European Parliament resolution on a new strategy for media literacy and digital learning

IRIS 2026-7:1/8

Amélie Lacourt

European Audiovisual Observatory

The complexity of the modern media ecosystem, coupled with changes in the way people access, create and share information and disinformation online, as well as AI-generated content and algorithmic curated content, has prompted the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) to explore a new approach to media literacy and digital learning. This initiative was led by Marcos Ros Sempere, a Spanish Member of the European Parliament. Following the publication of the first draft in March 2026, the parliament adopted Resolution 2025/2181(INI) on a new strategy for media literacy and digital learning in a single reading on 7 July 2026.

The proposed strategy aims to establish media literacy and digital learning as foundational basic skills that are part of a lifelong learning strategy, thereby reinforcing civic participation, social inclusion and democratic resilience. The importance of these skills is particularly emphasised in the context of the current geopolitical situation. Not only do critical thinking skills contribute to making informed and autonomous decisions in democratic processes, they also enhance civic responsibility to counter disinformation, polarisation and foreign information manipulation and interference, particularly in electoral contexts.

The parliament also calls on the Commission and member states to incorporate the development of digital empathy, responsible online behaviour and an understanding of the impact of the digital environment on mental health and well-being into media literacy and digital learning programmes.

Additionally, the resolution emphasises the importance of platform accountability and AI literacy and requests stronger protection for minors on video-sharing platforms, more transparency around influencers, and clearer labelling of AI-generated (or manipulated) content. It notably calls on the Commission to assess and, where appropriate, propose a clear common EU approach to age-appropriate access to online platforms, particularly social media platforms.

These measures and skills are to be reinforced for all age groups. The parliament notably highlights the risks of introducing digital tools or technologies to minors prematurely, even before basic media literacy skills and critical thinking have been developed with analogue tools. Likewise, all groups of citizens should be covered, including particularly vulnerable users experiencing disadvantages due to geographical, social, cultural and economic factors. The aim of this approach is to enable everyone to fully benefit from the digital environment, boost their creative skills, benefit from exposure to a variety of sources and avoid risks related to the use and design of online platforms. In so doing, the resolution emphasises not only the importance of introducing media literacy and digital learning into school curricula during the entire process of formal education, but also the importance of spreading the learning beyond formal education and in the workplace, involving governments, educational institutions, civil society, media organisations, technology platforms and families.

As part of this resolution, parliament calls on the Commission to evaluate the relevant provisions of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) and ensure its enforcement. It also requests that the Commission propose targeted amendments to increase the protection of video-sharing platform users, particularly minors. Furthermore, parliament urges the expansion of media content rules to influencers and content creators.