Digital Civic Engagement in the EU: Analysing Examples, Tools, and Sentiment in Latvia and Estonia
Digital Civic Engagement in the EU: Analysing Examples, Tools, and Sentiment in Latvia and Estonia

Summary/Abstract: The decline of civic engagement has been an issue for several EU MemberStates. To promote civic engagement, digital tools have been perceived asone of the possible solutions both at the EU and national levels. Withinthe context of the COVID-19 pandemic that has intensified digitalisationin many forms and sectors, the issue of digital solutions for civic engagement has regained its relevance and topicality. In the last decade, Latviahas been among other EU Member States in which civic engagement hasbecome a concerning and long-term challenge. For instance, as opposed to Estonia, voter turnout in the most recent national and European parliamentary elections has gradually declined in Latvia. There are also limiteddigital possibilities through which Latvian society can participate and influence the political agenda daily. Therefore, this article provides an overview of the provisions and guidelines at the EU level to address the issue of civic engagement by promoting digital democracy tools. Secondly, it analyses what digital tools exist in Latvia to promote civic engagement. Thirdly, by comparing the digital civic engagement solutions implemented in Estonia and Latvia, the lessons learned are drawn. Finally, usingdata from quantitative (polls) studies (before and during the COVID-19 pandemic), the article provides recommendations for Latvia in the context of I-voting.

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