ENACT AI – Empowering Youth: Navigating Democracy and Active Citizenship in Times of AI

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant technology – it is already shaping how young people learn, communicate, find work, and participate in democratic life. From algorithmic content curation on social media to AI-assisted hiring systems and automated public services, AI decisions are directly affecting the lives of young Europeans every day. Yet most young people – and many of the professionals who work with them – have had little opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, or critical frameworks needed to engage with AI on their own terms.

This gap between the pace of AI deployment and the preparedness of citizens – especially young citizens – is a democratic challenge as much as a technological one. AI systems are not neutral: they are built on existing data and can reflect and amplify biases and inequalities. As youth workers and educators, we have a responsibility to ensure that AI is used in ways that empower young people and contribute to more inclusive and democratic societies.

EnactAI was created to address this gap. Bringing together five organisations from Germany, Austria, Croatia, and Romania, the project builds on decades of collective expertise in non-formal education, digital literacy, youth participation, and policy advocacy. Through transnational collaboration, co-designed tools, and a commitment to open resources, we aim to make AI literacy a permanent fixture of youth education across Europe.

Our Goals

• Increase AI literacy and critical digital competences among young people aged 14–22, with a particular focus on first-time voters.
• Strengthen the capacity of youth workers and educators to facilitate AI-related learning and democratic dialogue in non-formal settings.
• Develop and share a Digital Toolbox of proven methods, good practices, and open educational materials on AI and democracy.
• Foster transnational exchange of knowledge and good practice between partner countries and beyond.
• Produce evidence-based Policy Recommendations to support the integration of AI literacy into EU and national youth education strategies.