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.

To guide this transformation, the European Union adopted the Digital Decade 2030 Policy Programme in December 2022. The programme sets clear goals for how Europe should develop its digital future, making sure that technology supports people’s rights, freedoms, and opportunities.

The ITHACA partners share this vision. Our project helps make digital technologies — especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) — more open, transparent, and trustworthy. We focus on developing AI tools that allow citizens to take part in democratic decision-making, ensuring that digital innovation truly serves everyone.

What Is the Digital Decade 2030 Policy Programme?

The Digital Decade 2030 is Europe’s main plan for managing its digital growth. It’s not just a statement of intentions — it includes very clear targets and ways to measure progress. The plan focuses on four important areas that affect how people, businesses, and governments use digital technologies.

1. Digital Skills: Helping People Gain Digital Knowledge
2. Digital Infrastructure: Building Fast, Safe, and Green Connections
3. Digital Transformation of Businesses: Helping Companies Go Digital
4. Digitalization of Public Services: Making Government Services Easy to Access Online

The Values Behind the Digital Decade

The Digital Decade is based on Europe’s core values, which focus on:

• Putting people at the center of digital development (human-centric design)
• Protecting democracy and fundamental rights
• Building trust and ensuring security in digital systems
• Strengthening Europe’s independence in digital technologies
• Supporting green and sustainable digital growth
• Making sure everyone can benefit from digital opportunities

How ITHACA Supports the Digital Decade

Through its research and work, ITHACA supports many of the goals of the Digital Decade by:

• Helping public services become more accessible and open through digital platforms.
• Giving citizens new ways to participate in democratic decision-making online.
• Ensuring that AI systems are transparent, fair, and trustworthy.
• Supporting digital skills development that allows more people to take part in governance.
• Contributing to new approaches for how governments use technology responsibly.

By developing AI-powered tools for civic engagement, ITHACA helps ensure that Europe’s digital future is built on trust, participation, fairness, and democracy.

At ITHACA, we believe that technology should serve people — not the other way around. As Europe moves forward with its Digital Decade, we are proud to contribute to a future where digital innovation strengthens democracy and empowers every citizen.