The Education Ministers of the Council of Europe have designated 2025 as the " European Year of Digital Citizenship Education . " There is an urgent need for efforts and investments in digital citizenship education to address the challenges and opportunities of the digital environment. Digital citizenship education is not limited to acquiring technical skills. It also encompasses the development of critical thinking, awareness of responsible online behavior, and the protection of digital identity.
This year serves as a strategic platform for stakeholders to collaborate, set common goals, and share best practices. It also provides a space to assess progress and define a roadmap for the future of digital citizenship education. For young people in rural areas , this approach is crucial to ensuring their inclusion and active participation in an increasingly digital society.
The Council of Europe will deploy an ambitious plan to deliver this initiative, including by organising international events, implementing innovative social media campaigns and working closely with a range of stakeholders, including education ministries, educators, learners, academics, private and civil sector organisations, and youth organisations.
