A Feminist Vision for Europe's Digital Future

Against the backdrop of Ireland's EU Council Presidency and a government-led AI Summit dominated by business interests, FES Ireland, together with FES Future of Work and FEPS, put forward a different vision for Europe's digital future on 16–17 October 2026: one where gender equality is a driving force behind competitiveness, security and social justice.

Bringing together policymakers, trade union representatives, researchers and civil society voices from across Europe, the event explored how to close persistent gender gaps in STEM, AI, and leadership. Discussions focused on breaking down barriers in education, workplace cultures and decision-making to ensure that women and underrepresented groups can actively shape the digital transformation rather than be left behind.

The panel “Too Close for Comfort? AI and the Political Economy of Tech in Ireland and the EU” broadened the discussion to the influence of powerful tech companies on political decision-making, questioning whose interests shape Europe's digital agenda and highlighting the importance of democratic accountability.

The event underscored a central message: Europe's digital future must be built on gender equality, decent work and democratic participation.