Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept. I – it increasingly shapes how we live, work, and participate in society. Recognising both the opportunities and the risks, the European Union has taken bold steps to set clear rules and principles for AI development and use. From the AI Act to the Digital Services Act and the Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles, the EU is establishing a global benchmark for trustworthy, human-centric AI.

At the same time, projects like ITHACA are bringing these values to life in practice – testing how AI can strengthen democracy and civic participation at the local level.

From June 9 to 11, 2025, the City of Martin hosted the first real-user testing of the ITHACA digital platform. It has been developed to support civic participation and actively involve the public in local decision-making. This key milestone marks part of the final phase of the ITHACA project (Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Civic Participation). Moreover, it provides rich, hands-on feedback from both community members and local government experts.

How can we make democratic decision-making more inclusive, informed, and efficient in the digital age? One promising answer lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and deliberative democracy. At ITHACA, we are exploring different ways how to connect them.

Europe is going through a major digital transformation. But this change is not just about using new technologies. It’s about making sure technology works for people, supports democracy, and helps build fair and inclusive societies. At ITHACA, we support this ambition by making the use of Artificial Intelligence by citizens more open, transparent, and trustworthy.

Brașov, Romania / Martin, Slovakia, 9 June 2025 – The ITHACA Project has entered a pivotal phase with the launch of pilot testing for its innovative civic participation platform. Piloted in the cities of Brașov (Romania) and Martin (Slovakia), the platform is designed to empower citizens to actively shape local governance. Mainly by sharing ideas, providing feedback, and engaging in open dialogue with municipal authorities. The ITHACA initiative is funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme.

The ITHACA Project is making a significant leap forward! On June 3–4, partners from across Europe came together in Patras, Greece, for a two-day hybrid Plenary Meeting. The goal is to align on project milestones and prepare for the much-anticipated pilot testing phase in Martin, Slovakia, and Brașov, Romania. 🇬🇷🇸🇰🇷🇴

The ITHACA project is entering an exciting and crucial phase. The citizens will have a chance to take part in the real-world pilot testing of the ITHACA innovative civic participation platform. Taking place in Martin, Slovakia (June 9–11, 2025) and Brașov, Romania (June 16–20, 2025), this milestone represents not just a technical achievement. It is a meaningful advancement in reimagining how citizens engage with local governance in a digital world.

At the first episode of the AI, Big Data & Democracy Taskforce webinar series on May 9, 2025, the ITHACA project was honoured to unveil project’s key technical developments. Especially in connection with the ITHACA platform, namely the front-end interface. Its features are designed to ensure accessibility, intuitive user experience, and meaningful civic participation.

The inspiring international conference “How to Build Innovative and Open Self-Government?” brought together experts, public leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts to explore the future of local governance through the lens of innovation, participation, and sustainable development.

Experts from the AI, Big Data, and Democracy Taskforce gathered on 1. October 2024 for the “Trustworthy AI by Design” webinar. The taskforce consists of four EU funded projects which have been cooperating to tackle the challenges of AI and big data while protecting democratic values. Did you miss the webinar? Have a look at the key insights.