MEMO 98
Budget
€270,800
EP Access
0
accredited persons
Staff
3
3 FTE
EU Grants
None
Mission & Goals
MEMO 98: Organisational Goals and Remit MEMO 98 is a specialist media monitoring and analysis organization with a 25-year track record of advancing democratic processes through media transparency and electoral integrity. Founded in June 1998 with the support of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) to monitor Slovak media ahead of critical parliamentary elections, MEMO 98 quickly evolved from a single-country project into a globally respected civic organization. Our mission is captured in the motto: “Helping people to receive comprehensive information and understand what the media report.” Our primary goal is to strengthen democracy by ensuring that citizens have access to accurate, diverse, and balanced information—especially during elections, when informed decision-making is most crucial. We provide media and social media analysis, training, capacity building, and policy expertise to support free and fair electoral processes and improve the media environment both in Slovakia and
EU Legislative Interests
European Democracy Action Plan (EDAP) Digital Services Act (DSA) – Regulation on a Single Market for Digital Services Regulation on the Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) – Proposal for a Regulation establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market EU strategies and funding frameworks for support to civil society and civic space in the EU and the Neighbourhood region
Communication Activities
1. Youth Electoral Engagement Campaign (Slovakia, 2023) Nationwide campaign aligned with the European Democracy Action Plan (EDAP) to promote electoral participation among first- and second-time voters. Included a voting advice tool, TikTok/Instagram campaigns, billboards, and influencer collaborations. Results: 12M+ impressions, 219,000+ tool uses, 4% youth turnout increase. 2. Media and Online Monitoring Reports In line with the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Political Advertising Regulation, MEMO 98 regularly publishes monitoring reports on media bias, disinformation, and political ad transparency. Findings are shared with EU institutions and presented at relevant events. 3. Expert Contributions and Advocacy Events • Participation in events related to the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) and Political Advertising Regulation, including EU DisinfoLab 2023, Forum 2000 2023, and EPDE’s 2024 Brussels workshop. • Presentation of MEMO 98 findings in expert discussions with MEPs and Commission staff (e.g. EMFA consultation meetings, 2023–2024). 4. Policy Briefs and Position Papers Policy materials on disinformation, digital campaigning, and media pluralism supporting EDAP, DSA, and EMFA implementation. Shared with EU stakeholders during consultations and advocacy meetings. 5. Media Literacy and Solutions Journalism Projects Aligned with EDAP and EMFA priorities, MEMO 98 leads campaigns targeting seniors and youth (in cooperation with Transitions Online) and co-organizes storytelling workshops to promote resilience to disinformation. 6. Selected Publications • “Political Advertising Transparency in the Digital Age” – Policy Brief (2023) • “VLOP Accountability and Civic Monitoring” – Monitoring Report (2024) • Contributions to UNESCO and Council of Europe reports on elections and disinformation (2022–2024)
Interests Represented
Does not represent commercial interests
Member Of
MEMO 98 is a member of the following organizations, networks, and platforms: • European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE) – Full member, contributing expertise on media and social media monitoring during elections. • Platform for Democracy (Slovakia) – Member of this national civic initiative focused on defending democratic institutions, rule of law, and civil society. • Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM) – Participating member, sharing tools and best practices with peer organizations worldwide. • Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF) – Member of the Working Group on Democracy, Human Rights, and Good Governance. • Slovak Journalistic Award (Novinárska cena) – Long-standing partner and contributor to promoting high-quality and ethical journalism. • Slovak National Working Group on Media Literacy – Active civil society participant, supporting education and resilience to disinformation. We also collaborate with international institutions such as IFES, NDI, DRI, UNESCO, Council of Europe, and Transitions on projects related to media, elections, digital platforms, and democratic resilience. More information: https://memo98.sk/en/about-us/partners
Organisation Members
MEMO 98 is an independent, non-partisan civic association based in Slovakia. We operate as a mission-driven expert organization rather than a membership-based network. As such, we do not have individual or institutional members in the conventional sense. Our core team consists of experienced media analysts, election experts, and project managers, supported by a network of long-term collaborators and country-based associates for international activities. We do, however, work closely with a wide range of partner organizations, donors, and collaborating entities on a project basis. These include international institutions such as NDI, IFES, DRI, Council of Europe, UNESCO, OSCE/ODIHR, and a variety of civil society and media organizations. More information about our team and partnerships is available here: 🔗 https://memo98.sk/en/about-us/partners 🔗 https://memo98.sk/en/about-us/our-team
Commissioner Meetings
No recorded meetings with EU commissioners.