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Digital Civic Engagement in the EU: Analysing Examples, Tools, and Sentiment in Latvia and Estonia
[journal article]
Abstract The decline of civic engagement has been an issue for several EU Member States. To promote civic engagement, digital tools have been perceived as one of the possible solutions both at the EU and national levels. Within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that has intensified digitalisation in many ... view more
The decline of civic engagement has been an issue for several EU Member States. To promote civic engagement, digital tools have been perceived as one of the possible solutions both at the EU and national levels. Within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that has intensified digitalisation in many forms and sectors, the issue of digital solutions for civic engagement has regained its relevance and topicality. In the last decade, Latvia has been among other EU Member States in which civic engagement has become 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 limited digital 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, using data from quantitative (polls) studies (before and during the COVID-19 pandemic), the article provides recommendations for Latvia in the context of I-voting.... view less
Keywords
citizens' involvement; digitalization; Latvia; Estonia; electronic democracy; political participation; voter turnout; EU
Classification
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
Free Keywords
Civic Engagement; I-voting; Digital Democracy
Document language
English
Publication Year
2021
Page/Pages
p. 83-97
Journal
Studia Europejskie - Studies in European Affairs, 25 (2021) 4
ISSN
1428-149X
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed