Media literacy strengthens Europe's democratic resilience
Renew Europe welcomes today's adoption of a report calling for a new EU strategy on media literacy and digital learning, in response to profound changes in the way people access, create and share information online.
The proposed strategy aims to support coordinated action across the EU to strengthen media literacy for all ages, including the ability to think critically, assess and verify information, recognise manipulation, and navigate the digital information environment responsibly. In doing so, it would strengthen resilience to disinformation and foreign information manipulation.
"Healthy democracies are no longer defended only through institutions and elections. In the digital age, they are also defended by citizens who can distinguish facts from manipulation, question what they see online and make informed choices. As algorithms, artificial intelligence and online platforms increasingly shape how information is created, shared and consumed, media literacy is essential to Europe's democratic resilience. It equips people not only to recognise disinformation, but also to understand how digital environments influence the information they consume."
Eugen TomacMember of the European Parliament
The final report reflects several key Renew Europe priorities, including strengthening critical thinking as a core pillar of media literacy, improving AI and algorithmic literacy, enhancing platform accountability, promoting media literacy as a lifelong skill, and reinforcing the protection of minors against manipulative and addictive online environments. It also highlights the importance of media pluralism and independent journalism in supporting informed democratic debate.
"Empowering citizens starts with giving them the tools to navigate today's information environment. Investing in media literacy is an investment in Europe's democratic resilience. It helps build societies that are better equipped to resist manipulation, counter disinformation, participate in democratic debate, and meet the challenges of the digital age."
Eugen TomacMember of the European Parliament
