Technology is no longer a discussion of just economics or innovation; it has become one of the central political questions of our time. Decisions concerning technology are currently shaping how democracies function, how elections are fought, and even how citizens engage with public life. Palumba’s platform already captured this trend in the past: data collected during the 2024 European Parliament elections revealed dissatisfaction towards the use of personal data for targeted advertising on social media. Such trends highlight growing concerns about what data platforms should be allowed to collect and analyse. Consequently, they bring into question whether these platforms should be permitted to leverage user data to construct detailed user profiles and shape consumer behaviour. On other hand, in New York City’s 2025 mayoral elections, candidates placed Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation and regulation at the heart of their campaigns (Williams, 2025; Quinlan, 2025).
Similar debates came up during the “Youth and European Democracy: Memory and Future” event held by the Generalitat de Catalunya’s Directorate General for European Union Affairs on 30 March 2026. Participants, including civil society organizations, academics, and research institutions, mainly from the Barcelona Metropolitan Area, identified several priorities for Europe’s digital future, highlighting, for example, the need to strengthen digital and tech competitiveness, tech talent retention and AI governance. Europe’s ability to use information and communication technologies to increase productivity, encourage innovation and support long-term economic growth is essential if the European Union (EU) is to remain globally competitive and reduce its dependence on other international powers.
In response to these challenges, the EU has begun introducing several initiatives aimed at making Europe a more attractive place to innovate and build technology companies. One example is the legislative proposal introduced in March this year, EU Inc, which could significantly reduce administrative burdens by introducing a single corporate framework, as European startups continue to face difficulties if they cannot access sufficient financing to grow (European Commission, 2026). Participants argued that the lack of investment remains one of the biggest obstacles to innovation. Moreover, they pointed to the absence of a fully integrated Capital Markets Union, which continues to limit investment across Member States and complicates it for companies to scale within Europe (Council of the EU, n.d). Consequently, European enterprises look for funding elsewhere or directly relocate outside the EU borders.
During the event’s roundtable, it was recognised that Europe’s high standards of consumer protection are not only necessary but also reflect European values of transparency, fairness and accountability. However, participants also highlighted how regulation can slow down the development, testing, and deployment of new technologies. Rather than reducing these protections, they argued that the EU should create conditions that allow innovation to grow alongside effective regulation. Such changes could include more flexible rules for technologies in their early stages of development, while maintaining strict standards once they are ready for the market. Additionally, coordination among Member States is considered necessary to build a more connected and competitive European digital ecosystem.
Others expressed concern about privacy issues, with discussants wondering how personal information shared with AI systems is stored and used. Although the EU has become a global leader in AI regulation with the AI Act entering into force on 1 August 2024, participants argued that regulation alone will not be enough (European Commission, n.d). They contended that effective AI governance requires stronger digital and AI literacy as well as clearer guidance on the responsible use of these technologies. However, investment in building a strong competitive European AI and technology ecosystem is also a necessity. Such an ecosystem should comply with EU regulations and values while providing a viable alternative to technology providers from the US and China.
Youth Participation & Recommendations
For the participants, one thing was clear: young people should play a more active role in shaping Europe’s digital future. Although they have grown up alongside rapid technological change, young people are still too often considered primarily as users of technology rather than as active contributors to the decisions and innovations that will define the digital landscape ahead. Participants highlighted that Europe’s digital transformation will only succeed if young people are given the space and the opportunities to participate meaningfully, taking on decision-making and policymaking roles, moving beyond mere consultation. During the discussion, the youth was encouraged to pursue positions of responsibility to shape Europe’s digital future actively.
There should be an increase in cost-free AI and digital skills programmes, particularly for young people and small and medium-sized enterprises. Participants highlighted that digital skills should go beyond learning how to use these new tools, instead encouraging critical thinking and a responsible use of AI.
Moreover, a stronger European innovation ecosystem requires more effective management and smarter allocation of public funds. The discussants highlighted that these funds should be directed towards areas such as innovation, education and development of European companies. Such change could create opportunities for young entrepreneurs and strengthen their skills as well as competencies. For instance, the NextGenerationEU funds were mentioned as an example of the scale of public investment available, while also raising concerns about the efficiency of how such funds are allocated and implemented.
To turn these opportunities into reality, more spaces must be created to test and develop new technologies, including greater flexibility for early-stage projects to experiment before they reach the market. Participants also highlighted hereby the importance of university campuses and open innovation spaces, where young people can work with businesses and researchers.
Europe’s digital future is about creating conditions for innovation and competitiveness while ensuring that technological development remains consistent with European values. Achieving this balance also entails giving young people the skills and opportunities to help shape the digital future they will inherit.
