On 4 December 2025, the Council of Europe’s Steering Committee on Media and Information Society (CDMSI) adopted the policy document “National Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Strategies – Practical Steps and Indicators.” This newly published resource provides Council of Europe member states with concrete guidance to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of national MIL strategies, responding to the profound transformations of the media and information ecosystem in the digital era.
Drafted by Brian O’Neill, a leading expert in the field of media literacy and well known for his long-standing work with the Better Internet for Kids initiative, the document is the result of an inclusive consultation process. An expert workshop held in late September 2025 gathered feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring that the final version reflects both policy priorities and practical realities across different national contexts.
The document identifies several key areas essential to the success of national MIL strategies. It highlights the importance of establishing robust policy and regulatory frameworks to support MIL initiatives at national level, while underlining the need for research, monitoring, and evaluation to inform evidence-based policymaking and the continuous refinement of strategies. A strong emphasis is placed on integrating MIL across formal, non-formal, and lifelong learning, recognising that media literacy skills must be developed throughout the lifespan.
In addition, the policy framework stresses the importance of empowering individuals through active engagement, ensuring that MIL initiatives reach all sectors of society, with particular attention to vulnerable and underrepresented groups. The document also emphasises the value of inclusive and participatory processes, including multi-stakeholder mechanisms, to foster collaboration among policymakers, regulators, educators, civil society organisations, media professionals, and other key actors.
Through the adoption of this policy document, the Council of Europe reaffirms its commitment to supporting member states in building resilient, informed, and inclusive societies. As digital technologies continue to reshape how information is produced, distributed, and consumed, media and information literacy remains a crucial tool for empowering individuals to critically engage with information and navigate the complexities of the digital age.
🔗 Read the policy document:
https://www.coe.int/en/web/freedom-expression/-/cdmsi-adopts-policy-document-on-national-media-and-information-literacy-strategies
