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Author: Veronica Charalambous

Senior EU Proposal Development Lead

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Vacancies.

CARDET is the largest independent research and development organisation in Cyprus with a strong presence in Europe and the region. At CARDET we envision a just and sustainable world where people learn and flourish. Our mission is to design innovative education and services that inspire and empower individuals and communities to thrive.

We believe that education can be a powerful force for change. A large part of global problems and challenges results from a lack of knowledge, skills, and competencies. Our approach to education aims to have a strong social impact and help shape a better world through education, training, capacity building, awareness raising, and communication.

Equal Opportunities & Safeguarding

CARDET is an HR Award-winning, equal opportunities and disability-confident employer of choice. The organisation has been accredited with the Sound Industrial Relations 2014 Standard and is fully committed to promoting a safe, inclusive and respectful working environment, as well as safeguarding and preventing all forms of sexual abuse, exploitation and misconduct.

Senior EU Proposal Development Lead
(Hybrid / partly remote)

We are looking for an experienced and highly skilled proposal development professional to join our Programme Development team as a Senior Proposal Development Lead. This is a senior role for a strong proposal writer and strategic thinker with experience in EU funding programmes, including Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, and other European and international funding opportunities. The successful candidate will play a leading role in developing high-quality, competitive proposals, shaping strong project concepts, reviewing proposals prepared by colleagues, and supporting CARDET’s strategic positioning in national, European and international funding ecosystems.

This role offers the opportunity to take a leading part in developing high-quality EU and international funding proposals, working with experienced partners, and experts across different fields. It is ideal for an experienced proposal professional who enjoys writing strong, persuasive proposals, shaping meaningful project ideas, and contributing to initiatives with real social impact. The role is ideal for an experienced professional who enjoys writing persuasive proposals, interpreting complex funding calls, working with international partners, improving proposal quality, and contributing to initiatives with meaningful social impact.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

  • Lead the development of high-quality funding proposals for Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, CERV, AMIF, tenders and other EU or international funding programmes.
  • Develop strong project concepts, proposal narratives, methodologies, work packages, impact sections, implementation plans and sustainability strategies.
  • Interpret complex call documents, policy priorities and evaluation criteria, and translate them into clear, competitive and fundable project ideas.
  • Review, edit and strengthen proposal content developed by colleagues, providing constructive feedback to improve clarity, coherence, quality, competitiveness and evaluator-readiness.
  • Participate in meetings with international partners
  • Contribute to the identification of new funding opportunities, strategic partnerships and project ideas aligned with CARDET’s priorities.
  • Support internal quality assurance processes, including proposal checklists, templates, review processes and lessons learned from evaluation results.
  • Contribute to internal capacity building by mentoring colleagues, sharing proposal-writing knowledge and supporting continuous improvement across the Programme Development team.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

The ideal candidate will have:

  • A Master’s degree in a relevant field. A PhD will be considered an advantage.
  • At least 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in proposal development, EU funding, project design, research development, programme development or a similar role.
  • Proven experience writing and developing successful or high-quality proposals for Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, EU4Health or other EU/international funding programmes.
  • Strong understanding of EU funding instruments, call requirements, evaluation criteria and proposal development processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret complex funding calls and translate requirements, policy priorities and evaluation criteria into strong, fundable project concepts.
  • Excellent proposal writing, editing and analytical skills in English.
  • Experience reviewing, editing and improving proposal content developed by others.
  • Experience working with international partners and coordinating inputs from multiple stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage several proposals, deadlines and priorities at the same time.
  • Good digital skills and ability to use proposal platforms, collaborative tools and project management systems.
  • Advanced MS Excel skills will be considered an advantage.
  • Experience with EU project implementation, work package coordination, budgeting, impact

Key Skills and Attributes:

  • Excellent writing and editing skills in English.
  • Strategic and analytical thinking.
  • Strong understanding of what makes a proposal competitive.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder coordination skills.
  • Ability to participate confidently in partner meetings and negotiations.
  • Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
  • Sound judgement, professionalism and discretion.
  • Ability to provide constructive feedback and support colleagues.
  • Positive, proactive and solution-oriented attitude.
  • Strong ownership, reliability and ability to work under pressure.
  • Strong organisational and time-management skills.
  • Continuous learning mindset and commitment to high-quality work.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.

We Offer:

  • An Inclusive, wellbeing-oriented, and family-friendly working culture
  • 13th Salary and Provident Fund
  • Extended annual leave designed to promote rest and wellbeing
  • Fully paid maternity and paternity leave
  • Lifelong learning and professional development opportunities
  • Flexible hybrid working model
  • Shorter Fridays
  • A dynamic and mission-driven work environment where ideas, initiative and quality are valued.

How to Apply:

  • Candidates are invited to complete the online application form and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter by July 17th, through the following link.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be asked to:
  • Complete a self-declaration form confirming they have not been subject to disciplinary, administrative, or criminal sanctions.
  • Submit two professional references and a valid clear criminal record certificate issued by the Cyprus Police at the final stage of the selection process and prior to appointment.
  • Submit samples of previous work upon request.

The position will remain open until filled. All applications will be treated in strict confidence and evaluated fairly.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

CARDET complies with GDPR. For more details, visit www.cardet.org/privacy-policy.
For questions, contact 22 002100.

Empowering Youth Leaders: LAYERS Workshop Tackles Online Gender-Based Violence in Athens

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

As digital tools become central to youth engagement, civil society organizations (CSOs) face a highly complex digital landscape. To build resilient protective frameworks, LAYERS project partners gathered in Athens for an intensive two-day Capacity Building Workshop for Organizational Leaders. 

Co-funded by the European Union under the LAYERS project, the event was led by expert trainers from KMOP Education and Innovation Hub and CARDET, between 9-11th June, at KMOP Headquarters in Piraeus. The initiative equips regional leaders with the structural tools needed to transition from reactive crisis management into proactive, survivor-centered systems. 

The workshop opened with alarming field data from the Western Balkans. Research revealed that while youth digital immersion is near-universal, fewer than 30% of surveyed organizations possess written Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) policies or formal referral pathways. Furthermore, a deep-rooted cultural normalization of online harassment as “humor” routinely minimizes survivor trauma. 

Using the newly developed LAYERS Gender Lens Analysis Handbook, participants conducted comprehensive policy audits to address internal structural blind spots. Leaders also navigated emerging digital threats, exploring how generative AI replicates inequality, including algorithmic bias in recruitment tools and the alarming rise of deepfake smear campaigns weaponized against female professionals. Moving forward, participating organizations committed to localized Action Plans to ensure a lasting institutional shift toward digital equity. 

LAYERS project aims to empower youth workers and organizations across the Western Balkans to effectively combat online gender-based violence (OGBV) by enhancing their capacities, fostering cross-border exchange of best practices, and raising awareness on this critical issue.

To learn more about the project’s upcoming activities, resources, and tools, please visit the official LAYERS project website and follow us on Facebook.

AGRITECH Partners Meet in Nicosia to Advance the Future of Agri-food Education

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

CARDET recently hosted the Transnational Project Meeting of the Erasmus+ AGRITECH project in Nicosia, Cyprus, welcoming project partners from across Europe for three days of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strategic planning.

The meeting brought together consortium members to review the project’s overall progress and discuss key coordination and implementation activities. Partners exchanged updates on the development of the AGRITECH innovative learning environment, educational resources, pilot activities, and the project’s e-learning platform, while aligning on upcoming milestones and the next phases of implementation.

AGRITECH is a three year Erasmus+ initiative that aims to transform agricultural education by integrating Deep Tech technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Quantum Computing, into modern agricultural practices. Through an innovative educational ecosystem, the project addresses critical skills gaps in the agri-food sector by promoting interdisciplinary learning, co-innovation, and collaboration between education, research, industry, and public institutions.

A key innovation of the project is the introduction of the AgriTech Manager profile, an emerging professional role that combines technological expertise with entrepreneurial skills to support the development of sustainable and technology driven agricultural solutions. By equipping learners, educators, trainers, and agricultural professionals with advanced digital, green, critical thinking, and problem solving skills, AGRITECH contributes to the transition towards smarter and more sustainable agriculture across Europe.

The meeting in Nicosia provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen collaboration among the consortium, reinforce shared objectives, and coordinate the next steps towards the successful implementation of the project and its ambitious vision for the future of agricultural education.

CARDET extends its sincere thanks to all project partners for their active participation, valuable contributions, and continued commitment to the success of the AGRITECH project.

Learn more about the project: https://agritech-project.eu/ 

job position we are hiring CARDET

Marketing & Social Media Officer

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Vacancies.

CARDET is the largest independent research and development organisation in Cyprus with a strong presence in Europe and the region. At CARDET we envision a just and sustainable world where people learn and flourish. Our mission is to design innovative education and services that inspire and empower individuals and communities to thrive. We believe that education can be a powerful force for change. A large part of global problems and challenges are a result of the lack of knowledge, skill, and competencies. Our approach to education aims to have a strong social impact and help shape a better world through education, training, capacity building, awareness raising, and communication.

Equal Opportunities & Safeguarding

CARDET is an HR Award-winning, equal opportunities, and disability-confident employer of choice. The organization has been accredited with the Sound Industrial Relations 2014 Standard and is fully committed to promoting, safeguarding and preventing all forms of sexual abuse and exploitation.

Marketing & Social Media Officer
(Hybrid / partly remote)

We are seeking a creative, motivated, and detail-oriented Marketing & Social Media Officer to join our team. The successful candidate will support the organization’s marketing and communication activities, social media presence, content creation, event promotion/organization.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional to contribute to meaningful work within a purpose-driven organisation committed to learning, innovation, collaboration, and social impact. The successful candidate will gain practical experience across social media, digital marketing, content creation, communications, and event-related activities, while working in a supportive and inclusive environment that values creativity, continuous learning, initiative, and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of social media and digital marketing campaigns, including sponsored advertising.
  • Develop engaging content, for social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
  • Maintain and update website content to ensure accuracy and consistency with organisational branding.
  • Prepare marketing and communication materials, including presentations, newsletters and other promotional materials.
  • Coordinate and execute relevant internal and external communication, dissemination, and visibility activities related to EU-funded projects.
  • Coordinate and execute defined tasks for the planning and delivery of events, workshops, conferences, and other activities.
  • Contribute creative ideas and content concepts for social media, campaigns, and visibility initiatives.
  • Collect agreed social media and campaign metrics and prepare basic performance summaries using established tools and templates. 
  • Provide general support to the Marketing and Communications team.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Media, Journalism, Business, or a related field.
  • 1 to 2 years of relevant experience in digital marketing, communications, social media management, or content creation.
  • Experience with social media platforms and content creation tools such as Canva, CapCut, Adobe Creative Suite, DaVinci Resolve or similar.
  • Basic knowledge of Meta Ads Manager and Google Ads.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Greek.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Creativity, attention to detail, and a proactive attitude.

Key Skills and Attributes:

  • Strong written communication skills in Greek and English
  • Creative mindset and storytelling ability
  • Attention to detail and quality
  • Positive and solution-oriented attitude
  • Collaborative mindset and responsiveness to team needs
  • Growth-oriented approach with continuous learning mindset

We Offer:

  • Inclusive, wellbeing-oriented, and family-friendly culture
  • 13th Salary and Provident Fund
  • Extended annual leave designed to promote rest and wellbeing
  • Fully paid maternity/paternity leave
  • Lifelong learning and professional development opportunities
  • Flexible hybrid work and shorter Fridays

How to Apply:

  • Candidates are invited to complete the online application form and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter by 10th July 2026, through the following link.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be asked to:
    • Complete a self-declaration form confirming they have not been subject to disciplinary, administrative, or criminal sanctions.
    • Submit two professional references and a valid clear criminal record certificate issued by the Cyprus Police at the final stage of the selection process and prior to appointment.
    • Submit samples of previous work upon request

The position will remain open until filled. All applications will be treated in strict confidence and evaluated fairly.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

CARDET complies with GDPR. For more details, visit www.cardet.org/privacy-policy.
For questions, contact 22 002100.

DIGNITY – Enhancing Domiciliary Palliative Care through European Vocational Education and Training Excellence

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Health & Wellbeing, Projects & Initiatives.

The DIGNITY project responds to the urgent need for high-quality domiciliary palliative care in Europe by developing a standardized, transnational Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification. The primary aim is to develop, test, and implement a standardized, cross-border Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification titled “Palliative Care and DIGNITY at the End of Life at Home”.

The DIGNITY project addresses the growing demand for high quality home based palliative care across Europe by tackling key challenges, including workforce shortages, fragmented training pathways, skills mismatches, and the lack of a harmonised competency based approach. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of healthcare professionals through the development of a Joint Transnational VET Qualification in Domiciliary Palliative Care, aligned with European standards and supported by mobility opportunities, innovative training models, and closer collaboration between healthcare providers and educational institutions. By promoting the exchange of best practices and improving the recognition of qualifications across countries, DIGNITY contributes to building a more skilled, resilient, and future ready palliative care workforce.

To achieve these objectives, the project will develop a comprehensive curriculum, learning materials, occupational profiles, and a roadmap for qualification accreditation, supported by research, stakeholder consultations, co design and validation activities in four participating countries. The qualification will be piloted through eight training modules involving 160 learners, complemented by international mobility activities for 60 participants and Train the Trainer initiatives. Through strong engagement with educators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, patient organisations, and European sector networks, DIGNITY seeks to improve the quality and consistency of domiciliary palliative care, raise awareness of its importance, and support the long term integration of the new qualification into national education and healthcare systems.

Skills2Employment – Training and Job Placement for Long-Term Unemployed Women

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Education, Projects & Initiatives, Youth, Rights & Inclusion.

The primary objective of the project is to facilitate the transition of long-term unemployed women into the job market in Spain, Italy, and Cyprus. The project seeks to bridge the gap between their existing skills and labor market demands by adapting, transferring, and scaling up successful employment methodologies, ultimately improving their economic independence and social inclusion.

Specific objectives include:

  • Researching and mapping the long-term unemployment of women in the partner countries.
  • Providing an individualised, accessible, and inclusive approach through tailored training and guidance.
  • Fostering cooperation with local employment stakeholders and building partnerships between employers and communities to create job opportunities.
  • Conducting social experimentation and impact measurement to assess the effectiveness of direct job placements and ongoing support.

Migration as a Fundamental Human Right

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

In light of the recent racist and Islamophobic demonstrations in the United Kingdom, as well as the solidarity counter-protests organized by anti-racist initiatives such as Stand Up To Racism under slogans such as “Refugees Welcome,” it has become evident that the war against migration is intensifying. The rise of far-right political forces in many countries is fueling a public discourse that portrays migration as a threat and migrants as a problem to be managed.

Within this climate, a dangerous distinction is being constructed between “good” and “bad” migration. The “good” migrant is often portrayed as white, European, and culturally familiar. In contrast, the “bad” migrant is associated with people from Africa, the Middle East, or other regions of the Global South. As a result, acceptance of migration is no longer based on recognition of shared human dignity, but rather on criteria such as race, origin, and economic utility.

The Western world has assumed the role of determining what constitutes “proper” or “legal” migration, imposing strict conditions on who is entitled to move and under what circumstances. In her book “The Ungrateful Refugee”, Dina Nayeri describes how refugees are constantly required to prove that they deserve protection, that the reasons for their displacement are sufficiently compelling, and that they are grateful to the countries that receive them. Rather than being treated as individuals with fundamental rights, they are often reduced to petitioners seeking recognition of their very existence.

The reasons that compel a person to leave their home, family, and homeland require little explanation. Whether driven by war, political persecution, extreme poverty, environmental disasters, or a lack of prospects, migration is almost always a difficult and painful decision. Yet a person’s need to seek safety, dignity, and better living conditions should not require constant justification, particularly before states and international structures that have often contributed, historically or economically, to creating the very conditions from which these individuals are trying to escape.

In his work “Illegal Immigration as Resistance to Global Poverty”, Gwilym David Blunt argues that irregular migration can be understood as a form of resistance to a global system that produces and perpetuates inequality and poverty. According to this perspective, migration is not merely an act of survival but also a claim to self-determination. Blunt further emphasizes that wealthy states have a responsibility not to support or benefit from international institutions that contribute to systematic human rights violations.

The distinction between “legal” and “irregular” migrants is often conflated with a moral distinction between “good” and “bad” people. However, the fact that someone was unable to follow official migration procedures does not mean that their reasons for migrating are any less legitimate. In most cases, those who move without the necessary documentation would choose a safe and legal route if one were genuinely available. Marginalizing people because they lacked the means or opportunities to migrate legally is a deeply hypocritical stance in a world where millions of people have been, are, or will become migrants at some point in their lives.

Migration has been a defining feature of human history throughout the ages. Societies, cities, cultures, civilizations, and everyday lives have been shaped through population movements, exchanges of ideas, and interactions between diverse communities. Multiculturalism does not weaken societies. It enriches them. Fears about the “erosion” of culture or threats to national identity are often rooted more in political narratives than in empirical reality. Even when social challenges emerge, the protection of an abstract notion of national purity cannot outweigh the fundamental rights of people seeking safety, freedom, and a dignified life.

Recognizing migration as a fundamental human freedom does not imply the abolition of borders or the absence of migration management policies. It does, however, require that every discussion about migration begin with a basic principle: no human being is illegal, and human dignity does not depend on the passport one holds or the country in which one was born.

The project “Towards an open, fair and sustainable Europe in the world – EU Presidency Project 2024-2026” is co-funded by the European Union and implemented by Global Focus, Grupa Zagranica, CARDET, and CONCORD, the European Confederation of NGOs working on sustainable development and international cooperation. Project Number: 2024 / 459-484. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of CARDET and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Foteini Sokratous,
Project Manager, CARDET

The article was published at the PolicyPress.

TINKER Supports Excellence in Inclusive Informatics Education through the Scientix Authentic and Inclusive Informatics Award

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The TINKER project proudly supported the Scientix Authentic and Inclusive Informatics Award, presented as part of the 2026 STEM Discovery Campaign, recognising educators who promote authentic, inclusive and engaging approaches to informatics education.

The annual Scientix STEM Discovery Campaign, co-organised this year with the support of the NBS Academy project, ran from 1 February to 30 April 2026. The initiative brought together educators, schools, universities, libraries, organisations and youth clubs from more than 50 countries, resulting in over 9,000 STEM education activities that reached more than 200,000 teachers and 800,000 students.

As part of the Scientix Awards initiative, TINKER supported the Authentic and Inclusive Informatics Award, inviting educators to showcase learning scenarios and classroom practices inspired by authentic learning, gender-inclusive teaching, the TINKER Toolkit and the TINKER MOOC. More than 140 submissions were received, with 83 entries shortlisted for the award.

The 2026 award winners are:

  • Stavroula Lada (Greece) for Crafting a Smart Garden Watering Helper, an innovative learning scenario demonstrating authentic informatics learning through real-world problem solving.
  • Eda Aygün (Türkiye) for Digital Balance: Algorithms and Statistics, a learning scenario combining computational thinking with statistical concepts in an inclusive learning environment.

Both winners have been invited to participate in the upcoming Science Projects Workshop at the European Schoolnet office in Brussels, where they will exchange ideas, collaborate with fellow educators, and explore innovative STEM teaching practices through networking and peer learning activities.

Alongside its contribution to the Scientix Awards initiative, TINKER has also strengthened teachers’ capacity through its international online course, Teach Informatics Using Authentic Learning and Gender Inclusion. Running until 29 April 2026, the MOOC brought together more than 1,200 participants from 67 countries across Europe and beyond to explore gender-inclusive and authentic approaches to teaching informatics.

Designed for pre-service and in-service informatics and STEM teachers, non-formal educators and educational technology professionals, the four-module course combined practical activities, interactive learning materials and two live online events. Participants explored the TINKER framework and toolkit, discovered practical gender-inclusive teaching strategies, and designed and assessed authentic informatics learning scenarios for classroom implementation.

The course outcomes highlighted the value of the learning experience. Participants reported greater confidence in applying gender-inclusive and authentic learning approaches in informatics education, as well as a stronger ability to reflect on and further develop their own teaching practice. Many also expressed their intention to integrate the course’s ideas, strategies and examples into their everyday teaching to create more inclusive and engaging learning experiences. As one participant noted:

“What I enjoyed most about this course was its strong connection between informatics, authentic learning and inclusion. I especially appreciated how the course encouraged us to think about coding and digital skills as tools for solving meaningful real-world problems”.

Although the live edition of the MOOC has concluded, the course remains accessible through the European Schoolnet Academy platform. 

Check out the course content: Teach informatics using authentic learning and gender inclusion | European Schoolnet Academy, and get inspired to create more inclusive and authentic learning experiences!ntic learning and gender-inclusive pedagogies, helping address persistent gender imbalances in computer science education.

For more information visit the project’s website.

Shaping the Future of Digital Safety: LAYERS Transnational Partners Meeting Highlights Next Major Milestones

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On the 11th of June 2026, following the successful leadership training event in Athens, partners of the LAYERS project convened for a vital Transnational Partners Meeting to harmonize their strategies, share country-specific achievements, and map out the next critical phases of their collaborative mission.

Hosted by KMOP at Piraeus Headquarters, the meeting brought together dedicated representatives from Greece, Cyprus, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Montenegro, and provided a dynamic platform to share local updates and ensure that project tools are tailored seamlessly to regional realities.

The Big Highlight: Unveiling the Next-Gen Training Modules

The definitive focal point of the meeting was the strategic finalization of the upcoming capacity-building training modules designed specifically for youth workers. Building directly on the foundational concepts established in the project’s Gender Lens Analysis Handbook, these incoming modules are designed to turn theory into immediate frontline action:

  • Securing Digital Safe Spaces: Practical methodologies to secure online youth engagement environments, establish effective comment moderation guidelines, and foster inclusive digital participation.
  • Survivor-Centered Care & Confidentiality: Training youth workers to utilize non-judgmental language, clarify confidentiality boundaries, and safely handle sensitive digital abuse disclosures without causing re-traumatization.
  • Countering Emerging Tech Threats: Specialized curriculum addressing algorithmic discrimination, generative AI bias, and the weaponization of deepfakes or online smear campaigns.

Moving Forward: The Implementation Roadmap

Partners concluded the meeting by establishing a clear timeline for the localized rollouts of these modules and the upcoming online support and mentoring programs. By embedding these comprehensive frameworks into local organizational structures, the coalition is moving beyond temporary fixes to create a sustainable, self-monitoring ecosystem of digital safety.

LAYERS project aims to empower youth workers and organizations across the Western Balkans to effectively combat online gender-based violence (OGBV) by enhancing their capacities, fostering cross-border exchange of best practices, and raising awareness on this critical issue.

Get Involved and Stay Connected!

Discover our upcoming training opportunities, multimedia toolkits, and educational resources by visiting us online: https://layers-project.eu/

How Europeans Consume Political Information in the Digital Age

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

Europe’s public sphere is undergoing a profound transformation. The way citizens consume political and social information is no longer defined primarily by newspapers or evening television bulletins, but increasingly by algorithms, scrolling habits, and the dynamics of digital platforms. The findings of the 2025 Flash Eurobarometer on social media usage reveal more than changing media preferences; they expose a fundamental shift in how democracy itself is experienced across Europe.

Traditional media still matters. Television, in particular, continues to hold a central place in the information habits of Europeans, with 71% of respondents identifying it as a key source of political and social news. Yet digital platforms are rapidly reshaping the landscape, especially among younger generations. Among Europeans aged 15 to 24, 65% now cite social media as their primary source of political and social information, overtaking television entirely.

This is not simply a technological evolution, but a democratic one. Younger citizens are forming opinions, engaging with public affairs, and interpreting world events through platforms designed for speed, personalization, and emotional engagement. Politics increasingly appears in the same digital space as entertainment, influencer culture, and lifestyle content, fundamentally altering how public discourse is consumed.

The shift carries undeniable opportunities. Social media has democratized access to information and broadened participation in debate. Citizens can now interact directly with politicians, journalists, activists, and independent creators without relying solely on traditional media gatekeepers. Voices that once struggled for visibility can now reach millions.

At the same time, however, the risks are impossible to ignore. The survey found that 66% of Europeans believe they encountered fake or misleading information online within just one week prior to the study. Even more concerning is that much of the political content users consume online is encountered passively while browsing for unrelated material. This means that algorithms increasingly shape exposure to political narratives, often prioritizing emotional impact and engagement over accuracy or context.
Perhaps the most striking development is the growing influence of content creators and influencers in shaping public opinion. More than a third of Europeans now follow influencers on social media, while among young people aged 15 to 24 the figure rises dramatically to 74%. In many cases, these creators are no longer confined to lifestyle or entertainment commentary; they are increasingly discussing political and social issues, becoming influential actors within the public sphere despite operating outside traditional journalistic standards or institutional accountability.

This reflects a broader crisis of trust in conventional authority structures. For younger audiences, influencers often appear more authentic, relatable, and accessible than political institutions or mainstream media organisations. The challenge is that visibility and virality are not substitutes for expertise or factual accuracy.

The question facing Europe, therefore, is not whether digital platforms should play a role in democratic life; they already do. The real challenge is whether democratic values can survive within an information ecosystem driven primarily by attention economics. Media literacy is no longer optional. The ability to critically assess sources, identify manipulation, and distinguish fact from opinion has become essential to democratic participation.

Europe cannot afford to approach this transformation with either panic or complacency. Social media is neither the saviour nor the destroyer of democracy. It is a powerful tool that amplifies both informed engagement and disinformation, civic participation and polarization. The responsibility now lies with policymakers, educators, media institutions, and platforms themselves to ensure that the digital public sphere strengthens rather than weakens democratic resilience.

The future of European democracy may increasingly be decided not only in parliaments and polling stations, but in algorithms, recommendation feeds, and the endless scroll of online content competing for citizens’ attention every single day.

The project “Towards an open, fair and sustainable Europe in the world – EU Presidency Project 2024-2026” is co-funded by the European Union and implemented by Global Focus, Grupa Zagranica, CARDET, and CONCORD, the European Confederation of NGOs working on sustainable development and international cooperation. Project Number: 2024 / 459-484. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of CARDET and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

References

European Parliament, Directorate-General for Communication (2025). Flash Eurobarometer 3592: Social Media Survey 2025. Conducted by Ipsos European Public Affairs. Dataset: GESIS, Cologne. https://doi.org/10.4232/1.14703. Available at: https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/3592

Αcknowledgement of contribution: Veronica Charalambous, Senior Communications Officer, CARDET

Dr Marinos Papaioakeim,
Head of Program Implementation, CARDET

The article was published at the PolicyPress.