The Closing Conference “The Way Forward” gathered hundreds of educators, policymakers, youth representatives, researchers and civil society actors in Ljubljana on 18–19 November 2025. This milestone event marked the conclusion of the European Year of Digital Citizenship Education (DCE) and set the tone for Europe’s digital-democratic vision for the years ahead.
Below you will find an illustrated overview of the event, organised into four thematic sections using alternating text–image alignment for easier reading flow.
Digital Citizenship Education Year 2025 — Context & Purpose
The Closing Conference celebrated the official conclusion of the European Year of Digital Citizenship Education 2025. Held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the gathering brought together leading voices from education, policy, research, youth work, civil society and technology. Over two days, participants reflected on the achievements of the DCE Year and shaped the next milestones for Europe’s digital future.
Organised by DIGI.DR in partnership with the Ministry of Education of Slovenia and the Council of Europe, the event contributed to the New Democratic Pact for Europe, focusing on democracy learning, media literacy and critical thinking. Digital citizenship education remains essential to helping learners connect, engage and thrive—while empowering citizens of all ages to take part in shaping a fair and inclusive digital society.
The Way Forward — Highlight Moments & Key Messages
The conference featured high-level speeches, panel discussions and workshops shaping future approaches to digital citizenship education. President Nataša Pirc Musar stressed that DCE is “a prerequisite for a free and responsible future”, while Minister Vinko Logaj emphasised Slovenia’s long-standing leadership in integrating digital skills into education.
Sessions covered media and information literacy, wellbeing online, digital rights, platform governance, ethical technology, youth empowerment, classroom support and the future of democratic participation. Participants also shared success stories, innovative solutions and ideas for cross-sector collaboration.
GEYC & PRISMA EU Network — Presenting the #EDCEWeek25 Impact
GEYC and PRISMA EU Network were invited to present the final report of the #EDCEWeek25 campaign. Their intervention highlighted key outcomes, opportunities and challenges related to promoting Digital Citizenship Education among young people and youth workers.
The campaign showcased the enthusiasm and creativity of youth communities across Europe, while also addressing gaps in support, resources, policy awareness and training opportunities. The presentation invited stakeholders to accelerate the integration of DCE in youth work and nonformal learning settings.
The DCE Road Map 2027–2031 — Europe’s Plan for the Future
One of the central moments of the conference was the presentation of the draft Road Map for Strengthening Digital Citizenship Education (2027–2031). This five-year plan aims to mainstream DCE across education systems, empower teachers, strengthen media literacy, promote safe and ethical digital use, and support democratic renewal.
The Road Map encourages all stakeholders—policy-makers, educators, parents, youth organisations, civil society, academia, the private sector and the public—to take part in building an inclusive and human-centred digital society. Inputs gathered in Ljubljana will contribute to the final version to be adopted by the Committee of Ministers in 2026.
