Democracy, Citizenship, and Emerging Challenges: European Values at risk?

The sessions will be conducted asynchronously. Participants must complete small tasks to demonstrate that they have accessed the pre-recorded sessions and as a preliminary step to unlocking each session.

Feb 16th–20th | OL Session 1
During the week of February 16th to 20th, students will participate in Introduction + Workshop on Disinformation and Fake News. This session sets the foundation for understanding how misinformation spreads in digital environments, exploring its mechanisms, societal impact, and strategies for detection. It emphasizes media literacy and critical thinking as essential tools for democratic resilience. Lecturer: Anke Vellenga (NHLS), Irene Portela (IPCA).

Feb 16th–20th | OL Session 2
Also in the same week, Ethical Considerations and Societal Impact of AI will address the ethical dilemmas posed by artificial intelligence. Students will examine issues such as algorithmic bias, privacy, and surveillance, reflecting on how AI technologies influence governance and social equity. Lecturer: Gene Vangampelaere (HOWEST).

Feb 23rd–27th | OL Session 3
From February 23rd to 27th, the session Emerging Challenges in Democracy: Polarization, Populism, and the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Public Discourse and Governance will analyze how AI-driven tools affect political communication and democratic processes. The discussion will focus on polarization and populism, highlighting risks and opportunities for safeguarding democratic values. Lecturer: Sergio Pérez Castaños (UBU).

Mar 2nd–6th | OL Session 4
The week of March 2nd to 6th features Active Citizenship and Political Participation in the European Union + Explanation of the F2F case presentation. Students will explore formal and informal mechanisms of participation within the EU, including digital activism, and prepare for the collaborative case study presentations during the face-to-face week. Lecturer: Irene Portela (IPCA).

Mar 9th–13th | OL Session 5
On March 9th to 13th, the session Media Literacy and the Foundations of Critical Thinking will introduce principles for evaluating media content critically. Participants will learn to identify biases, assess credibility, and develop analytical skills to navigate complex information ecosystems. Lecturer: Anke Vellenga (NHLS).

Mar 16th–20th | OL Session 6
The following week, March 16th to 20th, is dedicated to Ethical Internet Research. This session covers best practices for conducting research in digital environments, focusing on informed consent, data privacy, and responsible use of online information. Lecturer: Deike Schulz (NHLS).

Mar 23rd–27th | OL Session 7
From March 23rd to 27th, students will engage in Investigating EU: Sources, Open Data, gaining practical skills to access and interpret official EU documents and datasets. This session promotes transparency and accountability through evidence-based analysis. Lecturer: Anke Vellenga (NHLS).

Mar 30th–Apr 3rd | OL Session 8
During March 30th to April 3rd, the session Tools and Strategies for Identifying Fake News and Misinformation will provide hands-on experience with digital tools and fact-checking platforms. Students will learn proactive approaches to counter misinformation effectively. Lecturer: Anke Vellenga (NHLS).

Apr 6th–10th | OL Session 9
The week of April 6th to 10th introduces The Role of AI in Generating and Combating Disinformation. This session examines how AI technologies can both create and mitigate disinformation, discussing ethical and regulatory challenges in the digital information ecosystem. Lecturer: Sergio Pérez Castaños (UBU).

Apr 6th–10th | OL Session 10
Also during this week, The Internet Archive session will teach students how to use archival resources to trace narratives and verify claims, emphasizing the importance of digital preservation for research and journalism. Lecturer: Deike Schulz (NHLS).

Apr 13th–17th | OL Session 11
From April 13th to 17th, students will participate in Practical Sessions on Fact-Checking, applying verification techniques to real-world examples. This hands-on approach strengthens investigative skills and supports democratic accountability. Lecturer: Anke Vellenga (NHLS).

Apr 13th–17th | OL Session 12
In the same period, Practical Session on Responsible Use of Digital Media will focus on ethical online behavior, privacy protection, and strategies for engaging with digital platforms responsibly. Lecturer: Anke Vellenga (NHLS).

Feb 16th–Apr 17th | MOOC
Running throughout the program, the MOOC on Prompt Engineering introduces students to designing effective prompts for AI systems. This module enhances understanding of language models and their applications in research and communication. Lecturer: Gene Vangampelaere (HOWEST)

Day 1
9.00-9.30 Ice-breaking activity
9.30-11.30 Presentations outcomes groups investigations per region
11.30-12.00 Coffee break
12.00-14.00 Comparison workshop about recurring themes/ investigation findings. Brainstorm about solutions to face the found challenges
14.00-16.00 Lunch break
16.00-16.30 Warm-up activity
16.30-18.30 Discuss topics relevant for factcheck marathon

Day 2
9.00-9.30 Ice-breaking activity
9.30-11.30 Factcheck marathon: final choice topic and start investigation
11.30-12.00 Coffee break
12.00-14.00 Factcheck marathon: investigation
14.00-16.00 Lunch break
16.00-18.30 Presentations: findings factcheck marathon, ideas to create awareness on the chosen topic and/or learnings from students

Day 3
9.00-9.30 Ice-breaking activity
9.30-11.30 Design challenge: micro-interventions to create awareness to safeguard democracy and resilience for disinformation -> prototypes
11.30-12.00 Coffee break
12.00-14.00 Test micro-interventions with other groups
14.00-16.00 Lunch break
16.00-16.30 Warm-up activity
16.30-18.30 Design final version + presentation

Day 4
Cultural day and visits.

Day 5
9.00-9.30 Ice-breaking activity
9.30-12.00 Interactive session about learnings, what is important? Develop manifest to safeguard democracy in own countries
12.00 Farewell

• Concejalía (Regional Stakeholder)

• Gene Vangampelaere (Instructor)

• (Instructor)
• Anke Vellenga (Instructor)

• Irene Portela (Instructor)

• Sergio Pérez-Castaños (Lead Instructor)