Strengthening EU Values through Digital Participation
Summary of TCA outcomes
Strengthening EU Values through Digital Participation
Summary of TCA outcomes
The Training and Cooperation Activity (TCA) seminar titled “Strengthening EU Values through Digital Participation” focused on exploring how digital tools and practices can reinforce European Union values, foster democratic engagement, and promote inclusive participation across education sectors and civil society. The event took place in Riga from 28–30 October 2025, bringing together around 120 participants from 23 countries, representing general, vocational, adult, and higher education institutions, NGOs, community organizations, and policy-making bodies. Educators, youth workers, policymakers, and civil society representatives ranged from experienced Erasmus+ beneficiaries to newcomers interested in developing projects that strengthen democratic values through digital means explored innovative approaches for fostering democratic participation and European identity. The activity was linked to the PEACE Long-Term Activity (LTA) coordinated by Italy, contributing to Erasmus+ priorities on Participation in Democratic Life and Citizenship Education.
Types of outcomes
Explain your choice(s)
In alignment with the European Year of Digital Citizenship Education 2025, the seminar addressed the growing need to strengthen citizens’ understanding of EU values and democratic principles through digital tools and lifelong engagement.
The event aimed to address key challenges in digital civic engagement, including ensuring accessibility, combating misinformation, and promoting critical thinking and media literacy. Through expert-led sessions, practical workshops, and networking activities, participants gained insights into innovative approaches for integrating EU values into digital participation strategies, while building strong international partnerships for future Erasmus+ projects.
The seminar opened with an informal networking evening to encourage participants to connect and share experiences. The first evening focused on connection and mindset: a guided networking activity led by communication and mindfulness trainer Viesturs Dūle (Zuarguss) encouraged participants to practice attentive communication, build trust, and cultivate openness skills essential for effective civic engagement.
The second day at the National Library of Latvia explored active participation within the European context. After the Erasmus+ National Agency of Latvia’s welcome, the first presentation outlined how Erasmus+ empowers learners to participate meaningfully in democratic life. An address by the European Commission’s Yiannis Vacondios positioned youth engagement within EU priorities, while Professor Paul Blokker examined the values underpinning civic participation, helping participants link democratic principles to everyday practice. Later, researcher Cristina Bacalso discussed what participation looks like in the 21st century - its opportunities and complexities - followed by Ahmet Murat KILIÇ’s session on digital citizenship education, which highlighted institutional approaches to building digital competences and responsibility online.
In the afternoon, participants rotated through parallel workshops to deepen practical skills. Sessions on media literacy and digital participation (Klinta Ločmele), challenges and solutions in digital engagement (Ireta Čekse), technological influences on participation (Līva Kalnača), and digital well‑being (Ilze Jēče) blended theory with hands‑on activities, enabling attendees to analyze information critically, design responsive participation strategies, and reflect on mental health in digital environments. A subsequent plenary by Dr. Eszter Hartay showcased digital tools that strengthen civic involvement, and a networking activity reinforced how shared EU values can guide inclusive participation. The day concluded with guided cultural experiences and a gala dinner at the House of the Black Heads, further enriching peer connections.
The final day was filled with a practical, solutions‑oriented program. A morning participation activity energized the group before a series of spotlights on real‑world initiatives: representatives from manabalss.lv demonstrated how public petitions mobilize citizens; Andris Gobiņš introduced Signal Elections as an example of digital democracy infrastructure; international projects PEACE+ and the SciLMi Teacher Academy illustrated cross‑border collaboration in education; and the Baltic Human Rights Society presented a concise Human Rights Guide in the EU, connecting legal rights to everyday civic action. In the closing session, Līga Bērziņa facilitated reflection and forward planning, guiding participants to evaluate learning outcomes, identify next steps, and transform insights into concrete plans. The event ended with optional lunch and departures, leaving attendees equipped with stronger networks, a clearer understanding of European values and frameworks, and a practical toolkit for media literacy, digital citizenship, and sustainable civic participation.
Overall, the seminar successfully provided a collaborative platform for participants to learn, exchange, and innovate, contributing to the strengthening of European values through meaningful digital engagement.