CARDET Launches Two New Policy Papers on Europe’s Digital Democracy and Future Skills

As Europe faces growing challenges in strengthening democratic participation while preparing its workforce for the green and digital transition, CARDET has published two new policy papers offering practical recommendations to support more inclusive, resilient and future-ready societies.

Developed under the EU Presidency Project (EUPP5), the publications address two pressing policy priorities shaping Europe’s future: strengthening civic engagement in the digital age and equipping citizens with the skills needed for a rapidly changing labour market.

The first policy paper, “Civic Engagement in the Digital Era: Strengthening Democratic Participation, Digital Rights, and Trust in Europe”, examines how digital technologies are transforming democratic participation while also creating new challenges, including disinformation, digital exclusion, declining institutional trust and platform accountability. Drawing on European policy developments and the case of Cyprus, the paper provides evidence-based recommendations to strengthen digital civic participation, promote media and information literacy, enhance transparency, and foster safer and more inclusive digital public spaces.

The second publication, “A Skills-First Framework for a Just and Competitive Europe: Policy Paper on Reskilling and Upskilling for the Just Transition”, focuses on one of Europe’s most urgent priorities: ensuring that workers and communities are prepared for the green and digital transition. The paper proposes a comprehensive policy framework centred on lifelong learning, flexible skills development, stronger collaboration between education and industry, and inclusive access to reskilling opportunities, helping ensure that no one is left behind as Europe’s economy evolves.

Together, the two policy papers reflect EUPP5’s commitment to promoting evidence-based policymaking and strengthening the role of civil society in shaping Europe’s future. While addressing different policy areas, both publications emphasise the importance of inclusive governance, active citizen participation, and collaborative approaches to tackling complex societal challenges.

Implemented in Cyprus by CARDET, in partnership with Global Focus, CONCORD Europe, and Grupa Zagranica, the EUPP5 project has brought together civil society organisations, policymakers, researchers and citizens to strengthen dialogue on sustainable development, democratic participation and international partnerships.

The two policy papers are now available and contribute to ongoing discussions at both the national and European levels on building a more open, fair and sustainable Europe.

Read the policy papers:

• Civic Engagement in the Digital Era: Strengthening Democratic Participation, Digital Rights, and Trust in Europe, available here.
• A Skills-First Framework for a Just and Competitive Europe: Policy Paper on Reskilling and Upskilling for the Just Transition, available here.

For more information about the EUPP5 project, visit: https://cardet.org/eupp5/

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.

The article was published at the PolicyPress.