This report compiles the recommendations developed by MEDIATIZED EU for policy-makers in the European Union (EU), based on the results of the seven country case studies. These policy recommendations address the key current EU strategic priorities and are based on key findings from the project’s media analysis, interviews with political and media elites, public opinion surveys, and civic discussion forums held in each of the seven target countries. Read the key policy takeaways and country-specific policy recommendations below.
Key policy takeaways
- Even with clear pro-European tendencies among all major interest groups, all research teams agree that Eurosceptic ideas can easily gain support in some segments of society. Euroscepticism tends to arise on sovereignty and identity issues or EU involvement in what are seen as national issues, aggravating the existing polarization within societies. Prioritizing ‘EU literacy’ and public awareness about EU governance and benefits should be higher on the policy agenda to promote the European way of life.
- Identitarian discourses are primarily used by Eurosceptic outlets and fueled by disinformation. As media becomes more and more digital, without the digital skills of the population increasing with the same speed, the risk of disinformation increases. Developing new ways to grow digital literacy skills to empower citizens and measures to combat disinformation/FIMI is key for ensuring a Europe that is fit for the digital age.
- The general polarization of European societies means that there is less trust in institutions and media, which also provides opportunities to exploit the fear and lack of information among people to make them overly sceptical of EU initiatives. Policy initiatives giving civil society and the public more visibility and voice on core EU issues and developing connections between elites and the general public on core EU matters should be at the heart of strategies to support European democracy.
