EDMO Launches Call for Submissions to Shape the Future of Media Literacy Across Europe
The European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) has officially announced a new call for submissions designed to support the ongoing development of its comprehensive Guidelines for Effective Media Literacy Initiatives. In a move that underscores the growing importance of public engagement in the fight against disinformation, EDMO is extending an open invitation to a wide array of stakeholders, including established organisations, grassroots networks, educators, researchers, practitioners, and public institutions from across Europe. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for those at the forefront of media literacy to contribute directly to a pan-European framework that will guide best practices in the field for years to come. The call is structured to be as inclusive as possible, ensuring that the resulting guidelines reflect the diverse realities of media literacy work being carried out in different communities. By casting a wide net, EDMO aims to capture the full breadth and depth of innovation that exists within the sector, recognizing that effective solutions often emerge from localised and specific contexts.
The strategic importance of this call cannot be overstated, as it seeks to build a community of practice around the EDMO Principles, a set of twelve core values and strategies designed to enhance the effectiveness of media literacy interventions and educational efforts. Participants are being given several distinct pathways to engage with the guidelines, offering flexibility and multiple avenues for contribution. Firstly, individuals and organisations can submit a concrete “good practice” or a resource, such as a toolkit, training programme, or campaign, that explicitly demonstrates the application of one or more of the twelve guiding principles. This direct feedback mechanism is intended to ground the theoretical framework of the guidelines in practical, real-world application. By documenting what works in the field, from large national campaigns to niche local workshops, contributors can create a substantive evidence base for best practice across the European Union and beyond.
In addition to submitting materials, stakeholders have the option to formally endorse the Guidelines on behalf of their respective organisations, signalling a collective commitment to raising the standard of media literacy education. This endorsement mechanism is a crucial part of the strategy, as it helps to foster a sense of shared ownership and accountability within the sector, turning individual efforts into a unified movement. Furthermore, EDMO is actively seeking constructive criticism and long-term vision by inviting suggestions for improvements to be used in future revisions, ensuring that the document remains a living, evolving resource rather than a static list of rules. This commitment to evolution ensures that the guidelines remain relevant in the face of rapidly changing digital landscapes, where new platforms and threats emerge constantly. This dual approach to both endorsement and revision ensures that the guidelines are not just top-down directives but are co-created with the people who will ultimately use them on the ground.
The scope of acceptable contributions is notably broad, reflecting EDMO’s recognition that media literacy is a multi-faceted discipline. Submissions can range from comprehensive educational initiatives and international awareness campaigns to more granular assets like specific toolkits, academic frameworks, training programmes, and grassroots community projects. The organisers have been particularly keen to stress that submissions do not need to be large-scale or boast a global reach to be considered, explicitly welcoming initiatives that operate at a local level, which are often the most effective at building trust. This deliberate inclusivity lowers the barrier to entry, encouraging community groups and smaller NGOs to share their unique insights and experiences without being intimidated by the scale of the larger institutional players. It acknowledges that meaningful change often starts with a single classroom, library, or community centre, and that these localised successes can serve as powerful models for others across the continent.
For those chosen, the benefits of participation extend far beyond simple recognition, offering a significant opportunity for visibility and professional validation. Selected examples of good practice will be featured prominently within the Guidelines, serving as a benchmark for the rest of Europe, and may also be included as references or used to inform the development of future editions. This provides participating organisations with exceptional visibility and credibility before a highly targeted European audience of media literacy experts, policymakers, and practitioners—an unparalleled opportunity to raise their profile and demonstrate their impact. Furthermore, to add a dynamic and personal touch to the review process, some selected contributors may be invited to take part in a short online showcase session. These sessions will serve to highlight the work, allow for direct Q&A, and facilitate networking among the participants, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among the leading lights of European media literacy.
Time is of the essence for those wishing to contribute, as the call is scheduled to officially close on Friday, 30 October, at which point the submission portal will be shut down. The review process has been designed to be straightforward and accessible; submissions will be reviewed primarily based on the information provided in the online submission form, meaning there is no need to prepare lengthy additional documentation for the initial application. The 12 EDMO Principles—which have been developed to offer a comprehensive framework—cover a wide range of topics, including the need to protect democratic values, promote gender equality, build resilience against disinformation, and foster critical thinking in the digital age. Ultimately, this call represents a powerful opportunity for the media literacy community to speak with a unified voice. Organisations and individuals wishing to contribute to this crucial initiative are encouraged to submit their work or endorsement via the official online form, ensuring their perspective is included in what promises to be a landmark document for the European information landscape.