European democracy

37.1) Guaranteeing a minimum level of education on the EU and especially its democratic processes, including the history of European integration and European citizenship.People of all ages should be able to benefit from such programmes, which should be designed in an engaging and age appropriate manner, for instance through the development of specific programmes and educational material for children and schools; and civil society organisations active in the field of non-formal education;

* This measure has been identified as needing Treaty change for full implementation.

There are currently no implementing initiatives that address this particular CoFE measure.

37.2) Making reliable information on the EU easily accessible in an inclusive manner to all citizens. EU institutions should use more accessible language and avoid using bureaucratic terms in their communication, while at the same time maintaining the quality and expertise of the given information and adapting the information to different communication channels and audience profiles.111 It should consider, for instance, creating a mobile application where information concerning EU policies is presented in a clear language. A special effort should be made to reach out to young people through digital media, youth movements and various 'ambassadors' (organisations and individuals) explaining the EU project;

37.3) Making a greater use of artificial intelligence and translation technologies to circumvent language barriers,116 ensuring the accessibility and usability of all the digital tools for people with disabilities;

37.4) Defending and supporting free, pluralistic and independent media, and encouraging media outlets, including public broadcasters and public news agencies and European media, to cover European affairs more regularly while respecting their freedom and independence, to ensure regular and comprehensive coverage across the EU Member States;118 stepping up the fight against disinformation and foreign interferences, and ensure the protection of journalists;

37.5) Defending and supporting free, pluralistic and independent media, and encouraging media outlets, including public broadcasters and public news agencies and European media, to cover European affairs more regularly while respecting their freedom and independence, to ensure regular and comprehensive coverage across the EU Member States; stepping up the fight against disinformation and foreign interferences, and ensure the protection of journalists;

37.6) Taking further steps to strengthen common identity among Europeans, for instance through an EU fund for supporting online and offline interactions (i.e. exchanges programmes, panels, meetings) of both short and longer duration between EU citizens, creating common sports events and teams, or making Europe Day (9 May) an additional122 European public holiday for all EU citizens.

* This measure has been identified as needing Treaty change for full implementation.

There are currently no implementing initiatives that address this particular CoFE measure.