DIGI-ENLARGE explores the relationship between digital transformation and democratisation in the context of European Union enlargement. The project’s central question is how digital development can contribute to strengthening democratic resilience and support the alignment of candidate countries with European democratic standards. Rather than viewing digitalisation solely as a technological process, the project approaches it as a broader transformation that affects institutional functioning, political participation, and relations between citizens and public authorities.

Drawing on the experience of previous EU enlargements, the project examines how fundamental democratic challenges are evolving in new digital environments. Particular attention is given to trust in institutions, citizens’ participation in democratic processes, media freedom, and resilience to disinformation. A comparative analysis of past and ongoing enlargement processes will provide an empirical basis for understanding how digitalisation is reshaping democratic processes in candidate countries.

The research will be closely connected to the development and testing of new approaches to citizen participation. As part of the project, an E-Democracy Hub will be established, featuring a multilingual digital platform that will enable citizens to engage more actively in discussions on European integration, democratic values, and the future of the EU. Particular attention will be given to the inclusion of young people, women, and groups that are often underrepresented in democratic processes. The digital tools will be complemented by civic education and media literacy content designed to strengthen the capacity of individuals and communities to recognise and respond to contemporary democratic challenges.

The project brings together partners from EU Member States and candidate countries, combining academic, civil society, public-sector, and technological expertise. Through a combination of research, participatory development, and the practical testing of solutions, DIGI-ENLARGE contributes to preparing future EU enlargements for the challenges of the digital age and to shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and democratic European space.

What does DIGI-ENLARGE deliver?

• Comparative Research and Evidence Base – comparative research into democratic processes in the context of past and future EU enlargements
• E-Democracy and Citizen Engagement – development of digital approaches that strengthen citizen participation and promote the inclusion of underrepresented groups
• Civic Education, Media Literacy and Capacity Building – development of knowledge and competences for active citizenship and stronger democratic resilience
• Dissemination, Exploitation, Communication and Policy Uptake – translating project findings into practice and developing recommendations for future EU enlargement policies

Disclaimer

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency.  Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.