Friends of Europe’s initiative, the Renewed Social Contract, aims to offer policy alternatives via extensive stakeholder and citizen consultations into what Europeans need to lead safe, healthy and good lives in the years ahead. The think tank’s reports – 10 Policy Choices for a Renewed Social Contract for Europe and 2024 Voices – was launched on 28 February 2024.
Liberal democracies are facing a stark challenge. The complex, interconnected world of the 21st century demands a different approach to government than what we’ve inherited from the past. Climate change, artificial intelligence and other emergent issues are fundamentally altering the functioning of societies and demand new approaches to rise to the challenges of the age. Digitalisation, in particular, needs to be acknowledged and used for its potential to reshape not only Europe’s economy, but also for a more equitable, inclusive and democratic society that tackles citizens’ sense of alienation from the democratic process, polarisation and a very real crisis of trust in institutions.
A series of focus groups conducted in 2023 by Debating Europe, Friends of Europe’s citizen engagement arm, across seven markets, reveals that, while citizens are concerned about the negative impacts digitalisation can have, there is optimism for its potential to redefine democracy if used wisely.
One of the biggest concerns of citizens across all age groups is the possible increase in inequality. As Leïla, a citizen from Belgium, puts it: “The digital and technological path is something that is constantly developing, and we should not forget the groups of people who do not have access to this.” Measures related to digitalisation are fragmented throughout the European Union, which can only result in unequal outcomes in levels of prosperity and opportunity. While SMEs benefit from digital skills training in Spain and vulnerable groups have dedicated digital skills courses in France, Sweden prioritises additional ICT education and computational thinking features in Slovakian curricula. The EU has the opportunity to set an example of how collaboration can forge the way to a better future for its citizens. An approach through which digitally savvy countries cross-pollinate with countries ranking lower in digital skills could convey the strength of the EU’s unity.
While citizens are concerned about the negative impacts digitalisation can have, there is optimism for its potential to redefine democracy
The need for citizens to have adequate training to cope in our rapidly changing world is vital also for supporting civic engagement, which in turn can revitalise decision-making processes no longer sufficient to govern today’s societies. Using digital tools, the EU and its member states should create conditions and processes that motivate and empower citizens to participate in significant strategic and policy decisions, but also to increase efficiency, enhance accessibility and improve decision making, which overall can regenerate greater trust in policymaking.
While the spotlight on digital technologies should not fade in the next mandate, the EU has the choice to go a step further in harnessing the power of technologies. In the words of Piotr, a citizen of Poland: “Innovation is a competitive advantage, but also the development of a modern and democratic society. That is what we all – Europeans – need!”. An empowered and informed citizenry is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy and digitalisation, when used wisely, can be the key to unlocking its potential.