At the Democracy Alive 2025 summit in Brussels, policymakers, researchers, civil society leaders, and citizens gathered to debate one key question: How can AI strengthen democracy? 

The discussions revealed both opportunities and risks. On one hand, AI can open new channels for participation, making it easier for citizens to contribute to decision-making. On the other, if used without safeguards, it could exclude voices, entrench biases, or obscure accountability. 

A consensus emerged: digital innovation must amplify citizens’ voices, not replace them. Transparency, inclusivity, and the protection of fundamental rights must guide every use of AI in democratic processes. 

The ITHACA project embodies this approach. In Martin (Slovakia) and Brașov (Romania), ITHACA is piloting an AI-powered discussion platform that helps citizens engage directly with local authorities. Its design is grounded in ethics-by-design principles: transparent algorithms, fair decision-making, and a focus on empowering underrepresented groups. 

By testing these tools in real communities, ITHACA is turning theory into practice. It shows how civic technology can bridge the gap between citizens and institutions, making governance more collaborative, responsive, and resilient. 

As Europe continues to explore the role of AI in democracy, initiatives like ITHACA provide practical lessons: technology should be a tool for inclusion, not division; for accountability, not opacity. In this way, AI can truly become a force for democratic renewal. 

Learn more:  https://democracyalive.eu