As part of the ITHACA project, we are excited to announce the start of Phase-2 testing, which takes place between 20th October and 5th November 2025 in two pilot cities: Brașov (Romania) and Martin (Slovakia). This phase is crucial for the ongoing development and refinement of our online public participation platform, which aims to empower citizens to engage more effectively in local governance.
Importance of the Testing Phase
With the project approaching its final phase as it comes to a close in December 2025, this testing is more important than ever. It marks a critical moment in fine-tuning the platform for its final release. The Phase-2 testing will gather valuable feedback from real-life usage, ensuring that the platform is intuitive, accessible, and trustworthy.
What Participants Will Experience
Participants will engage with various features and functions of the platform, helping to test and improve essential tools for civic participation. They will experience firsthand how the platform supports online discussions, AI-powered assistance, and content moderation. The platform’s AI tools will also be evaluated for transparency and fairness, while its accessibility features will be tested to ensure it serves all users, including those with disabilities.
How Feedback Will Drive Improvements
Through the feedback gathered, the development and technical teams will be able to address any final improvements, ensuring the platform meets the accessibility, usability and inclusiveness standards.
Thank you and best wishes,
Why This Testing Matters
As the ITHACA project moves into its final phase, the insights from Phase-2 testing are crucial for ensuring that the platform is not only effective but also aligned with the ethical guidelines set by the EU’s AI Act and GDPR. This feedback will help finalize a platform that promotes digital democracy, encouraging inclusive decision-making and fair governance.
Looking Ahead
We look forward to the final months of the project and to seeing how the collaborative effort will shape the future of inclusive digital participation.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Europe Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
