Navigating Digital Democracy: Challenges and Future Directions
This webinar brings together EC representatives, national-level policymakers, civil society organisations, researchers, and technology experts to share insights and build networks committed to democratic resilience. Participants will gain practical knowledge about policy-driven innovation, explore diverse perspectives from across Europe, and join a growing community of practitioners working to ensure that digital transformation strengthens rather than weakens our democratic foundations in an age of rapid technological change.
Technology has opened unprecedented channels for civic participation, yet simultaneously introduced complex hurdles including algorithmic bias that reinforces inequalities, sophisticated AI-driven disinformation campaigns that undermine public discourse, and persistent digital divides that exclude vulnerable populations from meaningful engagement.
The European Commission has recognised these challenges and responded decisively through strategic initiatives including the European Democracy Shield, Digital Services Act, and European Democracy Action Plan. These frameworks aim to protect democratic integrity, strengthen citizen participation, and prepare institutions for emerging digital threats through collaborative governance approaches and evidence-based policymaking that anticipates future developments.
The webinar is organised by tree new cornerstone projects, INNOVADE, AI4Deliberation, and PERYCLES, which represent the practical implementation of these policy ambitions, developing research-based solutions that enhance democratic decision-making processes. These initiatives specifically address critical concerns around transparency in automated systems, cybersecurity vulnerabilities in democratic institutions, and the troubling decline in public trust that threatens democratic legitimacy in the digital era.