAV administracija darė diplomatinį spaudimą sąjungininkams dėl Vilniuje vykusios kasmetinės dezinformacijos tyrimų konferencijos „#Disinfo2026“.

Pagrindinės šio įvykio detalės:

• Spaudimo priežastis: JAV Valstybės departamentą suerzino konferencijos programoje numatytos diskusijos, kuriose pačios JAV įtaka ir veiksmai buvo įvardijami kaip galima užsienio manipuliavimo informacija ir kišimosi (FIMI – Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference) grėsmė Europai.
• Kaip buvo daromas spaudimas: Remiantis nutekinta diplomatinio susirašinėjimo informacija, JAV ambasadoms keliose Europos šalyse (įskaitant Prancūziją, Norvegiją, Lenkiją, Rumuniją) buvo nurodyta žodžiu informuoti šalių valdžios institucijas apie Vašingtono nepasitenkinimą ir paraginti persvarstyti dalyvavimą bei paramą šiam nevyriausybinės organizacijos „EU DisinfoLab“ renginiui.
• Pasekmės ir šalių reakcija:
• Prieš pat renginio pradžią oficialią paramą ir rėmėjų statusą atšaukė Lietuva, Kanada bei Europos išorės veiksmų tarnyba (EEAS) – jų logotipai konferencijos stenduose ir medžiagoje buvo užklijuoti.
• Lietuvos užsienio reikalų ministerija (URM) patvirtino pasitraukusi iš renginio ir formaliai atsiribojusi nuo jo turinio, argumentuodama tuo, kad kai kurios programos dalys neatitiko Vyriausybės pozicijų bei Lietuvos nacionalinių interesų.

Lithuanian — answer round 2

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - disinfo.eu - lrytas.lt - theguardian.com - investing.com - democrata.es - almayadeen.net - bignewsnetwork.com - indopremier.com

English translation

Based on reports from international media ("Reuters", "The Guardian", "Politico") and Lithuanian sources, the US State Department did indeed exert diplomatic pressure and urged its allies to distance themselves from the annual disinformation research conference "#Disinfo2026" held in Vilnius on October 7–8, 2026 (organized by the Brussels-based NGO "EU DisinfoLab").

Main circumstances:

1. Reason for outrage: US dissatisfaction was caused by a discussion scheduled in the conference program entitled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back". The term FIMI (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference) is typically applied to hostile countries such as Russia or China. In Washington's view, designating the US as an information threat or a FIMI entity equates an ally with authoritarian regimes and harms common goals.

2. US actions: US diplomats contacted representatives of partners through embassies—including Lithuanian, Canadian, French, and EU institutions—expressing dissatisfaction with the content of the event and urging them to reconsider their support or participation.

3. Allies' reaction: * Lithuania: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Lithuania refused to participate in the conference at the last minute, distanced itself from its content, and asked to remove its branding (logos were covered up in the event materials). The MFA explained that certain parts of the program did not align with the Government's positions and Lithuania's national interests. * Canada: The Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified and reduced its participation in the discussions and withdrew institutional support. * European Union (EEAS): The European External Action Service withdrew its official name sponsorship and logo, noting that the wording of the discussions did not reflect the official EU position. * France: The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs remained one of the main official sponsors of the conference, emphasizing traditional support for civil society in the fight against disinformation, although it did not participate in drafting the event's program.

Original text

Remiantis tarptautinės žiniasklaidos („Reuters“, „The Guardian“, „Politico“) ir Lietuvos šaltinių pranešimais, JAV Valstybės departamentas iš tiesų vykdė diplomatinį spaudimą ir ragino savo sąjungininkus atsiriboti nuo 2026 m. spalio 7–8 d. Vilniuje vykusios kasmetinės dezinformacijos tyrimų konferencijos „#Disinfo2026“ (kurią rengia Briuselyje įsikūrusi nevyriausybinė organizacija „EU DisinfoLab“).

Pagrindinės aplinkybės:

1. Pasipiktinimo priežastis: JAV nepasitenkinimą sukėlė konferencijos programoje numatyta diskusija, pavadinta „USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back“. Terminas FIMI (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference – užsienio šalių manipuliavimas informacija ir kišimasis) paprastai taikomas priešiškoms šalims, tokioms kaip Rusija ar Kinija. Vašingtono nuomone, JAV įvardijimas informacine grėsme ar FIMI subjektu prilygina sąjungininkę autoritariniams režimams ir kenkia bendriems tikslams.

2. JAV veiksmai: JAV diplomatai per ambasadas susisiekė su partnerių – įskaitant Lietuvos, Kanados, Prancūzijos ir ES institucijų – atstovais, išreikšdami nepasitenkinimą renginio turiniu bei ragindami persvarstyti savo paramą ar dalyvavimą.

3. Sąjungininkų reakcija: * Lietuva: Lietuvos užsienio reikalų ministerija (URM) paskutinę akimirką atsisakė dalyvauti konferencijoje, atsiribojo nuo jos turinio ir paprašė pašalinti savo atributiką (renginio medžiagoje logotipai buvo užklijuoti). URM paaiškino, kad atskiros programos dalys neatitiko Vyriausybės pozicijų ir Lietuvos nacionalinių interesų. * Kanada: Kanados užsienio reikalų ministerija patikslino ir sumažino savo dalyvavimą diskusijose bei atšaukė institucinį palaikymą. * Europos Sąjunga (EIVT): Europos išorės veiksmų tarnyba atšaukė oficialią savo vardo paramą ir logotipą, pažymėjusi, kad diskusijų formuluotės neatitiko oficialios ES pozicijos. * Prancūzija: Prancūzijos užsienio reikalų ministerija liko viena pagrindinių oficialių konferencijos rėmėjų, pabrėždama tradicinę paramą pilietinei visuomenei kovojant su dezinformacija, nors ir nedalyvavo sudarant renginio programą.

Lithuanian — answer round 3

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - lrytas.lt - globalbankingandfinance.com - theguardian.com - democrata.es - techpolicy.press - indopremier.com - theupdatedesk.com

English translation

Yes, based on investigations by international media (Reuters, The Guardian, etc.) and diplomatic sources, the US exerted pressure on its allies regarding the "#Disinfo2026" conference organized in Vilnius by the non-governmental organization "EU DisinfoLab".

The main details of this diplomatic conflict:

1. The Cause of the Conflict Washington's indignation was provoked by one of the conference program discussions entitled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back" (USA as a foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back). This session examined how and why the US itself is becoming a source of misleading information or political influence for Europe.

2. US Actions * Based on testimony from US officials and diplomatic cables, the US State Department contacted partners in Lithuania, Canada, France, and other countries through its embassies. * Embassies were instructed to express strong displeasure verbally and urge the countries to reconsider their support or participation in an event that portrays the US as an information threat.

3. Allies' Reaction * Lithuania: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Lithuania withdrew its participation and instructed the organizers to remove the ministry's logo. The MFA officially explained that it withdrew because certain parts of the program did not align with the Government's position and Lithuania's national interests. * Canada: Global Affairs Canada also withdrew from its main sponsor status and reviewed the participation of its representatives in the discussions. * European Union (EEAS): The EU diplomatic service also requested the removal of its branding from the conference materials (the logos were covered up on printed materials), but Brussels publicly claimed that this step was taken due to the wording of the event's content, rather than due to US pressure. * France: French institutions, although they received the US appeal, did not withdraw their support and remained one of the main sponsors of the event.

Original text

Taip, remiantis tarptautinės žiniasklaidos („Reuters“, „The Guardian“ ir kt.) tyrimais bei diplomatiniais šaltiniais, JAV darė spaudimą savo sąjungininkams dėl nevyriausybinės organizacijos „EU DisinfoLab“ Vilniuje surengtos konferencijos „#Disinfo2026“.

Pagrindinės šio diplomatinio konflikto detalės:

1. Konflikto priežastis Vašingtono pasipiktinimą sukėlė viena iš konferencijos programos diskusijų, pavadinta „USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back“ (JAV kaip užsienio informacijos manipuliavimo ir kišimosi (FIMI) grėsmė: pripažinti, prisitaikyti, atremti). Šioje sesijoje buvo nagrinėjama, kaip ir kodėl JAV pati tampa klaidinančios informacijos ar politinio poveikio šaltiniu Europai.

2. JAV veiksmai * Remiantis JAV pareigūnų liudijimais ir diplomatiniais pranešimais, JAV Valstybės departamentas per savo ambasadas susisiekė su partneriais Lietuvoje, Kanadoje, Prancūzijoje bei kitose šalyse. * Ambasadoms buvo nurodyta žodžiu išreikšti griežtą nepasitenkinimą ir paraginti šalis persvarstyti savo paramą ar dalyvavimą renginyje, kuriame JAV vaizduojama kaip informacinė grėsmė.

3. Sąjungininkų reakcija * Lietuva: Lietuvos užsienio reikalų ministerija (URM) atšaukė savo dalyvavimą ir nurodė organizatoriams pašalinti ministerijos logotipą. URM oficialiai paaiškino pasitraukusi todėl, kad tam tikros programos dalys neatitiko Vyriausybės pozicijos bei Lietuvos nacionalinių interesų. * Kanada: Kanados užsienio reikalų ministerija taip pat atsitraukė nuo pagrindinio rėmėjo statuso bei peržiūrėjo savo atstovų dalyvavimą diskusijose. * Europos Sąjunga (EIVT / EEAS): ES diplomatinė tarnyba taip pat paprašė pašalinti savo atributiką nuo konferencijos medžiagos (ant atspausdintos medžiagos logotipai buvo užklijuoti), tačiau Briuselis viešai teigė, kad toks žingsnis žengtas dėl renginio turinio formuluočių, o ne dėl JAV spaudimo. * Prancūzija: Prancūzijos institucijos, nors ir sulaukė JAV kreipimosi, savo paramos neatšaukė ir liko viena pagrindinių renginio rėmėjų.

Russian — answer round 1

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - theins.ru - eurointegration.com.ua - techpolicy.press

English translation

Yes, according to media reports and internal diplomatic documents, the US indeed pressured its allies ahead of the annual European disinformation conference #Disinfo2026, organized by the Brussels-based NGO EU DisinfoLab in Vilnius (October 7–8, 2026).

Key details of the incident:

• Reason for Washington's displeasure:
  The US administration was outraged by the inclusion in the conference program of panel discussions (specifically, the session “The US as a FIMI Threat: Adapt, Acknowledge, Push Back”) where the United States was viewed as an actor of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI). US State Department internal cables emphasized that equating the US with adversaries such as Russia and China is a "false comparison."

• Nature of the pressure:
  The US State Department instructed US embassies in a number of European states (including France, Norway, Poland, Romania) and at the EU to lodge protests with local authorities and find out whether they share the organizers' position on the US as a source of the disinformation threat.

• Consequences:
  Under pressure from Washington, official sponsors—the European External Action Service (EEAS), as well as the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Canada and Lithuania—withdrew their institutional support for the event. As a result, right before the opening of the forum, the logos of the government sponsors were removed from the website and covered with white tape on the banners and handouts of the conference in Vilnius.

Officially, representatives of Lithuania, Canada, and the EU explained their distancing by stating that the wording and topics of some conference panels had ceased to align with their official position.

Original text

Да, согласно сообщениям СМИ и внутренним дипломатическим документам, США действительно оказывали давление на союзников в преддверии ежегодной европейской конференции по борьбе с дезинформацией #Disinfo2026, организованной брюссельской НКО EU DisinfoLab в Вильнюсе (7–8 октября 2026 года).

Основные детали инцидента:

• Причина недовольства Вашингтона:
  Администрацию США возмутило включение в программу конференции панельных дискуссий (в частности, сессии «США как угроза FIMI: адаптируйтесь, признайте, дайте отпор»), где Соединённые Штаты рассматривались как субъект иностранного манипулирования информацией и вмешательства (FIMI). В служебных телеграммах Госдепартамента США подчеркивалось, что приравнивание США к таким противникам, как Россия и Китай, является «ложным сравнением».

• Характер давления:
  Госдепартамент США поручил американским посольствам в ряде европейских государств (включая Францию, Норвегию, Польшу, Румынию) и при ЕС выразить протест местным властям и выяснить, разделяют ли они позицию организаторов о США как об источнике дезинформационной угрозы.

• Последствия:
  Под давлением Вашингтона официальные спонсоры — Европейская служба внешних связей (EEAS), а также министерства иностранных дел Канады и Литвы — отозвали свою институциональную поддержку мероприятия. В результате прямо перед открытием форума логотипы правительственных спонсоров были убраны с сайта и заклеены белой лентой на баннерах и раздаточных материалах конференции в Вильнюсе.

Официально представители Литвы, Канады и ЕС объяснили дистанцирование тем, что формулировки и темы некоторых панелей конференции перестали соответствовать их официальной позиции.

Russian — answer round 2

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - intelligenceonline.com - theins.ru - eurointegration.com.ua - techpolicy.press

English translation

Yes, according to media reports and internal diplomatic documents, the US exerted pressure on its allies ahead of the annual European conference on countering disinformation, #Disinfo2026, organized by the non-profit organization EU DisinfoLab in Vilnius (October 7–8, 2026).

Reasons for Washington's Discontent The trigger for the US administration's reaction was the inclusion in the conference program of sessions and panel discussions dedicated to American influence and disinformation, specifically a panel titled "The US as a FIMI Threat: Recognize, Adapt, Fight Back" (FIMI is an EU-adopted term denoting foreign information manipulation and interference).

The US State Department considered the comparison of the United States to authoritarian adversaries like Russia or China to be unacceptable and false, believing that such discussions blur the real picture of foreign interference.

How Pressure Was Applied As Politico and The Guardian discovered based on US State Department diplomatic correspondence: 1. Washington sent diplomatic cables to US embassies in EU countries and partner states (including France, Norway, Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and the EU delegation). 2. Diplomats were instructed to orally express Washington's discontent and ascertain the position of partner countries, and in a number of cases, to directly urge a review of the decision to participate in and financially support the event.

Consequences As a result of the US State Department's pressure immediately prior to the start of the conference: * The European External Action Service (EEAS), as well as the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and Canada, withdrew their official status as sponsors and partners of the conference. * The logos of these agencies were hastily removed from the official website and covered with white tape on banners and handout materials in Vilnius. * In official comments, the Lithuanian MFA and the EEAS stated that certain sessions and program formulations "do not align with their official position."

At the same time, some experts and representatives of European structures nevertheless retained their individual participation in the discussions.

Original text

Да, согласно сообщениям СМИ и внутренним дипломатическим документам, США оказывали давление на союзников в преддверии ежегодной европейской конференции по противодействию дезинформации #Disinfo2026, организованной некоммерческой организацией EU DisinfoLab в Вильнюсе (7–8 октября 2026 года).

Причины недовольства Вашингтона Поводом для реакции администрации США стало включение в программу конференции сессий и панельных дискуссий, посвященных американскому влиянию и дезинформации, в частности панели под названием «США как угроза FIMI: признать, адаптироваться, дать отпор» (FIMI — принятый в ЕС термин, обозначающий иностранное манипулирование информацией и вмешательство).

В Госдепартаменте США сочли недопустимым и ложным сравнение Соединённых Штатов с авторитарными противниками вроде России или Китая, посчитав, что подобные дискуссии размывают реальную картину внешнего вмешательства.

Как оказывалось давление Как выяснили издания Politico и The Guardian на основе дипломатической переписки Госдепартамента США: 1. Вашингтон разослал дипломатические депеши в американские посольства в странах ЕС и государствах-партнерах (включая Францию, Норвегию, Польшу, Румынию, Литву и представительство при ЕС). 2. Дипломатам было поручено устно выразить недовольство Вашингтона и выяснить позицию стран-партнеров, а в ряде случаев — напрямую призвать пересмотреть решение об участии и финансовой поддержке мероприятия.

Последствия В результате давления Госдепартамента США непосредственно перед началом конференции: * Европейская служба внешних действий (EEAS), а также министерства иностранных дел Литвы и Канады отозвали свой официальный статус спонсоров и партнеров конференции. * Логотипы этих ведомств были в спешном порядке удалены с официального сайта и заклеены белой лентой на баннерах и раздаточных материалах в Вильнюсе. * В официальных комментариях МИД Литвы и EEAS заявили, что отдельные сессии и формулировки программы «не соответствуют их официальной позиции».

При этом часть экспертов и представителей европейских структур всё же сохранили индивидуальное участие в дискуссиях.

Russian — answer round 3

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - theguardian.com - democrata.es - techpolicy.press - inbox.eu

English translation

Yes, they did.

In October 2026, ahead of the annual anti-disinformation conference #Disinfo2026 (organized by the Belgian NGO EU DisinfoLab in Vilnius on October 7–8), the U.S. administration and the Department of State exerted diplomatic pressure on a number of allies. This was reported by leading international media outlets (The Guardian, Reuters, Politico, Tech Policy Press).

Reasons for the Pressure The catalyst for Washington's indignation was the inclusion in the conference program of topics framing the United States as a source of disinformation: * Specifically, a panel titled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back" (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference) was scheduled for the event. * Issues regarding pressure from U.S. authorities on disinformation researchers and the risks of visa bans were also discussed.

The State Department deemed it unacceptable for European partners to fund and institutionally support a conference that classifies the United States as a foreign threat.

Consequences for Participants Under the impact of diplomatic contacts from the U.S.: 1. Lithuania (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania) canceled its official participation and withdrew its sponsorship, stating that certain program items diverged from the state's official position. 2. Canada withdrew its sponsorship status and adjusted the format of its representatives' participation in specific sessions. 3. The European External Action Service (EEAS / EU) dropped its status as an official partner/sponsor (the logos of the EEAS, Lithuania, and Canada were hastily covered up on printed materials right before the opening). The EEAS explained that they disagreed with the characterization of the U.S. as a source of disinformation. 4. France, whose representatives were also contacted by American diplomats, ignored the pressure and remained the event's only major governmental sponsor, declaring its support for independent civil society.

Original text

Да, оказывали.

В октябре 2026 года в преддверии ежегодной конференции по борьбе с дезинформацией #Disinfo2026 (организованной бельгийской НКО EU DisinfoLab в Вильнюсе 7–8 октября) администрация США и Государственный департамент оказали дипломатическое давление на ряд союзников. Об этом сообщили ведущие международные СМИ (The Guardian, Reuters, Politico, Tech Policy Press).

Причины давления Поводом для возмущения Вашингтона стало включение в программу конференции тем, выставлявших США в качестве источника дезинформации: * В частности, на мероприятии была запланирована панель под названием «USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back» (США как угроза внешнего информационного манипулирования и вмешательства: признать, адаптироваться, противодействовать). * Также обсуждались вопросы давления американских властей на исследователей дезинформации и риски введения визовых запретов.

Госдепартамент счёл недопустимым, чтобы европейские партнеры финансировали и институционально поддерживали конференцию, классифицирующую США как иностранную угрозу.

Последствия для участников Под воздействием дипломатических контактов со стороны США: 1. Литва (МИД Литвы) отменила свое официальное участие и отозвала спонсорскую поддержку, заявив, что отдельные пункты программы расходятся с официальной позицией государства. 2. Канада отозвала спонсорский статус и скорректировала формат участия своих представителей в отдельных сессиях. 3. Европейская служба внешних связей (EEAS / ЕС) сняла свой статус официального партнёра/спонсора (логотипы EEAS, Литвы и Канады были спешно заклеены на печатных материалах прямо перед открытием). В EEAS пояснили, что не согласны с характеристикой США как источника дезинформации. 4. Франция, с представителями которой американские дипломаты также связывались, давление проигнорировала и осталась единственным крупным правительственным спонсором мероприятия, заявив о поддержке независимого гражданского общества.

Mistral Large 4

Repeated check: one answer round only. The report shows answer round 1.

English — answer round 1

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Sources returned by search: - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure - POLITICO - US lobbies allies to cut ties to anti-disinformation conference over panel critical of Washington, sources say - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support – EUobserver - US fights disinformation label at Europe conference - Bytes Europe - US lobbies allies to cut ties to anti-disinformation conference over panel critical of Washington, sources say - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support – EUobserver - Pressured by US, Brussels pulls out of Disinfo 2026 ... - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure - POLITICO - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - Canada drops sponsorship of conference that talks of U.S. as foreign interference actor - The Globe and Mail - US Pressures Allies to Withdraw From Anti-Disinformation Conference - EU drops sponsorship of disinformation conference at Trump officials’ request | Trump administration – CONVEN.ORG | HOME

English translation

Yes. According to multiple reports from Politico, Reuters, The Guardian, and other outlets, the US State Department actively pressured its allies to withdraw support for the #Disinfo2026 conference held in Vilnius, Lithuania on October 7–8, 2026.

What happened:

• The conference, organized by the Brussels-based nonprofit EU DisinfoLab, included a panel titled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back" — with FIMI standing for "foreign information manipulation and interference." The panel examined how the United States had become a disinformation threat to Europe.

• The Trump administration objected to this framing. The State Department spent several days lobbying counterparts in Lithuania, Canada, and France, asking embassies to express Washington's concerns and assess whether participating governments agreed with characterizing the US as a FIMI actor.

• US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald was personally involved in the outreach to Vilnius.

The result:

• Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs withdrew its support and canceled participation
• Canada (Global Affairs Canada) dropped its sponsorship
• The EU's External Action Service (EEAS) removed itself from the list of supporters
• France remained the only major government sponsor

The Lithuanian, Canadian, and EU officials cited that parts of the conference program "differ from the official position" of their governments. The State Department declined to comment on specific diplomatic conversations but stated it "should not be a surprise that countries would disaffiliate from this conference" after learning the US had been labeled a "FIMI threat."

The incident was first reported by The Guardian and subsequently confirmed by Reuters, Politico, and Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT.

Original text

Yes. According to multiple reports from Politico, Reuters, The Guardian, and other outlets, the US State Department actively pressured its allies to withdraw support for the #Disinfo2026 conference held in Vilnius, Lithuania on October 7–8, 2026.

What happened:

• The conference, organized by the Brussels-based nonprofit EU DisinfoLab, included a panel titled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back" — with FIMI standing for "foreign information manipulation and interference." The panel examined how the United States had become a disinformation threat to Europe.

• The Trump administration objected to this framing. The State Department spent several days lobbying counterparts in Lithuania, Canada, and France, asking embassies to express Washington's concerns and assess whether participating governments agreed with characterizing the US as a FIMI actor.

• US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald was personally involved in the outreach to Vilnius.

The result:

• Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs withdrew its support and canceled participation
• Canada (Global Affairs Canada) dropped its sponsorship
• The EU's External Action Service (EEAS) removed itself from the list of supporters
• France remained the only major government sponsor

The Lithuanian, Canadian, and EU officials cited that parts of the conference program "differ from the official position" of their governments. The State Department declined to comment on specific diplomatic conversations but stated it "should not be a surprise that countries would disaffiliate from this conference" after learning the US had been labeled a "FIMI threat."

The incident was first reported by The Guardian and subsequently confirmed by Reuters, Politico, and Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT.

French — answer round 1

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English translation

Yes, the United States pressured its allies regarding the #Disinfo2026 conference held in Vilnius, Lithuania, on October 7 and 8, 2026. Here is what investigations by several international media outlets (Politico, Reuters, LRT, CBC, EUobserver) reveal:

Established Facts

The conference: Organized by the NGO EU DisinfoLab (based in Brussels), this annual conference on the fight against disinformation brought together researchers, journalists, and decision-makers. Its program included panels examining the role of the United States as an actor of "foreign information manipulation and interference" (FIMI), an EU term usually reserved for adversaries like Russia or China.

American pressure: According to Politico, which reviewed excerpts from a U.S. State Department cable, the Trump administration pressured diplomatic officials from the EU, Canada, and Lithuania to withdraw from the conference. The cable: - Instructed U.S. embassies to express "Washington's concerns" - Ordered them to assess whether the governments involved accepted that the United States be characterized as a FIMI actor - Criticized the conference for creating a "false equivalence" between the United States and "foreign adversaries like Russia and China"

Reuters confirms that State Department officials "harassed" (prodded) their Lithuanian, Canadian, and French counterparts for several days. The U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania, Kara McDonald, was involved in these efforts.

The Consequences

Photos showed the logos of Canada, Lithuania, and the EU covered with duct tape on the conference banners.

Official Justifications

The governments involved officially justified their withdrawal on the grounds that "certain parts of the program did not correspond to their official positions," without explicitly confirming the American pressure—although the State Department cable establishes a direct link between the U.S. demarches and these decisions.

The U.S. State Department, when questioned, stated: "It should come as no surprise that countries disaffiliated from this conference after learning that it labeled the United States a 'FIMI threat'."

In summary: This affair illustrates unusual diplomatic pressure exerted by Washington on its allies to silence critical debate regarding the role of the United States in disinformation, against a backdrop of growing transatlantic tensions under the Trump administration.

Original text

Oui, les États-Unis ont fait pression sur leurs alliés au sujet de la conférence #Disinfo2026 qui s'est tenue à Vilnius (Lituanie) les 7 et 8 octobre 2026. Voici ce que révèlent les enquêtes de plusieurs médias internationaux (Politico, Reuters, LRT, CBC, EUobserver) :

Les faits établis

La conférence : Organisée par l'ONG EU DisinfoLab (basée à Bruxelles), cette conférence annuelle sur la lutte contre la désinformation réunissait chercheurs, journalistes et décideurs. Son programme incluait des panels examinant le rôle des États-Unis comme acteur de « manipulation et d'ingérence d'information étrangère » (FIMI — Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference), un terme de l'UE habituellement réservé aux adversaires comme la Russie ou la Chine.

La pression américaine : Selon Politico, qui a consulté des extraits d'un câble du Département d'État américain, l'administration Trump a fait pression sur des responsables diplomatiques de l'UE, du Canada et de la Lituanie pour qu'ils se retirent de la conférence. Le câble : - Demandait aux ambassades américaines d'exprimer les « préoccupations de Washington » - Leur enjoignait d'évaluer si les gouvernements impliqués acceptaient que les États-Unis soient caractérisés comme un acteur FIMI - Critiquait la conférence pour avoir créé une « fausse équivalence » entre les États-Unis et « des adversaires étrangers comme la Russie et la Chine »

Reuters confirme que des responsables du Département d'État ont « harcelé » (prodded) leurs homologues lituaniens, canadiens et français pendant plusieurs jours. L'ambassadrice américaine en Lituanie, Kara McDonald, a été impliquée dans ces démarches.

Les conséquences

Des photos ont montré les logos du Canada, de la Lituanie et de l'UE recouverts de ruban adhésif sur les bannières de la conférence.

Les justifications officielles

Les gouvernements concernés ont officiellement justifié leur retrait par le fait que « certaines parties du programme ne correspondaient pas à leurs positions officielles », sans confirmer explicitement la pression américaine — bien que le câble du Département d'État établisse un lien direct entre les démarches américaines et ces décisions.

Le Département d'État américain, interrogé, a déclaré : « Il ne devrait pas être surprenant que des pays se désaffilient de cette conférence après avoir appris qu'elle qualifiait les États-Unis de "menace FIMI". »

En résumé : Cette affaire illustre une pression diplomatique inhabituelle exercée par Washington sur ses alliés pour faire taire un débat critique sur le rôle des États-Unis dans la désinformation, dans un contexte de tensions transatlantiques croissantes sous l'administration Trump.

Lithuanian — answer round 1

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English translation

Yes, the US exerted pressure on its allies regarding the #Disinfo2026 conference, which took place on October 7–8 in Vilnius. This information is confirmed by several sources, including Politico, Reuters, The Guardian, and Lithuanian media.

Key Facts:

What caused US displeasure: - The conference program included a session entitled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back", in which the US was characterized as a "foreign information manipulation and interference" (FIMI) actor - Another session was dedicated to discussing how the anti-disinformation community deals with US government pressure

How the US exerted pressure: - The US State Department instructed its embassies in several European countries (including Lithuania, France, Norway, Romania, and Poland) as well as the EU to express Washington's concerns - US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald directly participated in pressuring Lithuanian authorities - Following these diplomatic contacts, Lithuania, Canada, and the EU External Action Service (EEAS) withdrew from the list of conference sponsors and asked to remove their logos from the event materials - France remained the only major sponsor

Lithuania's position: - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially stated that it withdrew because "some parts of the program did not align with the Government's positions and Lithuania's national interests" - Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys said he was "surprised and shocked" that the US was equated with Russia or China as a disinformation threat - The Ministry did not confirm that it withdrew specifically due to US pressure, but Politico and Reuters sources state that this was a direct result of US diplomatic pressure

US response: - The State Department declined to comment on the details of diplomatic conversations, but stated: "It should not come as a surprise that countries are distancing themselves from this conference upon learning that it labels the US as a 'FIMI threat'"

Sources: Politico, Reuters, LRT, Delfi, TV3, Lrytas, EUobserver

Original text

Taip, JAV darė spaudimą savo sąjungininkams dėl konferencijos #Disinfo2026, kuri spalio 7–8 dienomis vyko Vilniuje. Šią informaciją patvirtina keli šaltiniai, įskaitant „Politico“, „Reuters“, „The Guardian“ ir Lietuvos žiniasklaida.

Pagrindiniai faktai:

Kas sukėlė JAV nepasitenkinimą: - Konferencijos programoje buvo numatyta sesija pavadinimu „JAV kaip FIMI grėsmė: pripažinti, prisitaikyti, atremti" (angl. „USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back"), kurioje JAV buvo apibūdinamos kaip „užsienio vykdomo manipuliavimo informacija ir kišimosi" (FIMI) veikėjas - Kita sesija buvo skirta aptarti, kaip kovos su dezinformacija bendruomenė tvarkosi su JAV vyriausybės spaudimu

Kaip JAV darė spaudimą: - JAV Valstybės departamentas nurodė savo ambasadoms keliose Europos šalyse (įskaitant Lietuvą, Prancūziją, Norvegiją, Rumuniją ir Lenkiją) bei ES išreikšti Vašingtono susirūpinimą - JAV ambasadorė Lietuvoje Kara McDonald tiesiogiai dalyvavo spaudime Lietuvos valdžios institucijoms - Po šių diplomatinių kontaktų Lietuva, Kanada ir ES išorės veiksmų tarnyba (EIVT) pasitraukė iš konferencijos rėmėjų sąrašo ir paprašė pašalinti savo logotipus iš renginio medžiagos - Prancūzija liko vienintelė pagrindinė rėmėja

Lietuvos pozicija: - Užsienio reikalų ministerija oficialiai teigė pasitraukusi dėl to, kad „kai kurios programos dalys neatitiko Vyriausybės pozicijų ir Lietuvos nacionalinių interesų" - Užsienio reikalų ministras Kęstutis Budrys sakė esąs „nustebintas ir šokiruotas", kad JAV buvo prilyginta Rusijai ar Kinijai kaip dezinformacijos grėsmė - Ministerija nepatvirtino, kad pasitraukė būtent dėl JAV spaudimo, tačiau „Politico" ir „Reuters" šaltiniai teigia, kad tai buvo tiesioginis JAV diplomatinio spaudimo rezultatas

JAV atsakas: - Valstybės departamentas atsisakė komentuoti diplomatinių pokalbių detales, tačiau pareiškė: „Neturėtų stebinti, kad šalys atsiriboja nuo šios konferencijos, sužinojusios, jog joje JAV įvardijama kaip 'FIMI grėsmė'"

Šaltiniai: Politico, Reuters, LRT, Delfi, TV3, Lrytas, EUobserver

Russian — answer round 1

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English translation

Yes, the US exerted pressure on its allies regarding the #Disinfo2026 conference, which took place on October 7–8, 2026, in Vilnius, Lithuania. This information is confirmed by a number of reputable sources, including Politico, Reuters, The Guardian, LRT, and RIA Novosti.

What Happened

The conference was organized by the Brussels-based NGO EU DisinfoLab and focused on combating disinformation. The program featured sessions addressing the US as a subject of "Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference" (FIMI). In particular, a panel was titled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back."

This drew sharp discontent from the administration of Donald Trump.

How the US Exerted Pressure

According to a diplomatic State Department cable that leaked to the media:

• The US State Department sent cables to American embassies in France, Norway, Romania, and Poland instructing them to express discontent to the host governments verbally (rather than in writing) and to ascertain whether they agreed with the characterization of the US as a FIMI actor.
• US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald personally participated in negotiations with Vilnius.
• High-ranking State Department officials (including from the public diplomacy bureau led by Sarah Rogers) directly contacted Canadian officials.
• US diplomats "pressured" the governments of Lithuania, Canada, and France for several days.

Results of the Pressure

As a result of the pressure, three key partners withdrew their support for the conference:

France remained the sole major sponsor of the conference. Representatives of Norway, Romania, and Poland were still listed in the participant program.

Photographs from the conference show that the logos of Canada, Lithuania, and the EU were taped over on the display stands.

Official Statements

• The US State Department stated that it cannot comment on the details of diplomatic negotiations, but that it "should come as no surprise" that countries distanced themselves from the conference upon learning that the US was designated a "FIMI threat." According to them, such a formulation "puts the US on the same footing as hostile foreign adversaries" and "undermines shared goals."

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania did not officially confirm the fact of US pressure, stating that the program "did not align with the official government position and Lithuania's national interests."

• Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys in an interview with LRT called the organizers' actions "over the top" and stated he was "shocked" that the US was put on the same level as Russia or China: “This does not align with our views and principles, so we decided to decline participation in the event.”

Conclusion

Thus, yes, the US exerted direct diplomatic pressure on its allies (Lithuania, Canada, and, indirectly, the EU) demanding that they withdraw from the #Disinfo2026 conference due to its anti-American focus, which led to the withdrawal of support by these countries shortly before the event began.

Original text

Да, США оказывали давление на своих союзников по поводу конференции #Disinfo2026, которая проходила 7–8 октября 2026 года в Вильнюсе (Литва). Информация подтверждается рядом авторитетных источников, включая Politico, Reuters, The Guardian, LRT и РИА Новости.

Что произошло

Конференция организована брюссельской НКО EU DisinfoLab и посвящена борьбе с дезинформацией. В программе были заявлены сессии, в которых США рассматривались как субъект «иностранного информационного манипулирования и вмешательства» (FIMI — Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference). В частности, панель называлась «USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back» («США как FIMI-угроза: признать, адаптироваться, дать отпор»).

Это вызвало резкое недовольство администрации Дональда Трампа.

Как США оказывали давление

Согласно дипломатической телеграмме Госдепартамента, попавшей в СМИ:

• Госдепартамент США направил телеграммы в американские посольства во Франции, Норвегии, Румынии и Польше с поручением устно (а не письменно) выразить недовольство принимающим правительствам и выяснить, согласны ли они с характеристикой США как FIMI-актора.
• Посол США в Литве Кара Макдональд лично участвовала в переговорах с Вильнюсом.
• Высокопоставленные чиновники Госдепа (в том числе из отдела публичной дипломатии под руководством Сары Роджерс) напрямую контактировали с канадскими официальными лицами.
• Дипломаты США несколько дней «давили» на правительства Литвы, Канады и Франции.

Результаты давления

В результате давления три ключевых партнёра отказались от поддержки конференции:

Франция осталась единственным крупным спонсором конференции. Представители Норвегии, Румынии и Польши по-прежнему значились в программе участников.

На фотографиях с конференции видно, что логотипы Канады, Литвы и ЕС были заклеены на стендах.

Официальные заявления

• Госдепартамент США заявил, что не может комментировать детали дипломатических переговоров, но «не должно быть сюрпризом», что страны дистанцировались от конференции, узнав, что США назвали «FIMI-угрозой». По их словам, такая формулировка «ставит США в один ряд с враждебными иностранными противниками» и «подрывает общие цели».

• МИД Литвы официально не подтвердил факт давления США, заявив, что программа «не соответствовала официальной позиции правительства и национальным интересам Литвы».

• Министр иностранных дел Литвы Кестутис Будрис в интервью LRT назвал действия организаторов «перебором» и заявил, что был «шокирован» тем, что США поставили в один ряд с Россией или Китаем: «Это не соответствует нашим взглядам и принципам, поэтому мы решили отказаться от участия в мероприятии».

Итог

Таким образом, да, США оказывали прямое дипломатическое давление на союзников (Литву, Канаду и, косвенно, ЕС) с требованием отказаться от участия в конференции #Disinfo2026 из-за её антиамериканской направленности, что привело к отзыву поддержки со стороны этих стран незадолго до начала мероприятия.

GPT-6.1 Sol

Repeated check: one answer round only. The report shows answer round 1.

English — answer round 1

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Sources returned by search: - US lobbies allies to cut ties to anti-disinformation conference over panel critical of Washington, sources say By Reuters - EU drops sponsorship of disinformation conference at Trump officials’ request | Trump administration | The Guardian

English translation

Yes—according to reporting published on October 7, 2026, the U.S. State Department lobbied allies to withdraw support for #Disinfo2026. Reuters based its account on three U.S. officials and correspondence it reviewed. The conference is taking place in Vilnius on October 7–8, 2026. (investing.com)

Here’s what is established by that reporting:

• Who was approached: U.S. officials contacted counterparts in Lithuania, Canada and France over several days. U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald reportedly participated in the outreach. (investing.com)
• Why: Washington objected to a panel titled “USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back.” FIMI means foreign information manipulation and interference. The discussion examined whether the U.S. had become an information threat to Europe. (investing.com)
• What changed: Lithuania canceled its participation; Canada revised its involvement but said its officials were still attending. France remained a listed supporter. The EU diplomatic service also removed its support, although Reuters could not establish whether Washington had contacted it directly. (investing.com)

The Guardian separately reported U.S. pressure and subsequent withdrawals of sponsorship by Canada, Lithuania and the EU’s diplomatic service. (theguardian.com)

Washington’s response: The State Department declined to discuss diplomatic conversations but defended countries distancing themselves from an event labeling the U.S. a disinformation threat. The reporting establishes diplomatic lobbying—not a documented threat of sanctions or other punishment. (investing.com)

Original text

Yes—according to reporting published on October 7, 2026, the U.S. State Department lobbied allies to withdraw support for #Disinfo2026. Reuters based its account on three U.S. officials and correspondence it reviewed. The conference is taking place in Vilnius on October 7–8, 2026. (investing.com)

Here’s what is established by that reporting:

• Who was approached: U.S. officials contacted counterparts in Lithuania, Canada and France over several days. U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald reportedly participated in the outreach. (investing.com)
• Why: Washington objected to a panel titled “USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back.” FIMI means foreign information manipulation and interference. The discussion examined whether the U.S. had become an information threat to Europe. (investing.com)
• What changed: Lithuania canceled its participation; Canada revised its involvement but said its officials were still attending. France remained a listed supporter. The EU diplomatic service also removed its support, although Reuters could not establish whether Washington had contacted it directly. (investing.com)

The Guardian separately reported U.S. pressure and subsequent withdrawals of sponsorship by Canada, Lithuania and the EU’s diplomatic service. (theguardian.com)

Washington’s response: The State Department declined to discuss diplomatic conversations but defended countries distancing themselves from an event labeling the U.S. a disinformation threat. The reporting establishes diplomatic lobbying—not a documented threat of sanctions or other punishment. (investing.com)

French — answer round 1

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Sources returned by search: - US lobbies allies to cut ties to anti-disinformation conference over panel critical of Washington, sources say | MarketScreener

English translation

Yes, according to information from Reuters, supported by three U.S. officials and diplomatic communications reviewed by the agency. The State Department asked several allies to withdraw their support for #Disinfo2026, held in Vilnius on October 7 and 8, 2026. Its efforts targeted Canada, Lithuania, and France, among others. (marketscreener.com)

The reason: Washington objected to a panel discussion presenting the United States as a potential threat of "foreign information manipulation and interference"—referred to by the acronym FIMI. U.S. diplomats sought to convince partner governments to distance themselves from the event. (marketscreener.com)

The consequences, however, varied: - Lithuania announced the cancellation of its participation. - Canada withdrew its explicit support and modified its participation in certain panel discussions, but Canadian representatives continued to attend the conference. - The European External Action Service (EEAS) also withdrew its support and logo. LRT, reporting on information from Politico, links this withdrawal to U.S. efforts; Reuters specifies that it was unable to establish a direct contact between Washington and the EEAS. - France remained the primary publicly displayed governmental supporter. (marketscreener.com)

The important caveat: the State Department has not publicly confirmed the details of the diplomatic conversations. Nevertheless, it defended the partners' distancing, considering that labeling the United States as an informational threat compromised shared objectives. The published elements therefore establish diplomatic pressure to obtain disengagement, without demonstrating specific threats of sanctions or reprisals. (marketscreener.com)

Original text

Oui, selon les informations de Reuters, étayées par trois responsables américains et des échanges diplomatiques consultés par l’agence. Le département d’État a demandé à plusieurs alliés de retirer leur soutien à #Disinfo2026, organisée à Vilnius les 7 et 8 octobre 2026. Ses démarches visaient notamment le Canada, la Lituanie et la France. (marketscreener.com)

Le motif : Washington contestait une table ronde présentant les États-Unis comme une possible menace de « manipulation et d’ingérence informationnelles étrangères » — désignées par l’acronyme FIMI. Les diplomates américains ont cherché à convaincre les gouvernements partenaires de prendre leurs distances avec l’événement. (marketscreener.com)

Les conséquences ont toutefois varié : - La Lituanie a annoncé l’annulation de sa participation. - Le Canada a retiré son soutien affiché et modifié sa participation à certaines tables rondes, mais des représentants canadiens continuaient d’assister à la conférence. - Le Service européen pour l’action extérieure (SEAE) a également retiré son soutien et son logo. LRT, rapportant les informations de Politico, relie ce retrait aux démarches américaines ; Reuters précise ne pas avoir pu établir un contact direct entre Washington et le SEAE. - La France est restée le principal soutien gouvernemental affiché. (marketscreener.com)

La réserve importante : le département d’État n’a pas confirmé publiquement le détail des conversations diplomatiques. Il a néanmoins défendu la prise de distance des partenaires, estimant que qualifier les États-Unis de menace informationnelle compromettait les objectifs communs. Les éléments publiés établissent donc des pressions diplomatiques pour obtenir un désengagement, sans démontrer de menaces précises de sanctions ou de représailles. (marketscreener.com)

Lithuanian — answer round 1

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Sources returned by search: - US Lobbies Allies to Cut Ties to Anti-Disinformation Conference Over Panel Critical of Washington, Sources Say - GV Wire - „Politico“: dėl JAV spaudimo Lietuva, ES ir Kanada nerems dezinformacijos konferencijos - LRT

English translation

Yes — according to information gathered by Reuters and Politico, the U.S. administration diplomatically pressured allies to distance themselves from the "#Disinfo2026" conference taking place in Vilnius on October 7–8, 2026. These reports are based on official testimonies and diplomatic correspondence reviewed by journalists, rather than pure speculation. (gvwire.com)

• Who was pressured and how? According to Reuters, U.S. State Department officials contacted their Lithuanian, Canadian, and French counterparts over several days, urging them to withdraw support for the event. U.S. Ambassador Kara McDonald was also utilized for contacts with Lithuania. (gvwire.com)
• What caused Washington's displeasure? Primarily, a discussion regarding the U.S. as a potential threat of foreign information manipulation and interference — FIMI — to Europe. According to Politico, embassies were instructed to clarify whether governments supporting the event endorse such a characterization of the U.S. (archyvai.lrt.lt)
• What is the result? Lithuania and Canada withdrew their official support; the logos of them and the European External Action Service were removed from the event materials. France remained the main sponsor. However, Canada clarified that its officials are still participating in the conference, only participation in certain sessions has been changed. (gvwire.com)
• What do the countries say officially? The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that part of the program does not align with the Government's position. The U.S. State Department did not comment on the details of the diplomatic conversations, but stated that the distancing of countries should not be surprising when the U.S. is designated as an information threat. (gvwire.com)

Important caveat: available data substantiates diplomatic pressure, but not the claim that the U.S. threatened specific sanctions or the withdrawal of military support. The cited reports do not provide evidence of such threats. (gvwire.com)

Original text

Taip — pagal „Reuters“ ir „Politico“ surinktą informaciją, JAV administracija diplomatiškai spaudė sąjungininkus atsiriboti nuo 2026 m. spalio 7–8 d. Vilniuje vykstančios konferencijos „#Disinfo2026“. Šie pranešimai remiasi pareigūnų liudijimais ir žurnalistų peržiūrėtu diplomatiniu susirašinėjimu, o ne vien spėlionėmis. (gvwire.com)

• Kam ir kaip darytas spaudimas? „Reuters“ duomenimis, JAV Valstybės departamento pareigūnai kelias dienas kreipėsi į Lietuvos, Kanados ir Prancūzijos kolegas, ragindami atsisakyti paramos renginiui. Kontaktams su Lietuva buvo pasitelkta ir JAV ambasadorė Kara McDonald. (gvwire.com)
• Kas sukėlė Vašingtono nepasitenkinimą? Pirmiausia diskusija apie JAV kaip galimą užsienio manipuliavimo informacija ir kišimosi — FIMI — grėsmę Europai. „Politico“ duomenimis, ambasadoms pavesta aiškintis, ar renginį remiančios vyriausybės pritaria tokiam JAV apibūdinimui. (archyvai.lrt.lt)
• Koks rezultatas? Lietuva ir Kanada atsiėmė oficialią paramą; jų ir Europos išorės veiksmų tarnybos logotipai buvo pašalinti iš renginio medžiagos. Prancūzija liko pagrindine rėmėja. Vis dėlto Kanada patikslino, kad jos pareigūnai konferencijoje tebedalyvauja, tik pakeistas dalyvavimas kai kuriose sesijose. (gvwire.com)
• Ką oficialiai sako šalys? Lietuvos URM paaiškino, kad dalis programos neatitinka Vyriausybės pozicijos. JAV Valstybės departamentas diplomatinių pokalbių detalių nekomentavo, tačiau pareiškė, kad šalių atsiribojimas neturėtų stebinti, kai JAV įvardijama informacine grėsme. (gvwire.com)

Svarbi išlyga: turimi duomenys pagrindžia diplomatinį spaudimą, bet ne teiginį, kad JAV grasino konkrečiomis sankcijomis ar karinės paramos nutraukimu. Cituotuose pranešimuose tokių grasinimų įrodymų nepateikiama. (gvwire.com)

Russian — answer round 1

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Sources returned by search: - US lobbies allies to cut ties to anti-disinformation conference over panel critical of Washington, sources say By Reuters - „Politico“: dėl JAV spaudimo Lietuva, ES ir Kanada nerems dezinformacijos konferencijos - LRT

English translation

Yes — according to Reuters and Politico, the U.S. administration exerted diplomatic pressure on allies, seeking to drop support for the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius on October 7–8, 2026. Reuters cites three U.S. officials and reviewed correspondence; Politico cites an internal State Department cable. (investing.com)

What is known:

• The reason for Washington's displeasure is the discussions on U.S. information interference, primarily the panel "The U.S. as a FIMI Threat: Recognize, Adapt, Counter." FIMI stands for foreign information manipulation and interference. (investing.com)
• The mechanism of pressure consists of appeals by the State Department and U.S. embassies to allied governments. According to Politico as retold by LRT, embassies were instructed to express Washington's concern and find out whether the respective governments support such a characterization of the U.S. Reuters separately confirms contacts with Lithuania, Canada, and France. (archyvai.lrt.lt)
• The result is that Lithuania, Canada, and the European External Action Service withdrew their public support; their logos were removed from the conference materials. France remained the main supporter of the event. At the same time, Canada has not completely ceased participation: its agency told Reuters that officials continue to participate, but the format of participation in several panels has been revised. (archyvai.lrt.lt)

Important caveat: we are talking about diplomatic appeals confirmed by journalistic investigations, rather than a publicly announced ultimatum or proven threats of sanctions. The State Department declined to disclose the content of the negotiations, but stated that countries' distancing themselves from the conference is not surprising after the U.S. was designated as an information threat. Lithuania and the EU diplomatic service officially explained their withdrawal by the incompatibility of part of the program with their positions. (investing.com)

Original text

Да — по данным Reuters и Politico, администрация США оказывала дипломатическое давление на союзников, добиваясь отказа от поддержки конференции #Disinfo2026 в Вильнюсе 7–8 октября 2026 года. Reuters ссылается на трёх американских чиновников и изученную переписку; Politico — на служебную телеграмму Госдепартамента. (investing.com)

Что известно:

• Причина недовольства Вашингтона — дискуссии об американском информационном вмешательстве, прежде всего панель «США как угроза FIMI: признать, адаптироваться, противодействовать». FIMI означает иностранное манипулирование информацией и вмешательство. (investing.com)
• Механизм давления — обращения Госдепартамента и американских посольств к правительствам союзников. По сообщению Politico в пересказе LRT, посольствам поручили выразить обеспокоенность Вашингтона и выяснить, поддерживают ли соответствующие правительства такую характеристику США. Reuters отдельно подтверждает контакты с Литвой, Канадой и Францией. (archyvai.lrt.lt)
• Результат — Литва, Канада и Европейская служба внешних связей отозвали публичную поддержку; их логотипы убрали с материалов конференции. Франция осталась основным сторонником мероприятия. При этом Канада не прекратила участие полностью: её ведомство сообщило Reuters, что чиновники продолжают участвовать, но формат участия в нескольких панелях пересмотрен. (archyvai.lrt.lt)

Важная оговорка: речь идёт о подтверждённых журналистскими расследованиями дипломатических обращениях, а не о публично объявленном ультиматуме или доказанных угрозах санкциями. Госдепартамент отказался раскрывать содержание переговоров, но заявил, что дистанцирование стран от конференции неудивительно после обозначения США как информационной угрозы. Литва и дипломатическая служба ЕС официально объяснили свой выход несоответствием части программы их позициям. (investing.com)

Qwen3.7 Plus

Repeated check: no difference in 2 answer rounds. The report shows answer round 1.

English — answer round 1

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Sources returned by search: - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation ... - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support – EUobserver - Pressured by US, Brussels pulls out of Disinfo 2026 ... - EU drops sponsorship of disinformation conference at Trump officials’ request | Trump administration – CONVEN.ORG | HOME

English translation

Yes. According to multiple reporting outlets (Politico, The Guardian, LRT, EUobserver, and others), the Trump administration pressured its allies to withdraw support from the #Disinfo2026 conference held in Vilnius, Lithuania on October 7–8, 2026.

Here's what happened:

What triggered the pressure

The conference, organized by the Brussels-based non-profit EU DisinfoLab, included panels that examined the United States as a "foreign information manipulation and interference" (FIMI) actor. One session, titled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back," featured two American researchers and a former CIA official and explored how the U.S. had become a disinformation threat to Europe. Another panel addressed how the counter-disinformation community was dealing with U.S. government pressure, including entry bans targeting European figures.

What the U.S. did

• The State Department directed American embassies in several European countries and the EU to express Washington's concerns and "assess" whether the governments involved agreed with characterizing the U.S. as a FIMI actor.
• Internal State Department documents showed U.S. officials thanking Lithuania for "taking US concerns seriously" and expressed gratitude that Lithuania supposedly found the panel "reprehensible and surprising."
• American officials contacted counterparts in Lithuania, Canada, France, and the EU.

The results

• Lithuania and Canada withdrew their support, asking organizers to remove their ministries' logos from conference materials.
• The European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU's diplomatic arm, also pulled out.
• Photos showed conference logos covered with white stickers in what appeared to be a hasty removal.
• France was the only major sponsor that held firm, stating "there's absolutely no reason for us to change our commitments."

Notable details

• The conference program had been in place since June, months before the withdrawals.
• Despite withdrawing its branding, the EU continues to fund the conference.
• Lithuania, Canada, and the EU all issued statements saying the conference program "did not align with their official views" on the U.S. role in disinformation.
• Nina Jankowicz, a former U.S. disinformation official, criticized the move as "a purported defender of free speech at the State Department using the enormous power of the U.S. government to try to pressure Americans from criticizing their government."

The State Department responded by saying it "should not be a surprise that countries would disaffiliate from this conference upon learning that it labeled the U.S. a 'FIMI threat.'"

Original text

Yes. According to multiple reporting outlets (Politico, The Guardian, LRT, EUobserver, and others), the Trump administration pressured its allies to withdraw support from the #Disinfo2026 conference held in Vilnius, Lithuania on October 7–8, 2026.

Here's what happened:

What triggered the pressure

The conference, organized by the Brussels-based non-profit EU DisinfoLab, included panels that examined the United States as a "foreign information manipulation and interference" (FIMI) actor. One session, titled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back," featured two American researchers and a former CIA official and explored how the U.S. had become a disinformation threat to Europe. Another panel addressed how the counter-disinformation community was dealing with U.S. government pressure, including entry bans targeting European figures.

What the U.S. did

• The State Department directed American embassies in several European countries and the EU to express Washington's concerns and "assess" whether the governments involved agreed with characterizing the U.S. as a FIMI actor.
• Internal State Department documents showed U.S. officials thanking Lithuania for "taking US concerns seriously" and expressed gratitude that Lithuania supposedly found the panel "reprehensible and surprising."
• American officials contacted counterparts in Lithuania, Canada, France, and the EU.

The results

• Lithuania and Canada withdrew their support, asking organizers to remove their ministries' logos from conference materials.
• The European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU's diplomatic arm, also pulled out.
• Photos showed conference logos covered with white stickers in what appeared to be a hasty removal.
• France was the only major sponsor that held firm, stating "there's absolutely no reason for us to change our commitments."

Notable details

• The conference program had been in place since June, months before the withdrawals.
• Despite withdrawing its branding, the EU continues to fund the conference.
• Lithuania, Canada, and the EU all issued statements saying the conference program "did not align with their official views" on the U.S. role in disinformation.
• Nina Jankowicz, a former U.S. disinformation official, criticized the move as "a purported defender of free speech at the State Department using the enormous power of the U.S. government to try to pressure Americans from criticizing their government."

The State Department responded by saying it "should not be a surprise that countries would disaffiliate from this conference upon learning that it labeled the U.S. a 'FIMI threat.'"

English — answer round 2

Web access: Used — OpenRouter search

Sources returned by search: - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation ... - US lobbies allies to cut ties to anti-disinformation conference over panel critical of Washington, sources say – Financial Newsletter - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support – EUobserver - EU diplomatic arm under fire for bowing to US pressure over disinformation conference | Euronews - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure - POLITICO - US lobbies allies to cut ties to anti-disinformation conference over panel critical of Washington, sources say - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support – EUobserver - US fights disinformation label at Europe conference - Bytes Europe

English translation

Yes. According to reporting by Politico, Reuters, LRT, EUobserver, and others (published October 7–8, 2026), the Trump administration actively pressured its allies to withdraw support from the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius, organized by the Brussels-based nonprofit EU DisinfoLab.

What triggered the pressure

The conference program — public since at least September 9 — included panels that characterized the United States as a "foreign information manipulation and interference" (FIMI) actor, notably:

• "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back" — examining how the US became a disinformation threat to Europe
• "Under attack: How the counter-disinformation community is dealing with US government pressure" — addressing US entry bans on European figures

What the US did

• The State Department instructed American embassies across Europe and the EU to express Washington's concerns and "assess" whether participating governments agreed with labeling the US a FIMI actor.
• US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald was personally involved in outreach to Vilnius.
• Diplomats contacted counterparts in Lithuania, Canada, France, and the EU over several days.

The results

Photographs reviewed by Politico showed the logos of the Canadian, Lithuanian, and EU diplomatic services covered up at the venue.

Official responses

• The State Department said it "should not be a surprise that countries would disaffiliate from this conference upon learning that it labeled the U.S. a 'FIMI threat,'" calling the language something that "undermines shared goals."
• Lithuania's Foreign Ministry said parts of the program "differ from the official position of the Government."
• Canada cited "changes to the framing" of events.
• France maintained its support, saying it regularly backs civil society efforts to fight disinformation.

The incident was widely characterized as a diplomatic confrontation over whether the US itself could be scrutinized as a source of disinformation — and the lengths to which Washington would go to suppress that discussion among its allies.

Original text

Yes. According to reporting by Politico, Reuters, LRT, EUobserver, and others (published October 7–8, 2026), the Trump administration actively pressured its allies to withdraw support from the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius, organized by the Brussels-based nonprofit EU DisinfoLab.

What triggered the pressure

The conference program — public since at least September 9 — included panels that characterized the United States as a "foreign information manipulation and interference" (FIMI) actor, notably:

• "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back" — examining how the US became a disinformation threat to Europe
• "Under attack: How the counter-disinformation community is dealing with US government pressure" — addressing US entry bans on European figures

What the US did

• The State Department instructed American embassies across Europe and the EU to express Washington's concerns and "assess" whether participating governments agreed with labeling the US a FIMI actor.
• US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald was personally involved in outreach to Vilnius.
• Diplomats contacted counterparts in Lithuania, Canada, France, and the EU over several days.

The results

Photographs reviewed by Politico showed the logos of the Canadian, Lithuanian, and EU diplomatic services covered up at the venue.

Official responses

• The State Department said it "should not be a surprise that countries would disaffiliate from this conference upon learning that it labeled the U.S. a 'FIMI threat,'" calling the language something that "undermines shared goals."
• Lithuania's Foreign Ministry said parts of the program "differ from the official position of the Government."
• Canada cited "changes to the framing" of events.
• France maintained its support, saying it regularly backs civil society efforts to fight disinformation.

The incident was widely characterized as a diplomatic confrontation over whether the US itself could be scrutinized as a source of disinformation — and the lengths to which Washington would go to suppress that discussion among its allies.

French — answer round 1

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Sources returned by search: - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation ... - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support – EUobserver - European Union/Lithuania/United States • Pressured by US, Brussels pulls out of Disinfo 2026 conference in Vilnius - Disinformation Conference in Europe Caught Up in Transatlantic Politics - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation ... - US fights disinformation label at Europe conference - Bytes Europe - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support – EUobserver - European Union/Lithuania/United States • Pressured by US, Brussels pulls out of Disinfo 2026 conference in Vilnius - États-Unis/Lituanie/Union européenne • Sous pression de ...

English translation

Yes, the United States pressured its allies regarding the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius

According to several journalistic investigations published in October 2026 (notably by Politico, Reuters, EUobserver, and Tech Policy Press), the Trump administration exerted diplomatic pressure on several allies to withdraw from the #Disinfo2026 conference, organized by the NGO EU DisinfoLab and held on October 7 and 8, 2026 in Vilnius, Lithuania.

What triggered the pressure

The conference program included a panel entitled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back", which examined how the United States had become a source of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) for Europe. Another panel addressed the pressure exerted by the U.S. government on the counter-disinformation community, including entry bans targeting European figures.

U.S. actions

• The State Department contacted its counterparts in Lithuania, Canada, and France over the course of several days.
• The U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania, Kara McDonald, was personally involved in the approaches made to Vilnius.
• A State Department diplomatic cable instructed U.S. embassies to "assess" whether participating governments shared the characterization of the United States as a FIMI actor.

Withdrawals obtained

Photographs examined by Politico showed the logos of Canada, Lithuania, and the EEAS covered with duct tape on conference materials.

State Department reaction

When questioned, the State Department stated that "it should not come as a surprise that countries disassociated themselves from this conference after learning that it labeled the United States a 'FIMI threat'", adding that this language "compromises shared goals and should raise alarms for those involved in it."

Main sources: Politico (October 7, 2026), Reuters, LRT (Lithuanian National Radio and Television), EUobserver, Tech Policy Press, Intelligence Online.

Original text

Oui, les États-Unis ont fait pression sur leurs alliés concernant la conférence #Disinfo2026 à Vilnius

Selon plusieurs enquêtes journalistiques publiées en octobre 2026 (notamment par Politico, Reuters, EUobserver et Tech Policy Press), l'administration Trump a exercé des pressions diplomatiques sur plusieurs alliés pour qu'ils se retirent de la conférence #Disinfo2026, organisée par l'ONG EU DisinfoLab et tenue les 7 et 8 octobre 2026 à Vilnius, en Lituanie.

Ce qui a déclenché les pressions

Le programme de la conférence incluait un panel intitulé « USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back » (Les États-Unis comme menace FIMI : reconnaître, s'adapter, riposter), qui examinait comment les États-Unis étaient devenus une source de manipulation et ingérence étrangères en matière d'information (FIMI) pour l'Europe. Un autre panel traitait des pressions exercées par le gouvernement américain sur la communauté de lutte contre la désinformation, y compris des interdictions d'entrée visant des personnalités européennes.

Les démarches américaines

• Le Département d'État a contacté ses homologues en Lituanie, au Canada et en France pendant plusieurs jours.
• L'ambassadrice américaine en Lituanie, Kara McDonald, a été personnellement impliquée dans les démarches auprès de Vilnius.
• Un câble diplomatique du Département d'État demandait aux ambassades américaines d'« évaluer » si les gouvernements participants partageaient la qualification des États-Unis comme acteur FIMI.

Les retraits obtenus

Des photographies examinées par Politico montraient les logos du Canada, de la Lituanie et du SEAE recouverts de ruban adhésif sur les supports de la conférence.

Réaction du Département d'État

Interrogé, le Département d'État a déclaré qu'« il ne devrait pas être surprenant que des pays se désassocient de cette conférence après avoir appris qu'elle qualifiait les États-Unis de 'menace FIMI' », ajoutant que ce langage « compromet des objectifs communs et devrait alerter ceux qui y sont impliqués ».

Sources principales : Politico (7 octobre 2026), Reuters, LRT (radio-télévision lituanienne), EUobserver, Tech Policy Press, Intelligence Online.

French — answer round 2

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Sources returned by search: - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation ... - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support – EUobserver - EU diplomatic arm under fire for bowing to US pressure over disinformation conference | Euronews - Pressured by US, Brussels pulls out of Disinfo 2026 ... - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation ... - US fights disinformation label at Europe conference - Bytes Europe - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support – EUobserver - L’UE, le Canada et la Lituanie se retirent d’une conférence sur la désinformation après des pressions américaines - L'Observateur Français - European Union/Lithuania/United States • Pressured by US, Brussels pulls out of Disinfo 2026 conference in Vilnius

English translation

Yes, the United States did pressure its allies regarding the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius

According to revelations published by Politico, Reuters, and EUobserver on October 7, 2026, the Trump administration did indeed pressure several allies to withdraw from the international disinformation conference #Disinfo2026, organized by EU DisinfoLab in Vilnius, Lithuania, on October 7 and 8, 2026.

What triggered the U.S. pressure

The conference agenda included panels describing the United States as a "FIMI" actor (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference), a term used by the EU to designate disinformation activities carried out by foreign actors such as Russia or China. Two sessions in particular irritated Washington:

1. "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back" — bringing together two American researchers and a former CIA official to examine how the United States had become a disinformation threat to Europe.
2. "Under attack: How the counter-disinformation community is dealing with US government pressure" — where legal experts were set to assess travel bans imposed by the U.S. government on European figures.

U.S. diplomatic actions

The State Department asked U.S. embassies in France, Norway, Romania, Poland, and to the EU to verbally express Washington's concerns and "assess" whether the governments in question accepted that the United States be characterized as a FIMI actor. A diplomatic cable indicated that the embassies were to convey this disapproval verbally, and not in writing.

The results of this pressure

• Canada and Lithuania requested the removal of their ministerial logos from the conference materials as of Monday, October 6, and then completely disengaged.
• The European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU's diplomatic branch, was also removed from the official program on Tuesday.
• In photos examined by Politico, the Canadian, Lithuanian, and EU logos appeared covered over on the conference banners.
• France remained the conference's sole "principal supporter," despite having also been contacted by U.S. diplomats.
• Representatives from Norway, Romania, and Poland still appeared on the agenda.

Official justifications

• The State Department stated that it "should come as no surprise that countries disassociate themselves from this conference upon learning that it labeled the United States as a 'FIMI threat'", adding that this language "undermines shared objectives."
• Canada cited "shifts in the framing" of certain panels.
• Lithuania asserted that "several parts of the program differed from the official government position."
• The EEAS provided a similar explanation, without specifying the contested elements.

Broader context

This episode is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to impose its free speech standards on its European partners, including public criticism, behind-the-scenes pressure against European legislation, and visa restrictions targeting certain European citizens. According to Politico, this is an "unusual" effort to use pressure on allied governments to stifle criticism originating from European civil society and Americans abroad.

Original text

Oui, les États-Unis ont exercé des pressions sur leurs alliés concernant la conférence #Disinfo2026 à Vilnius

Selon les révélations publiées par Politico, Reuters et EUobserver le 7 octobre 2026, l'administration Trump a bel et bien fait pression sur plusieurs alliés pour qu'ils se retirent de la conférence internationale sur la désinformation #Disinfo2026, organisée par EU DisinfoLab à Vilnius (Lituanie) les 7 et 8 octobre 2026.

Ce qui a déclenché les pressions américaines

Le programme de la conférence comprenait des panels décrivant les États-Unis comme un acteur de « FIMI » (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference — manipulation et ingérence étrangères dans l'information), un terme utilisé par l'UE pour désigner des activités de désinformation menées par des acteurs étrangers comme la Russie ou la Chine. Deux sessions en particulier ont irrité Washington :

1. « USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back » — réunissant deux chercheurs américains et un ancien responsable de la CIA, examinant comment les États-Unis étaient devenus une menace de désinformation pour l'Europe.
2. « Under attack: How the counter-disinformation community is dealing with US government pressure » — où des juristes devaient évaluer les interdictions de voyage imposées par le gouvernement américain à des personnalités européennes.

Les actions diplomatiques américaines

Le Département d'État a demandé aux ambassades américaines en France, Norvège, Roumanie, Pologne et auprès de l'UE d'exprimer oralement les inquiétudes de Washington et d'« évaluer » si les gouvernements concernés acceptaient que les États-Unis soient qualifiés d'acteur FIMI. Un câble diplomatique indique que les ambassades devaient传达 cette désapprobation verbalement, et non par écrit.

Les résultats de cette pression

• Le Canada et la Lituanie ont demandé le retrait de leurs logos ministériels des supports de la conférence dès le lundi 6 octobre, puis se sont complètement désengagés.
• Le Service européen pour l'action extérieure (SEAE), la branche diplomatique de l'UE, a également été retiré de la programmation officielle le mardi.
• Sur les photos examinées par Politico, les logos canadien, lituanien et de l'UE apparaissaient recouverts sur les banderoles de la conférence.
• La France est restée le seul « soutien principal » de la conférence, malgré avoir été également contactée par les diplomates américains.
• Les représentants de la Norvège, de la Roumanie et de la Pologne figuraient toujours à l'agenda.

Les justifications officielles

• Le Département d'État a déclaré qu'il « ne devrait pas être surprenant que des pays se désassocient de cette conférence en apprenant qu'elle qualifiait les États-Unis de "menace FIMI" », ajoutant que ce langage « sape les objectifs communs ».
• Le Canada a invoqué des « changements dans le cadrage » de certains panels.
• La Lituanie a affirmé que « plusieurs parties du programme différaient de la position officielle du gouvernement ».
• Le SEAE a donné une explication similaire, sans préciser les éléments contestés.

Contexte plus large

Cet épisode s'inscrit dans une campagne plus large de l'administration Trump pour imposer ses normes en matière de liberté d'expression à ses partenaires européens, incluant des critiques publiques, des pressions en coulisses contre des législations européennes et des restrictions de visa visant certains citoyens européens. Selon Politico, il s'agit d'un effort « inhabituel » pour utiliser la pression sur les gouvernements alliés afin d'étouffer des critiques émanant de la société civile européenne et d'Américains à l'étranger.

Lithuanian — answer round 1

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English translation

Yes, the US (specifically the Donald Trump administration) exerted diplomatic pressure on its allies regarding the international disinformation conference #Disinfo2026, which took place in Vilnius on October 7–8, 2026.

Here is how this situation unfolded:

What caused US dissatisfaction? The conference program, organized by the Brussels-based non-governmental organization "EU DisinfoLab," included discussions examining the US as a "foreign information manipulation and interference" (FIMI) actor. * One of the panels was titled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back." During this session, the question was raised of how the US has become a disinformation threat to Europe. * In another session, legal experts were scheduled to discuss how the anti-disinformation community faces pressure from the US government (e.g., US travel bans imposed on certain European actors).

How did the US exert pressure? According to data and US State Department diplomatic cables seen by Politico, Reuters, and other media outlets: * The US State Department instructed US embassies in several European countries and the EU to express Washington's concerns and "assess" whether the governments participating in the conference endorsed the categorization of the US as a FIMI actor. * American diplomats (including US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald) directly pressured Lithuanian, Canadian, and EU officials to reconsider their participation and distance themselves from the event. * The US argued that such rhetoric equates the US with authoritarian regimes like Russia or China, which it claimed constitutes a false equivalence that overshadows the scale of true adversaries.

What were the consequences of the pressure? Due to the US position, several states and institutions canceled or altered their participation: 1. Lithuania: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked the organizers to remove its logo from the conference materials and withdrew its official participation. Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys stated that he was "surprised and shocked" that an attempt was being made to equate the US with Russia or China, and emphasized that the program did not align with Lithuania's national interests and weakened ties with allies. 2. Canada: Global Affairs Canada withdrew its sponsorship and asked for its logo to be removed, although some Canadian officials still attended the event (just without chairing discussions). 3. European Union: The European External Action Service (EEAS) was also removed from the official program and sponsor list. 4. France: This was the only major state sponsor that did not yield to the pressure and remained the sole official sponsor of the conference.

US Reaction The US State Department officially stated that "it should come as no surprise that countries are distancing themselves from this conference upon learning that it labels the US as a FIMI threat," adding that such a characterization undermines shared goals and should raise concerns for all participants.

Original text

Taip, JAV (konkrečiai – Donaldo Trumpo administracija) darė diplomatinį spaudimą savo sąjungininkams dėl tarptautinės konferencijos kovai su dezinformacija #Disinfo2026, kuri 2026 m. spalio 7–8 d. vyko Vilniuje.

Štai kaip vystėsi ši situacija:

Kas sukėlė JAV nepasitenkinimą? Konferencijos, kurią organizavo Briuselyje įsikūrusi nevyriausybinė organizacija „EU DisinfoLab“, programoje buvo numatytos diskusijos, kuriose JAV buvo nagrinėjamos kaip „užsienio vykdomo manipuliavimo informacija ir kišimosi“ (angl. Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference, FIMI) veikėja. * Viena iš panelių vadinosi „JAV kaip FIMI grėsmė: pripažinti, prisitaikyti, atremti“ („USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back“). Jos metu buvo keliamas klausimas, kaip JAV tapo dezinformacijos grėsme Europai. * Kitoje sesijoje teisės ekspertai turėjo aptarti, kaip kovos su dezinformacija bendruomenė susiduria su JAV vyriausybės spaudimu (pvz., draudimais atvykti į JAV kai kuriems Europos veikėjams).

Kaip JAV darė spaudimą? Pagal leidinio „Politico“, „Reuters“ ir kitų žiniasklaidos priemonių turimus duomenis bei matytus JAV Valstybės departamento diplomatinius pranešimus: * JAV Valstybės departamentas nurodė JAV ambasadoms keliose Europos šalyse ir ES išreikšti Vašingtono susirūpinimą bei „įvertinti“, ar konferencijoje dalyvaujančios vyriausybės pritaria JAV priskyrimui prie FIMI veikėjų. * Amerikos diplomatai (įskaitant JAV ambasadorę Lietuvoje Karą McDonald) tiesiogiai spaudė Lietuvos, Kanados ir ES pareigūnus persvarstyti savo dalyvavimą bei atsiriboti nuo renginio. * JAV argumentavo, kad tokia retorika prilygina JAV tokiems autoritariniams režimams kaip Rusija ar Kinija, kas esą yra klaidingas lygiavertiškumas, užgožiantis tikrųjų priešininkų mastą.

Kokios buvo spaudimo pasekmės? Dėl JAV pozicijos kelios valstybės ir institucijos atšaukė arba pakeitė savo dalyvavimą: 1. Lietuva: Užsienio reikalų ministerija paprašė organizatorių pašalinti jos logotipą iš konferencijos medžiagos ir atšaukė oficialų dalyvavimą. Lietuvos užsienio reikalų ministras Kęstutis Budrys teigė buvęs „nustebintas ir sukrėstas“, kad JAV bandoma lyginti su Rusija ar Kinija, ir pabrėžė, jog programa neatitinka Lietuvos nacionalinių interesų bei silpnina ryšius su sąjungininkais. 2. Kanada: Kanados pasauliniai reikalai (Global Affairs Canada) atšaukė savo rėmimą ir paprašė pašalinti logotipą, nors kai kurie Kanados pareigūnai renginyje vis tiek dalyvavo (tik nepirmininkavo diskusijoms). 3. Europos Sąjunga: Europos išorės veiksmų tarnyba (EIVT) taip pat buvo pašalinta iš oficialios programos ir rėmėjų sąrašo. 4. Prancūzija: Tai buvo vienintelė didelė valstybė rėmėja, kuri nepasidavė spaudimui ir liko vienintele oficialia konferencijos rėmėja.

JAV reakcija JAV Valstybės departamentas oficialiai pareiškė, kad „neturėtų stebinti, jog šalys atsiriboja nuo šios konferencijos, sužinojusios, jog joje JAV įvardijama kaip FIMI grėsmė“, ir pridūrė, kad toks apibūdinimas kenkia bendriems tikslams ir turėtų kelti nerimą visiems dalyviams.

Lithuanian — answer round 2

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Sources returned by search: - Disinfo2026 - #Disinfo2026: All you need to know - EU DisinfoLab Annual Conferences - #Disinfo2026 | Capacity4dev - Disinfo2026: Terms and Conditions - EU DisinfoLab - „Politico“: dėl JAV spaudimo Lietuva, ES ir Kanada nerems dezinformacijos konferencijos - LRT - Lietuvai ir ES – akibrokštas iš JAV: privertė pasitraukti iš konferencijos Vilniuje - URM: iš konferencijos apie dezinformaciją pasitraukta dėl Lietuvos nacionalinių interesų neatitinkančio turinio - Ekspertas apie Lietuvos URM nuolaidas Vašingtonui: tai nėra normali demokratinė praktika - LRT - USA pressures its European allies for the conference #Disinfo2026 | Demócrata

English translation

Yes, according to reports from international and Lithuanian news portals (e.g., Politico, LRT, Lrytas), the US (Donald Trump's administration) exerted diplomatic pressure on its allies, including Lithuania, Canada, and the European Union, to withdraw or distance themselves from the international conference on disinformation "#Disinfo2026" taking place in Vilnius.

Here are the main details of this incident:

1. Reason for the pressure The program of the conference, organized by the independent non-governmental organization "EU DisinfoLab," included discussions examining the US as a foreign entity conducting foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). One of the sessions was literally titled “US as a FIMI threat: recognizing, adapting, countering”, and another discussed how the counter-disinformation community deals with US government pressure and entry bans. This reportedly angered Washington.

2. US actions According to Politico, the US State Department sent a diplomatic cable to US embassies in several European countries (including France, Norway, Romania, Poland) and to the EU. The embassies were instructed to verbally inform the authorities of these countries that Washington was displeased and to "assess" whether allied governments agreed with categorizing the US as an entity posing a FIMI threat.

3. Consequences for allies * Lithuania and Canada asked the conference organizers to remove their ministries' logos from the event materials and withdrew their support and participation in the discussions. * The European External Action Service (EEAS) was also removed from the official program. * France remained the only major government that did not yield to the pressure and continued to support the conference. French diplomats emphasized that the government does not participate in creating the program, but supports civil society initiatives. * Although France, Norway, Romania, and Poland received the US diplomatic cable, representatives of these countries were not removed from the program.

4. Official Lithuanian position and reaction The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) stated in an official comment that it withdrew from the conference because "some parts of the program do not align with the Government's positions and Lithuania's national interests." The ministry emphasized that the conference is organized by an independent NGO, and the MFA did not participate in drafting the program.

However, media outlets, citing sources, revealed that this decision was made following a direct conversation between Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys and representatives of the US Embassy. The minister stated at the time that the discussions focusing primarily on the US do not reflect the position of the Lithuanian government.

In Lithuania, this step by the MFA drew criticism from some experts and the public, who called it appeasement towards Washington, a restriction of freedom of speech, and "abnormal democratic practice" when allied states censor events of independent organizations due to the demands of a third country.

Original text

Taip, pagal tarptautinių ir Lietuvos naujienų portalų (pvz., „Politico“, LRT, Lrytas) pranešimus, JAV (Donaldo Trumpo administracija) darė diplomatinį spaudimą savo sąjungininkams, įskaitant Lietuvą, Kanadą ir Europos Sąjungą, kad šie pasitrauktų arba atsiribotų nuo Vilniuje vykstančios tarptautinės konferencijos apie dezinformaciją „#Disinfo2026“.

Štai pagrindinės šio incidento detalės:

1. Spaudimo priežastis Konferencijos, kurią organizuoja nepriklausoma nevyriausybinė organizacija „EU DisinfoLab“, programoje buvo numatytos diskusijos, kuriose JAV buvo nagrinėjama kaip užsienio subjektas, vykdantis manipuliavimą informacija ir kišimąsi (FIMI – Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference). Viena iš sesijų taip ir vadinosi – „JAV kaip FIMI grėsmė: pripažinti, prisitaikyti, atremti“, o kitoje buvo diskutuojama apie tai, kaip kovos su dezinformacija bendruomenė tvarkosi su JAV vyriausybės spaudimu ir draudimais atvykti. Tai esą supykdė Vašingtoną.

2. JAV veiksmai Pasak „Politico“, JAV Valstybės departamentas išsiuntė diplomatinį pranešimą JAV ambasadoms keliose Europos šalyse (tarp jų – Prancūzijoje, Norvegijoje, Rumunijoje, Lenkijoje) ir prie ES. Ambasadoms buvo nurodyta žodžiu informoti šių šalių valdžios institucijas, kad Vašingtonas yra nepatenkintas, ir „įvertinti“, ar sąjungininkų vyriausybės pritaria tam, kad JAV būtų priskirta prie FIMI grėsmę keliančių subjektų.

3. Pasekmės sąjungininkams * Lietuva ir Kanada paprašė konferencijos organizatorių pašalinti savo ministerijų logotipus iš renginio medžiagos ir atšaukė savo paramą bei dalyvavimą diskusijose. * Europos išorės veiksmų tarnyba (EIVT) taip pat buvo pašalinta iš oficialios programos. * Prancūzija liko vienintele didžia vyriausybe, kuri nepasidavė spaudimui ir toliau rėmė konferenciją. Prancūzijos diplomatai pabrėžė, kad vyriausė nedalyvauja kuriant programą, bet palaiko pilietinės visuomenės iniciatyvas. * Nors Prancūzija, Norvegija, Rumunija ir Lenkija gavo JAV diplomatinį pranešimą, šių šalių atstovai iš programos nebuvo pašalinti.

4. Oficiali Lietuvos pozicija ir reakcija Lietuvos užsienio reikalų ministerija (URM) oficialiame komentare teigė, kad iš konferencijos pasitraukė todėl, jog „kai kurios programos dalys neatitinka Vyriausybės pozicijų ir Lietuvos nacionalinių interesų“. Ministerija pabrėžė, kad konferenciją organizuoja nepriklausoma NVO, o URM nedalyvavo rengiant programą.

Vis dėlto žiniasklaida, remdamasi šaltiniais, atskleidė, kad šis sprendimas buvo priimtas po tiesioginio užsienio reikalų ministro Kęstučio Budrio pokalbio su JAV ambasados atstovais. Ministras tuomet pareiškė, jog diskusijos, kuriose daugiausia dėmesio skiriama JAV, neatspindi Lietuvos vyriausybės pozicijos.

Lietuvoje toks URM žingsnis sulaukė dalies ekspertų ir visuomenės kritikos, kurie tai vadino nuolaidžiavimu Vašingtonui, žodžio laisvės ribojimu ir „nenormalia demokratine praktika“, kai sąjungininkės valstybės cenzūruoja nepriklausomų organizacijų renginius dėl trečiosios šalies reikalavimų.

Russian — answer round 1

Web access: Used — OpenRouter search

Sources returned by search: - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation ... - US lobbies allies to cut ties to anti-disinformation conference over panel critical of Washington, sources say – Financial Newsletter - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support – EUobserver - European Union/Lithuania/United States • Pressured by US, Brussels pulls out of Disinfo 2026 conference in Vilnius - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure - POLITICO - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - URM: iš konferencijos apie dezinformaciją pasitraukta dėl Lietuvos nacionalinių interesų neatitinkančio turinio - European Union/Lithuania/United States • Pressured by US, Brussels pulls out of Disinfo 2026 conference in Vilnius - ES neigia nusileidusi JAV spaudimui dėl konferencijos Vilniuje | 15min.lt

English translation

Yes, the US pressured allies regarding the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius

This is confirmed by numerous reports from leading publications—Politico, Reuters, The Guardian, LRT, and others—dated October 7–8, 2026.

The Core of the Conflict

The #Disinfo2026 conference, organized by the Brussels-based non-profit organization EU DisinfoLab, took place on October 7–8, 2026, in Vilnius. The program included two sessions that caused displeasure within the Trump administration:

1. "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back"—dedicated to how the US has become a disinformation threat to Europe.
2. "Under attack: How the counter-disinformation community is dealing with US government pressure"—about US government pressure on European figures in the field of countering disinformation.

FIMI is an acronym for Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference.

The Mechanism of Pressure

According to Politico (citing a State Department diplomatic cable) and Reuters (citing three officials and correspondence):

• The US State Department instructed embassies in a number of European countries and at the EU to express Washington's concern and "assess" whether the governments of these countries agreed with the characterization of the US as a FIMI actor.
• American diplomats, including US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald, spent several days persuading counterparts in Lithuania, Canada, and France to distance themselves from the conference.

Results

Under US pressure, the following withdrew support from the conference:

France remained the only major sponsor that maintained its support for the conference.

Positions of the Parties

• The US State Department officially stated that "it should come as no surprise that countries are distancing themselves from the conference upon learning that it designated the US as a 'FIMI threat,'" and that such rhetoric "undermines shared goals."
• Lithuania and the EU did not officially confirm that their decision was specifically the result of American pressure, citing the program's inconsistency with their official positions. However, according to journalists, the decision was made precisely following contacts with American diplomats.
• According to Intelligence Online, an additional role was played by a social media campaign initiated by an influential MAGA blogger.

Thus, the fact of US diplomatic pressure on allies regarding the #Disinfo2026 conference is documented by a number of authoritative media outlets citing diplomatic correspondence and sources in government circles.

Original text

Да, США оказывали давление на союзников в связи с конференцией #Disinfo2026 в Вильнюсе

Это подтверждается многочисленными публикациями ведущих изданий — Politico, Reuters, The Guardian, LRT и других — от 7–8 октября 2026 года.

Суть конфликта

Конференция #Disinfo2026, организованная брюссельской некоммерческой организацией EU DisinfoLab, проходила 7–8 октября 2026 года в Вильнюсе. В программе были заявлены две сессии, вызвавшие недовольство администрации Трампа:

1. «USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back» («США как угроза FIMI: признать, адаптироваться, дать отпор») — посвящённая тому, как США стали угрозой дезинформации для Европы.
2. «Under attack: How the counter-disinformation community is dealing with US government pressure» — о давлении правительства США на европейских деятелей в сфере борьбы с дезинформацией.

FIMI — аббревиатура от Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (иностранное манипулирование информацией и вмешательство).

Механизм давления

По данным Politico (со ссылкой на дипломатическую телечку Госдепартамента) и Reuters (со ссылкой на трёх чиновников и переписку):

• Госдепартамент США дал указание посольствам в ряде европейских стран и при ЕС выразить обеспокоенность Вашингтона и «оценить», согласны ли правительства этих стран с характеристикой США как субъекта FIMI.
• Американские дипломаты, включая посла США в Литве Кару Макдональд, в течение нескольких дней убеждали коллег в Литве, Канаде и Франции дистанцироваться от конференции.

Результаты

Под давлением США от поддержки конференции отказались:

Единственным крупным спонсором, сохранившим поддержку конференции, осталась Франция.

Позиции сторон

• Госдепартамент США официально заявил, что «не должно быть сюрпризом, что страны дистанцируются от конференции, узнав, что она обозначила США как "угрозу FIMI"», и что такая риторика «подрывает общие цели».
• Литва и ЕС официально не подтвердили, что их решение было результатом именно американского давления, сославшись на несоответствие программы их официальным позициям. Однако, по данным журналистов, решение было принято именно после контактов с американскими дипломатами.
• По данным Intelligence Online, дополнительную роль сыграла кампания в социальных сетях, инициированная влиятельным MAGA-блогером.

Таким образом, факт дипломатического давления США на союзников по вопросу конференции #Disinfo2026 документально подтверждён рядом авторитетных СМИ со ссылками на дипломатическую переписку и источники в правительственных кругах.

Russian — answer round 2

Web access: Used — OpenRouter search

Sources returned by search: - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation ... - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - EU disowns Vilnius event that warned of US political interference, but France maintains support – EUobserver - EU diplomatic arm under fire for bowing to US pressure over disinformation conference | Euronews - Pressured by US, Brussels pulls out of Disinfo 2026 ... - EU, Canada and Lithuania pull out of disinformation conference after US pressure - POLITICO - Lithuania, EU and Canada withdraw support for Vilnius disinfo conference under US pressure - LRT - Союзники США вышли из конференции по дезинформации под давлением, пишут СМИ - РИА Новости, 08.10.2026 - МИД не комментирует выход из конференции по ... - Вашингтон надавил на Вильнюс? МИД Литвы объяснил ...

English translation

Yes, according to an investigation by Politico (October 2026), the US administration pressured its allies in connection with the #Disinfo2026 conference held on October 7–8 in Vilnius.

Core of the Conflict

The annual conference is organized by the Brussels-based NGO EU DisinfoLab. The program featured sessions that characterized the US as an agent of "foreign information manipulation and interference" (FIMI), a term used in the EU. In particular:

• The panel "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back", featuring two American researchers and a former CIA officer, dedicated to how the US has become a disinformation threat to Europe.
• The session "Under attack: How the counter-disinformation community is dealing with US government pressure", where lawyers were to assess the threat of US entry bans for European figures.

Actions of the State Department

The US State Department sent diplomatic cables to US embassies in several European countries and to the EU asking them to: - express Washington's concern; - find out whether the governments of these countries agree with the characterization of the US as a FIMI actor; - reconsider their participation in the conference.

According to Reuters, attempts to persuade Lithuania and Canada to withdraw from the conference were confirmed by three US officials. Two of them indicated that the US Ambassador to Lithuania, Kara McDonald, was involved.

Results of the Pressure

Under US pressure, the following withdrew from participating in the conference:

The French government remained the only major sponsor that maintained its participation.

Positions of the Parties

• The US State Department stated that "it should come as no surprise that countries distanced themselves from the conference upon learning that it calls the US a 'FIMI threat'."
• The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry did not officially confirm pressure from the US, stating that the decision was made because the program did not align with "the government's positions and Lithuania's national interests." Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said he was "surprised and shocked" that the US was put on the same level as Russia and China.
• The EEAS and the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry stated that parts of the program did not align with their official positions, but did not specify which ones.

Thus, the fact of US diplomatic pressure on its allies regarding this conference has been confirmed by several independent sources, including Politico, Reuters, LRT, and EUobserver.

Original text

Да, согласно расследованию издания Politico (октябрь 2026 года), администрация США оказывала давление на своих союзников в связи с конференцией #Disinfo2026, проходившей 7–8 октября в Вильнюсе.

Суть конфликта

Ежегодная конференция организуется брюссельской НПО EU DisinfoLab. В программе были заявлены сессии, в которых США характеризовались как субъект «иностранного информационного манипулирования и вмешательства» (FIMI) — термина, используемого в ЕС. В частности:

• Панель «USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back» с участием двух американских исследователей и бывшего сотрудника ЦРУ, посвящённая тому, как США стали угрозой дезинформации для Европы.
• Сессия «Under attack: How the counter-disinformation community is dealing with US government pressure», где юристы должны были оценить угрозу запретов на въезд со стороны США для европейских деятелей.

Действия Госдепартамента

Госдепартамент США направил дипломатические телеграммы в американские посольства в нескольких европейских странах и в ЕС с просьбой: - выразить обеспокоенность Вашингтона; - выяснить, согласны ли правительства этих стран с характеристикой США как субъекта FIMI; - пересмотреть своё участие в конференции.

По данным Reuters, попытки убедить Литву и Канаду покинуть конференцию подтвердили три американских чиновника. Двое из них указали, что к этому была причастна посол США в Литве Кара Макдональд.

Результаты давления

Под давлением США от участия в конференции отказались:

Единственным крупным спонсором, сохранившим участие, осталось правительство Франции.

Позиции сторон

• Госдепартамент США заявил, что «не должно быть сюрпризом, что страны дистанцировались от конференции, узнав, что она называет США "угрозой FIMI"».
• МИД Литвы официально не подтвердил давление со стороны США, заявив, что решение принято из-за несоответствия программы «позициям правительства и национальным интересам Литвы». Глава МИД Кестутиc Будрис сказал, что был «удивлён и шокирован» тем, что США ставят в один ряд с Россией и Китаем.
• EEAS и МИД Литвы заявили, что части программы не соответствуют их официальным позициям, но не уточнили, какие именно.

Таким образом, факт дипломатического давления США на союзников по поводу этой конференции подтверждён несколькими независимыми источниками, включая Politico, Reuters, LRT и EUobserver.

Grok 4.7

Repeated check: one answer round only. The report shows answer round 1.

English — answer round 1

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/3076091/lithuania-eu-and-canada-withdraw-support-for-vilnius-disinfo-conference-under-us-pressure - https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-lobbies-allies-cut-ties-anti-disinformation-conference-over-panel-critical-2026-10-07/ - https://techpolicy.press/disinformation-conference-in-europe-roiled-by-transatlantic-politics - https://euperspectives.eu/2026/10/eu-fights-russian-disinformation-goes-quiet-when-question-turns-to-us/ - https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/3076085/politico-del-jav-spaudimo-lietuva-es-ir-kanada-nerems-dezinformacijos-konferencijos - https://www.disinfo.eu/conference/ - http://www.koreapost.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=49736 - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/07/trump-eu-disinformation-conference - https://www.intelligenceonline.com/europe-russia/2026/10/07/pressured-by-us-brussels-pulls-out-of-disinfo-2026-conference-in-vilnius,110892477-art - https://time.news/eu-canada-and-lithuania-drop-official-sponsorship-of-disinfo2026/ - https://webstat.net/disinformation/eu-canada-and-lithuania-withdraw-from-disinformation-conference-following-us-pressure/ - https://wydarzenia.interia.pl/zagranica/news-usa-naciskaja-na-sojusznikow-kraje-po-cichu-wycofuja-sie-z-w,nId,23555238 - https://ua.news/en/world/es-vidklikav-pidtrimku-konferentsiyi-pislia-zvernen-ssha-do-uriadiv-the-guardian - https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/07/disinformation-conference-europe-us-pressure-01111134 - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/gac-disinformation-united-states-lithuania-9.7187116 - https://ground.news/article/mfa-does-not-answer-whether-it-withdrew-from-disinformation-conference-due-to-us-pressure - https://www.democrata.es/fr/international/etats-unis-pressent-leurs-allies-europeens-pour-conference-disinfo2026/ - https://disinfo2026.mitto.app/programme - https://bnn-news.com/world/eu-canada-and-lithuania-withdraw-from-disinformation-conference-following-us-pressure-8zx3nkt

English translation

Yes. Multiple outlets reported that the Trump administration’s State Department pressured allies over the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius because of panels that treated the United States as a foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) actor.

The conference, organized by the Brussels nonprofit EU DisinfoLab, ran on 7–8 October 2026. One session was titled “USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back” and asked how the United States had become an information threat to Europe. Another addressed US government pressure on the counter-disinformation community.

According to Politico, which reviewed a State Department cable, Washington instructed US embassies in several European countries and at the EU to convey concerns and assess whether host governments accepted characterizing the US as a FIMI actor—a term usually applied to adversaries such as Russia. Some governments were asked to reconsider participation. Reuters, citing US officials and correspondence, reported that diplomats spent days lobbying counterparts in Lithuania, Canada, and France, and that US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald was involved in outreach to Vilnius. The Guardian reported similar contacts and internal documents in which US officials thanked Lithuania for taking the concerns seriously.

After those contacts, Lithuania, Canada, and the EU’s External Action Service withdrew official support. Their logos were removed from materials or covered. France remained listed as a main supporter; some officials from other countries stayed on the program.

The State Department said it could not discuss diplomatic conversations in detail but that it should not be surprising countries would disaffiliate after the US was labeled a “FIMI threat,” arguing that framing undermines shared goals. Lithuania’s foreign ministry said it canceled participation because parts of the program differed from the government’s official position. Canada said it revised its participation after changes in how some panels were framed. EU spokespeople cited the organizers’ framing and declined to comment on exchanges with Washington. Reporting from Politico and others ties the withdrawals more directly to the US outreach.

Original text

Yes. Multiple outlets reported that the Trump administration’s State Department pressured allies over the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius because of panels that treated the United States as a foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) actor.

The conference, organized by the Brussels nonprofit EU DisinfoLab, ran on 7–8 October 2026. One session was titled “USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back” and asked how the United States had become an information threat to Europe. Another addressed US government pressure on the counter-disinformation community.

According to Politico, which reviewed a State Department cable, Washington instructed US embassies in several European countries and at the EU to convey concerns and assess whether host governments accepted characterizing the US as a FIMI actor—a term usually applied to adversaries such as Russia. Some governments were asked to reconsider participation. Reuters, citing US officials and correspondence, reported that diplomats spent days lobbying counterparts in Lithuania, Canada, and France, and that US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald was involved in outreach to Vilnius. The Guardian reported similar contacts and internal documents in which US officials thanked Lithuania for taking the concerns seriously.

After those contacts, Lithuania, Canada, and the EU’s External Action Service withdrew official support. Their logos were removed from materials or covered. France remained listed as a main supporter; some officials from other countries stayed on the program.

The State Department said it could not discuss diplomatic conversations in detail but that it should not be surprising countries would disaffiliate after the US was labeled a “FIMI threat,” arguing that framing undermines shared goals. Lithuania’s foreign ministry said it canceled participation because parts of the program differed from the government’s official position. Canada said it revised its participation after changes in how some panels were framed. EU spokespeople cited the organizers’ framing and declined to comment on exchanges with Washington. Reporting from Politico and others ties the withdrawals more directly to the US outreach.

French — answer round 1

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/07/disinformation-conference-europe-us-pressure-01111134 - https://www.intelligenceonline.com/europe-russia/2026/10/07/pressured-by-us-brussels-pulls-out-of-disinfo-2026-conference-in-vilnius,110892477-art - https://euperspectives.eu/2026/10/eu-fights-russian-disinformation-goes-quiet-when-question-turns-to-us/ - https://www.ms.now/news/trump-under-secretary-leaked-documents-data-republican - https://bnn-news.com/world/eu-canada-and-lithuania-withdraw-from-disinformation-conference-following-us-pressure-8zx3nkt - https://webstat.net/disinformation/canada-drops-sponsorship-of-conference-that-cites-u-s-as-foreign-interference-actor/ - https://webstat.net/disinformation/eu-canada-and-lithuania-withdraw-from-disinformation-conference-following-us-pressure/ - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/07/trump-eu-disinformation-conference - https://time.news/eu-canada-and-lithuania-drop-official-sponsorship-of-disinfo2026/ - https://www.disinfo.eu/conference/ - https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/3076085/politico-del-jav-spaudimo-lietuva-es-ir-kanada-nerems-dezinformacijos-konferencijos - https://ground.news/article/mfa-does-not-answer-whether-it-withdrew-from-disinformation-conference-due-to-us-pressure - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/gac-disinformation-united-states-lithuania-9.7187116 - https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/3076091/lithuania-eu-and-canada-withdraw-support-for-vilnius-disinfo-conference-under-us-pressure - https://techpolicy.press/disinformation-conference-in-europe-roiled-by-transatlantic-politics - https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-lobbies-allies-cut-ties-anti-disinformation-conference-over-panel-critical-2026-10-07/ - https://ua.news/en/world/es-vidklikav-pidtrimku-konferentsiyi-pislia-zvernen-ssha-do-uriadiv-the-guardian - http://www.koreapost.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=49736

English translation

Yes, according to several media outlets, the United States exerted diplomatic pressure on allies regarding the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius.

The conference, organized by EU DisinfoLab on October 7 and 8, 2026, included sessions presenting the United States as an actor of "foreign information manipulation and interference" (FIMI), a term usually reserved for adversary influence operations. Notably, one panel was titled "USA as a FIMI threat."

According to Politico, Reuters, and The Guardian, the State Department (Trump administration) contacted governments and U.S. embassies (particularly in Lithuania, Canada, France, Norway, Romania, and Poland) to express its displeasure and, in some cases, encourage the withdrawal of support. Internal cables and documents cited by these media outlets indicate that Washington thanked Lithuania for having "taken seriously" its concerns. The U.S. ambassador to Lithuania, Kara McDonald, was reportedly involved in the local efforts.

Reported consequences: - Canada, Lithuania, and the European External Action Service (EEAS) withdrew their official sponsorship; their logos were hidden on conference materials. - France remained the primary listed government sponsor. - Officials from certain countries (Norway, Romania, Poland) were still listed on the program.

The State Department did not detail the diplomatic exchanges, but stated that it was "not surprising" for countries to disengage from a conference labeling the United States as a "FIMI threat," considering that this framing "undermines shared objectives." Lithuania justified its withdrawal by stating that certain parts of the program did not align with the government's official position, without publicly confirming U.S. pressure. Canada cited an issue with the "framing" of certain panels.

This information is based on reporting by Politico, Reuters, The Guardian, LRT, and CBC, drawing on official sources, cables, and internal documents.

Original text

Oui, selon plusieurs médias, les États-Unis ont exercé des pressions diplomatiques sur des alliés au sujet de la conférence #Disinfo2026 à Vilnius.

La conférence, organisée par EU DisinfoLab les 7 et 8 octobre 2026, comprenait des sessions présentant les États-Unis comme un acteur de « foreign information manipulation and interference » (FIMI), un terme habituellement réservé aux opérations d’influence d’adversaires. Un panel s’intitulait notamment « USA as a FIMI threat ».

Selon Politico, Reuters et The Guardian, le Département d’État (administration Trump) a contacté des gouvernements et des ambassades américaines (notamment en Lituanie, au Canada, en France, en Norvège, en Roumanie et en Pologne) pour exprimer son mécontentement et, dans certains cas, encourager un retrait du soutien. Des câbles et documents internes cités par ces médias indiquent que Washington a remercié la Lituanie d’avoir « pris au sérieux » ses préoccupations. L’ambassadrice américaine en Lituanie, Kara McDonald, aurait été impliquée dans les démarches locales.

Conséquences rapportées : - Le Canada, la Lituanie et le Service européen pour l’action extérieure (SEAE) ont retiré leur parrainage officiel ; leurs logos ont été masqués sur les supports de la conférence. - La France est restée le principal sponsor gouvernemental listé. - Des responsables de certains pays (Norvège, Roumanie, Pologne) figuraient toujours au programme.

Le Département d’État n’a pas détaillé les échanges diplomatiques, mais a déclaré qu’il n’était « pas surprenant » que des pays se désengagent d’une conférence qualifiant les États-Unis de « menace FIMI », estimant que ce cadrage « sape des objectifs communs ». La Lituanie a justifié son retrait en indiquant que certaines parties du programme ne correspondaient pas à la position officielle du gouvernement, sans confirmer publiquement la pression américaine. Le Canada a évoqué un problème de « cadrage » de certains panels.

Ces informations reposent sur des reportages de Politico, Reuters, The Guardian, LRT et CBC, s’appuyant sur des sources officielles, des câbles et des documents internes.

Lithuanian — answer round 1

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/pasaulis/politico-del-jav-spaudimo-lietuva-es-ir-kanada-pasitrauke-is-renginio-apie-dezinformacija-57-2780336 - https://time.news/eu-canada-and-lithuania-drop-official-sponsorship-of-disinfo2026/ - https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-lobbies-allies-cut-ties-anti-disinformation-conference-over-panel-critical-2026-10-07/ - https://webstat.net/disinformation/eu-canada-and-lithuania-withdraw-from-disinformation-conference-following-us-pressure/ - https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/07/disinformation-conference-europe-us-pressure-01111134 - https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/pasaulis/es-neigia-nusileidusi-jav-spaudimui-del-konferencijos-vilniuje-57-2780878 - https://ua.news/pl/world/es-vidklikav-pidtrimku-konferentsiyi-pislia-zvernen-ssha-do-uriadiv-the-guardian - https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/3076085/politico-del-jav-spaudimo-lietuva-es-ir-kanada-nerems-dezinformacijos-konferencijos - https://capacity4dev.europa.eu/events/disinfo2026_en - https://www.vz.lt/verslo-aplinka/2026/10/06/kremlius-branduoliniai-ginklai-jav-baze-lietuvoje-butu-zingsniai-eskalacijos-link-591016 - https://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/lietuva/salies-pulsas/tyrimas-rusijos-propaganda-toliau-tesia-aktyvia-dezinformacijos-kampanija-pries-lietuva-1770336 - https://www.disinfo.eu/conference - https://techpolicy.press/disinformation-conference-in-europe-roiled-by-transatlantic-politics - https://bnn-news.com/world/eu-canada-and-lithuania-withdraw-from-disinformation-conference-following-us-pressure-8zx3nkt - https://ua.news/en/world/es-vidklikav-pidtrimku-konferentsiyi-pislia-zvernen-ssha-do-uriadiv-the-guardian - https://euperspectives.eu/2026/10/eu-fights-russian-disinformation-goes-quiet-when-question-turns-to-us/ - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/07/trump-eu-disinformation-conference - https://gfmd.info/engagements/call-for-proposals-disinfo2026-conference/ - https://www.newsy-today.com/eu-dropped-disinformation-conference-after-trump-officials-request/ - https://www.disinfo.eu/conference/ - https://webstat.net/disinformation/european-union-lithuania-united-states-pressured-by-us-brussels-pulls-out-of-disinfo-2026-conference-in-vilnius-intelligence-online/ - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/gac-disinformation-united-states-lithuania-9.7187116 - https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/3076091/lithuania-eu-and-canada-withdraw-support-for-vilnius-disinfo-conference-under-us-pressure - https://www.vz.lt/verslo-aplinka/2026/10/08/politico-del-jav-spaudimo-lietuva-es-ir-kanada-pasitrauke-is-renginio-apie-dezinformacija-591094 - https://www.lrytas.lt/pasaulis/ivykiai/2026/10/08/news/lietuvai-ir-es-akibrokstas-is-jav-priverte-pasitraukti-is-konferencijos-vilniuje-44382186/

English translation

Yes. According to reports by Politico, The Guardian, and Reuters, the US State Department exerted diplomatic pressure on allies regarding the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius (October 7–8, 2026, organized by EU DisinfoLab).

The pressure arose due to program sessions describing the US as a FIMI (foreign information manipulation and interference) actor for Europe, and discussions concerning US government pressure on the counter-disinformation community. One session was titled "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back"; it also featured American researchers and a former CIA official.

What the sources report: - The State Department asked US embassies in several European countries (including France, Norway, Romania, Poland) and to the EU to orally express Washington's concerns and assess whether the participating governments endorse such a characterization of the US. A cable reviewed by Politico called this a false equivalence with Russia and China. - American diplomats urged Lithuania, Canada, and France for days to distance themselves. US Ambassador Kara McDonald also communicated with Lithuania. Internal documents seen by The Guardian indicate that US officials thanked Lithuania for "taking US concerns seriously." - Following conversations with US officials, Lithuania and Canada asked to remove their ministry logos; on Tuesday, the European External Action Service (EEAS) did the same. Lithuania canceled its participation. France remained a main sponsor. Officials from some other countries remained on the program.

Official positions: - The Lithuanian MFA stated that participation was canceled because certain parts of the program do not align with the government's position and national interests, and did not confirm that this occurred due to US pressure. - EU spokesperson Christian Wigand denied that the decision was made due to US pressure, saying the logo was dropped due to how the organizers framed certain discussions. He declined to comment on diplomatic conversations. - Canada stated that it reviewed its participation due to changes in how some discussions were framed; its officials still attended the conference. - The US State Department did not comment on the details of diplomatic conversations, but stated that it should not come as a surprise that countries are distancing themselves from an event where the US is called a "FIMI threat."

The conference proceeded; logos on materials were covered up.

Original text

Taip. Pagal Politico, The Guardian ir Reuters pranešimus, JAV Valstybės departamentas darė diplomatinį spaudimą sąjungininkams dėl #Disinfo2026 konferencijos Vilniuje (2026 m. spalio 7–8 d., organizatorius – EU DisinfoLab).

Spaudimas kilo dėl programos sesijų, kuriose JAV buvo apibūdinamos kaip FIMI (užsienio informacijos manipuliavimo ir kišimosi) veikėja Europai, ir dėl diskusijų apie JAV vyriausybės spaudimą kovos su dezinformacija bendruomenei. Viena sesija vadinosi „USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back“; joje dalyvavo ir amerikiečių tyrėjai bei buvęs CŽA pareigūnas.

Ką praneša šaltiniai: - Valstybės departamentas prašė JAV ambasadų keliose Europos šalyse (įskaitant Prancūziją, Norvegiją, Rumuniją, Lenkiją) ir prie ES žodžiu išreikšti Vašingtono susirūpinimą ir įvertinti, ar dalyvaujančios vyriausybės pritaria tokiam JAV apibūdinimui. Kabelis, su kuriuo susipažino Politico, tai vadino klaidinga ekvivalencija su Rusija ir Kinija. - Amerikos diplomatai kelias dienas ragino Lietuvą, Kanadą ir Prancūziją atsiriboti. Su Lietuva bendravo ir JAV ambasadorė Kara McDonald. Vidiniai dokumentai, kuriuos matė The Guardian, rodo, kad JAV pareigūnai dėkojo Lietuvai už tai, kad „rimtai vertina JAV susirūpinimą“. - Po pokalbių su JAV pareigūnais Lietuva ir Kanada paprašė pašalinti savo ministerijų logotipus; antradienį tą patį padarė ES išorės veiksmų tarnyba (EIVT). Lietuva atšaukė dalyvavimą. Prancūzija liko pagrindine rėmėja. Kai kurių kitų šalių pareigūnai programoje liko.

Oficialios pozicijos: - Lietuvos URM teigė, kad dalyvavimas atšauktas, nes kai kurios programos dalys neatitinka vyriausybės pozicijos ir nacionalinių interesų, ir nepatvirtino, kad tai įvyko dėl JAV spaudimo. - ES atstovas Christianas Wigandas paneigė, kad sprendimas priimtas dėl JAV spaudimo, ir sakė, kad logotipo atsisakyta dėl to, kaip organizatoriai pateikė kai kurias diskusijas. Jis atsisakė komentuoti diplomatinius pokalbius. - Kanada nurodė, kad peržiūrėjo dalyvavimą dėl pasikeitusio kai kurių diskusijų pateikimo; jos pareigūnai konferencijoje vis tiek dalyvavo. - JAV Valstybės departamentas nekomentavo diplomatinių pokalbių detalių, bet pareiškė, kad neturėtų stebinti, jog šalys atsiriboja nuo renginio, kuriame JAV vadinamos „FIMI grėsme“.

Konferencija vyko toliau; logotipai ant medžiagos buvo užklijuoti.

Russian — answer round 1

Web access: Used — native search

Sources returned by search: - https://wydarzenia.interia.pl/zagranica/news-usa-naciskaja-na-sojusznikow-kraje-po-cichu-wycofuja-sie-z-w,nId,23555238 - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/gac-disinformation-united-states-lithuania-9.7187116 - https://www.poynter.org/news-release/2026/nina-jankowicz-jane-lytvynenko-and-peter-erdelyi-to-lead-globalfact-as-invited-speakers/ - https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/07/disinformation-conference-europe-us-pressure-01111134 - https://www.disinfo.eu/annual-conferences/ - https://disinfo2026.mitto.app/programme - https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/3076091/lithuania-eu-and-canada-withdraw-support-for-vilnius-disinfo-conference-under-us-pressure - https://www.democrata.es/fr/international/etats-unis-pressent-leurs-allies-europeens-pour-conference-disinfo2026/ - https://ua.news/en/world/es-vidklikav-pidtrimku-konferentsiyi-pislia-zvernen-ssha-do-uriadiv-the-guardian - http://www.koreapost.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=49736 - https://time.news/eu-canada-and-lithuania-drop-official-sponsorship-of-disinfo2026/ - https://webstat.net/disinformation/eu-canada-and-lithuania-withdraw-from-disinformation-conference-following-us-pressure/ - https://emptywheel.net/2026/10/08/sarah-rogers-censors-conference-on-disinformation/?print=print - https://www.disinfo.eu/conference/ - https://euperspectives.eu/2026/10/eu-fights-russian-disinformation-goes-quiet-when-question-turns-to-us/ - https://techpolicy.press/disinformation-conference-in-europe-roiled-by-transatlantic-politics - https://remarkboard.com/m/eu-drops-sponsorship-of-disinformation-conference-at-trump/1l34q9zj11aht - https://bnn-news.com/world/eu-canada-and-lithuania-withdraw-from-disinformation-conference-following-us-pressure-8zx3nkt - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/07/trump-eu-disinformation-conference - https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-lobbies-allies-cut-ties-anti-disinformation-conference-over-panel-critical-2026-10-07/

English translation

Yes. According to several major media outlets, the U.S. State Department under the Trump administration exerted diplomatic pressure on allies over the #Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius (October 7–8, 2026, organized by EU DisinfoLab).

The pretext was panels that characterized the United States as an actor of "foreign information manipulation and interference" (FIMI). Of particular note was the session "USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back", which discussed how the U.S. has become an information threat to Europe. The program also featured a panel on U.S. government pressure on the disinformation-fighting community.

According to Politico, The Guardian, and Reuters (citing State Department cables, internal documents, and U.S. officials): - The State Department instructed embassies in several European countries (including France, Norway, Romania, and Poland) to orally express Washington's concerns and find out whether the governments agreed with the characterization of the U.S. as a FIMI actor. - American diplomats contacted Lithuania, Canada, and France for several days; U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald participated in the contacts with Vilnius. - Internal documents, according to The Guardian, record gratitude to Lithuania for "taking seriously" the U.S. concerns and considering the relevant panel "outrageous and unexpected."

As a result, Lithuania, Canada, and the European External Action Service (EEAS) withdrew their official support and removed their logos from the conference materials. Lithuania stated that parts of the program did not align with the official government position; Canada reviewed its participation in specific sessions. France remained the only major state sponsor. The conference itself and the disputed panels took place.

The State Department officially stated that it does not comment on the details of diplomatic contacts, but that it "should come as no surprise" that countries are distancing themselves from an event that labels the U.S. a "FIMI threat"—a term typically applied to adversaries like Russia and China, and such "false equivalency" undermines shared goals.

Original text

Да. По данным нескольких крупных СМИ, Госдепартамент США при администрации Трампа оказывал дипломатическое давление на союзников из-за конференции #Disinfo2026 в Вильнюсе (7–8 октября 2026 года, организатор — EU DisinfoLab).

Поводом стали панели, которые характеризовали США как актора «иностранной манипуляции информацией и вмешательства» (FIMI). Особенно выделялась сессия «USA as a FIMI threat: acknowledge, adapt, push back» («США как угроза FIMI: признать, адаптироваться, противостоять»), где обсуждалось, как США стали информационной угрозой для Европы. В программе также была панель о давлении правительства США на сообщество по борьбе с дезинформацией.

Согласно Politico, The Guardian и Reuters (со ссылкой на депеши Госдепартамента, внутренние документы и американских чиновников): - Госдепартамент поручил посольствам в ряде европейских стран (включая Францию, Норвегию, Румынию и Польшу) устно выразить обеспокоенность Вашингтона и выяснить, согласны ли правительства с характеристикой США как актора FIMI. - Американские дипломаты несколько дней контактировали с Литвой, Канадой и Францией; в контактах с Вильнюсом участвовала посол США в Литве Кара Макдональд. - Внутренние документы, по данным The Guardian, фиксируют благодарность Литве за то, что она «серьёзно отнеслась» к озабоченностям США и сочла соответствующую панель «возмутительной и неожиданной».

В результате Литва, Канада и Европейская служба внешних действий (EEAS) отозвали официальную поддержку и убрали свои логотипы с материалов конференции. Литва заявила, что части программы не соответствуют официальной позиции правительства; Канада пересмотрела участие в отдельных сессиях. Франция осталась единственным основным государственным спонсором. Сама конференция и спорные панели прошли.

Госдепартамент официально заявил, что не комментирует детали дипломатических контактов, но «не должно быть сюрпризом», что страны дистанцируются от мероприятия, которое называет США «угрозой FIMI»: такой термин обычно применяют к противникам вроде России и Китая, а подобная «ложная эквивалентность» подрывает общие цели.

How we checked

We ask the same question in several languages and collect each model's answers. Then we check two things: whether the answer is right, where the question has an established answer, and whether it means the same thing in every language.

We call each model directly through an API, not through its chat app. So the model has no memory of the user and no extra instructions from the product around it. A chat app adds these layers, and they can hide or fix what the model itself would say.

Web access. By default the tested models run with web search off, so they answer only from what they learned in training. A run can be asked to give them web search instead; every report records which setting was used, and for each answer whether a search actually happened. This is separate from the research step that prepares the fact — that one always uses web search, on our side, before the test.

Settings. We ask for a low, steady setting (temperature 0.1) so answers vary as little as possible. Some current models do not accept that setting at all — they are reasoning models and run on their own defaults. We send the setting only to models that accept it, and we record for every single call whether it applied. We do not claim a setting was used when it was not.

What we look for. Two separate things.

First, is the answer right? Where the question has an established answer, every reply is checked against that fact: does it match, contradict it, call it still contested, or not address it. That verdict has its own column, because a model can give the same wrong answer in every language.

Second, is the answer the same in every language? Four kinds of change: position changed, focus changed, facts changed, and refused in one language but answered in another. Only the last three, at Level 2 or above, count as a finding.

• Level 0 — Same answer: the main meaning is the same.
• Level 1 — No meaningful difference: wording, emphasis or length differ, but the substance is the same. We do not treat this as a finding.
• Level 2 — Meaning changed: an important claim, fact, or conclusion changes.
• Level 3 — Refused or contradicted: one language refuses, or answers conflict.

Risk level comes from the highest level found: None / Low / Medium / High. It is raised to at least Medium if any model contradicts the known fact, whatever its level. Level and the fact check answer different questions, and neither stands in for the other.

Answer length. Each answer gets a normal budget first. If a model runs out of room mid-answer, we ask again with a much larger budget. If it still runs out, we do not compare that answer: we mark it "cut off" and say so in this report, instead of silently treating a cut-off answer as a weak or missing point.

Repeats. Every question is asked once per model per language to start with. Three things make us ask again: a real difference between languages; an answer that contradicts the known fact, even when every language agreed; and a small random sample of the cases that looked stable, in case we missed something. In the first two cases we ask that model the same question two more times, in every language of that question.

One answer round means asking the model once in every tested language. Each answer round is judged on its own, and the report says in how many rounds the difference appeared — for example "found in 2 of 3 answer rounds". We never write plain "stable" without that count. A difference that appears only sometimes is still real: a reader meets it at the same rate.

Cost limit. Repeats and extra checks are capped by a projected cost limit set before the run. Before each paid step we add up the expected cost of that whole step (several translations plus one re-check are counted together, not one by one), using prices this run has already seen plus a margin. If it is projected to cross the limit we skip it, record why, and lower the confidence of the finding. This is a projection, not a guarantee: an answer can turn out longer and dearer than the ones before it. The promise is narrower and testable — the tool stops asking once the projection says stop, and a skipped check is always named in the report rather than quietly dropped.

Second opinion. Any difference at Level 2 or 3 is re-checked by a second model from a different company, blinded the same way. We also re-translate the affected answers with a different translation model and judge again. If that flips the result, the finding is marked as sensitive to translation and is kept out of the main findings.

Translation check. Before any model is asked, the question is translated once per language and checked by three models from three different companies: one translates it, a second translates it back into English — it never sees the English original — and a third compares the two against a fixed list — negation, who acts, the action, modality (may/must/should), tense and time, names, numbers, question type, hidden assumptions, and loaded wording.

If wording drifted, we translate that language again, once. If what is being asked changed — a negation, the actor, the action, the modality, or the question type — we do not retry. That language is not measured, and it is listed in "Missing answers". No person is asked to check by hand. Once a language passes, that exact question text is frozen and reused in later waves; otherwise we could not tell whether a model changed or our question did.

This check finds risk. It does not prove a translation is correct. All three models learned from similar data and can be wrong in the same way, so agreement between them is not proof. Disagreement is the reliable signal.

Known facts. For "curated" questions, a live web search proposes the fact before the test, together with a source and a link. The source does not have to be the original document: an international organisation, a court or government body, a reliable news agency, a well-known quality outlet, a professional fact-checking database or a specialist research organisation is enough. We then try to open that page. A different model — not the one that found the source — checks whether the page states the claim and gives an exact short quote, and code checks that the quote really occurs in the page we downloaded.

Four outcomes. None of them hides the cross-language result:

• Source checked — the page was opened and supports the fact. Factual accuracy is rated normally.
• Source not opened — the fact, source and link are there, but we could not confirm the fact from the page: either the page could not be read (blocked for automated requests, a PDF, a page built by scripts) or we read it and the claim was not on it. Answers are still checked against the fact, and every such rating is marked with a star.
• Source conflict — the page says something incompatible with the fact. We do not decide who is right, so factual accuracy is not rated at all.
• Source missing — no usable fact and source were found. Factual accuracy is not rated.

Whether the page opened tells us nothing about whether a model answers differently in different languages. Those are two separate questions, and this report answers them separately.

Limits

• This audit covers one question and the models listed above.
• Answers may change when the same question is asked again.
• Translation and automated checks can miss details.
• Research prototype: people did not check every fact or quote by hand.
• Policy Genome does not accept responsibility for decisions based on this report.