The 2017 edition of the European Public Policy Conference (EPPC) explored the topic of Democracy in the Digital Age. Nowadays, nearly every aspect of life is making its way towards digitalization. Both political and societal events have demonstrated the tremendous impact of new technology on domestic and international affairs.

As a result, democracy faces new challenges and opportunities. While citizens are determined to use the internet and social media to engage in the political process, their trust in political parties and democratic institutions is waning. Voter alienation and anti-establishment sentiments have considerably risen, leading to a surge of support for populist, anti-establishment movements in Europe and across the Western World. Furthermore, social media has created distinct echo chambers, where individual users have a tendency to be in contact with those who share similar beliefs, polarizing political discourse. The now undeniable relationship between digitalization and democracy calls for a discussion about finding ways for this new engagement to be expressed positively in the political sphere.