What changed

MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

P10_TA(2026)0249

on aA new strategy for media literacy and digital learning

(2025/2181(INI))

Committee on Culture and Education

PE784.483

European Parliament resolution of 7 July 2026 on a new strategy for media literacy and digital learning (2025/2181(INI))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to Directive (EU) 2018/1808 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 amending Directive 2010/13/EU on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the provision of audiovisual media services (Audiovisual Media Services Directive) in view of changing market realities1,realities,

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1083 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market and amending Directive 2010/13/EU (European Media Freedom Act),

46. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

This report highlights the fundamental importance of media literacy and digital learning as core competences in modern society and as cornerstones of resilient democracies. In a rapidly evolving digital environment shaped by social media platforms, influencers, artificial intelligence, and changing patterns of content consumption, media literacy and digital learning is essential to empower citizens to critically assess information, distinguish fact from opinion, and resist disinformation, and anti-democratic propaganda.

Media literacy and digital learning are not limited to technical skills, but encompass critical thinking, self-awareness, creativity, and responsible participation in digital environments. They are particularly vital in the context of the “scrolling culture,” the growing dominance of short-form content, and the increasing reliance of young people on social media as their primary source of information.

Special attention is given to minors, adolescents, and other vulnerable groups, who face heightened risks online, including exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, foreign interference, financial scams, and AI-generated manipulation. The resolution stresses that premature exposure to digital technologies without adequate foundational literacy skills can contribute to social, emotional, and cognitive harms. It therefore calls for age-appropriate, evidence-based, and holistic approaches to digital education throughout the entire education pathway, starting from primary school and continuing through life-long learning.

Recognising significant disparities among Member States, the Rapporteur advocates for a more coordinated European approach. It calls for strengthened cooperation between European institutions, enhanced use and enforcement of existing regulatory frameworks (including the AVMSD, DSA, and European Media Freedom Act), and for actions from the side of the online actors to promote transparency, label AI-generated content, mitigate systemic risks, and actively support media literacy efforts.

Furthermore, the report emphasises the need for sustainable funding, structured monitoring, and systematic evaluation of national media literacy actions. It promotes the involvement of youth representatives, educators, civil society, researchers, as well as parents and caregivers in designing policies and educational programmes, ensuring that measures are tailored to the needs of specific demographic groups.

The report frames media literacy and digital learning as a pillar of a strong and sustainable European media ecosystem. Given the strategic importance of media literacy and digital learning, the existing framework should be enhanced by a structured approach to education actions, recognising that higher levels of literacy contribute to greater trust in reputable media, support media pluralism, and enhance the economic sustainability of the sector. By fostering critical, informed, and empowered citizens, media literacy and digital learning can tangibly strengthen civic participation, social inclusion, and the integrity of democratic processes across the Union.

ANNEX: DECLARATION OF INPUT

Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur declares that he included in his report input on matters pertaining to the subject of the file that he received, in the preparation of the draft report, from the following interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register1, or from the following representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies:

1. Interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register

UNESCO

EUniWell

European Council for Steiner Waldorf Education

5 Rights Foundation

Corporate Affairs MTV/TV4

ARCOM

EDMO

Flemish Youth Council

All Digital

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)

Coimbra Group

2. Representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies

The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur.

Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur declares that he has submitted to the natural persons concerned the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

INFORMATION ON ADOPTION BY THE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Date adopted

3.6.2026

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

18

2

5

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

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