CDMSI adopts policy document on national MIL strategies
Published Wednesday 7 January 2026 at 19:42
Image credit: Council of Europe's CDMSI
In December 2025, the Council of Europe’s Steering Committee on Media and Information Society (CDMSI) adopted the policy document National Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Strategies: Practical Steps and Indicators. The document is a valuable resource notably for media NRAs, national authorities and policymakers, that provides them with practical guidance on developing and implementing national MIL strategies, aiming to support them in effectively responding to the transformations in the media and information ecosystem brought about by the digital era.
The document opens with a glossary of key terms, followed by a preamble and an introduction that set out the background, purpose, and scope of the text.
Part I presents the core guidelines for developing national media and information literacy (MIL) strategies, addressing policy and regulatory frameworks, the strengthening of the evidence base, integration across all levels and sectors of education, empowerment through public engagement, and the role of stakeholder collaboration and partnerships.
Part II takes the form of an explanatory memorandum, providing the conceptual and contextual foundations for national MIL strategies, including definitions, the evolving understanding of MIL, its grounding in humanism and human-centred digital transformation, and its relevance for building resilient societies in the age of artificial intelligence, alongside practical considerations for implementation. The document concludes with three appendices that offer indicators for designing and monitoring national MIL strategies, as well as an overview of existing Council of Europe guidance, including relevant recommendations and supporting texts and studies.
It policy document elaborated with the support of Brian O’Neill, who is a Council of Europe expert, well known in the field, particularly for his work with Better Internet for Kids. An expert workshop took place at the end of September 2025 to gather feedback on the draft.
The document is publicly accessible on the Council of Europe website at this link.
