At its 28th plenary meeting, held from 3-5 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. The document provides member states with practical guidance on developing and implementing national MIL strategies, aiming to support them in effectively responding to the transformations in the media and information ecosystem brought about by the digital era.

The document highlights several key areas critical to the successful development of national MIL strategies. It emphasizes the importance of establishing robust policy and regulatory frameworks to support MIL initiatives at the national level. It also underscores the need for research, monitoring, and evaluation to inform the continuous development and refinement of these strategies. The integration of MIL across all levels of education—formal, non-formal, and lifelong learning—is identified as essential for building individuals’ media literacy skills. Furthermore, the document stresses the need to empower individuals through active engagement, ensuring that MIL initiatives reach all sectors of society, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of inclusive processes, such as multi-stakeholder mechanisms, to engage diverse audiences and promote a collaborative approach to improving MIL.

Through the adoption of this document, the Council of Europe is reinforcing its commitment to supporting member states build resilient, informed societies in the face of digital transformation. As the media and information ecosystem continues to evolve, the promotion of MIL is vital for empowering individuals to critically engage with information and navigate the complexities of the digital age.

 Read the document