The European research project MeDeMAP – Mapping Media for Future Democracies (HE 101094984) cordially invites you to participate in an in-depth reflection on media, data, and democracy in contemporary Europe.

The seminar "Regulating Media for Future Democracies: Political and People's Voices" will take place on 13 January 2026, from 9:30 to 11:30, at the European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium. This event will gather Members of the European Parliament, national parliamentarians, European Commission officials, policymakers, and media regulators for a high-level discussion on the evolving relationship between media regulation and democratic governance.

Hosted by Slovenian MEP Irena Joveva, the event will examine how Europe can strengthen democratic institutions through fair and transparent media frameworks. Drawing on MeDeMAP's extensive research into political information environments across Europe, participants will engage in critical dialogue on the future of media and democracy.

Registration is open until January 7, 2026 in this link.

Programme Overview

The event comprises three sessions:

Session 1: What Are the Next Steps After the EU Media Freedom Act (EMFA)?
This roundtable will feature Irena Joveva (MEP, Renew Europe), Anna Herold (Audiovisual and Media Services Policy, DG CNECT, European Commission), Julie Majerczak (European Institutions, Reporters Without Borders), and Renate Schroeder (European Federation of Journalists) in a discussion on implementing and advancing the EU Media Freedom Act. The session will be chaired by Beata Klimkiewicz (Jagiellonian University).

Session 2: Screening of "AGON: Constructions of Democracy"
This thought-provoking film essay explores the meaning and contestation of democracy across cultures, followed by discussion. The session will be chaired by Nico Carpentier (Charles University).

Session 3: Citizens' Parliaments Initiative
Representatives from the Citizens' Parliaments established through the MeDeMAP project will share insights: Josef Tokár & Iveta Cerná (Czech Republic), Karin Aringer & Andreas Mutschlechner (Austria), Niall Mahon & Moya Ní Cheallaigh (Ireland), and Milojka Doljak & Mirka Race (Slovenia). The session will be chaired by Helmut Peissl (COMMIT), with responses from Evelyn Regner (MEP, Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats) and Lena Schilling (MEP, the Greens/European Free Alliance).

Registration
To attend, please register here: HERE.

We look forward to your participation in exploring how journalism, data, and civic engagement can collectively strengthen democratic life in Europe.

Event Details
Date & Time: 13 January 2026 | 9:30–11:30
Location: SPAAK 7C50, European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium

Contact & Information
For inquiries: info@mc.medemap.eu
Event details: https://www.medemap.eu

Disclaimer
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Project Reference
The MeDeMAP project has received funding from the European Union's HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions under Grant Agreement No. 101094984.