ECE Brussels Supports Youth-focused 'Cyber Shield' Project on Digital Literacy and Online Safety

The European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels) supports the implementation of the ‘Cyber Shield’ Project, a youth-focused programme, implemented by our partner IDUEP Institute, aimed at strengthening digital, media literacy and online safety, while addressing the growing challenges of disinformation and manipulation in the online space.

The Cyber Shield project brings together young people through a series of educational and interactive activities, including workshops, training sessions and awareness campaigns designed to promote critical thinking, responsible communication and safe online behaviour. The initiative focuses on empowering youth not only as consumers of digital content, but as active creators who shape the information environment.

In its contribution, ECE Brussels emphasises the importance of equipping young people with the skills needed to navigate complex digital ecosystems. By combining practical learning, creative content production and critical reflection, Cyber Shield supports the development of competencies essential for responsible participation in democratic and digital societies.

As part of the initiative, participants engage in hands-on activities related to media literacy, digital storytelling and content creation, including the development of visual campaigns, social media formats, as well as awareness-raising materials. The initiative also promotes the verification of information and encourages young people to recognise and challenge disinformation and the Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI).

This engagement reflects ECE Brussels’ broader commitment to strengthening digital and artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, supporting youth empowerment and bridging EU-level policy with practical implementation across the European Union (EU) and EU candidate countries.

More information for the European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels)

The European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels) is a Belgian and Brussels-based think tank bridging EU-level policy with practical implementation. It supports EU integration, democratic development, strategic communication and EU visibility, digital transformation and inclusive participation of youth and women.

ECE Brussels works across the European Union (EU) and EU candidate countries to strengthen media and AI literacy, digital skills and civic engagement. Through expert training, policy engagement and strategic partnerships, the Centre contributes to building a more informed, resilient and inclusive societies.

More information for Bojan Kordalov

Bojan Kordalov is a Brussels-based senior EU expert in strategic communication, EU visibility, digital transformation and AI literacy.  He also serves as the Director of Policy and Communications at the European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels). His work focuses on strengthening professional skills, responsible AI use and clear communication across the European Union (EU) and the EU candidate countries.

He brings 25 years of professional experience supporting European and national institutions, international organisations and companies. Over the past decade, Bojan Kordalov has delivered 500+ training sessions and capacity-building initiatives across more than 15 countries and has contributed to 50+ EU and international projects focused on strategic communication, youth engagement and digital transformation.

His expertise focuses on the intersection of AI, communication, and human behaviour in EU and international contexts. He also works on practical AI literacy, responsible communication and how AI shapes expectations, behaviour and decision-making in international and intercultural contexts.

Since November 2025, Bojan Kordalov has been a member of the Expert Working Group established by the European Commission’s AI Office (DG CONNECT), contributing to the development of transparency rules for generative AI systems under Article 50(4) of the EU AI Act. He represents the European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels) in the preparation of the Code of Practice on Transparency of AI-Generated Content, supporting responsible, transparent and ethical use of AI across Europe.

Innovative models developed by Bojan Kordalov

Bojan Kordalov has authored and created two innovative models in 2025: the A.I.M. Model (Analyse - Integrate - Market) for career development, professional visibility and building digital identity through the ethical use of AI tools; and the H&S Model (Headline and Soundbite) for clear communication. At the beginning of 2026 he authored and created the 4Q Job Interview Model for career development.

More information on Bojan Kordalov professional biography is available on the following link: https://www.excellenceeurope.org/news/expertise

Official photo of Bojan Kordalov, Brussels-based senior EU expert in strategic communication, EU visibility, digital transformation and AI literacy and Director for Policy and Communication at the European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels)

Q&A: 'Cyber Shield' Project

What is the Cyber Shield project?

The Cyber Shield project is a youth-focused programme aimed at strengthening digital and media literacy, as well as online safety, while addressing the growing challenges of disinformation and manipulation in the online space. The initiative is implemented by ECE Brussels’ strategic partner, IDUEP Institute, with the support and contribution of the European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels).

Why is digital and media literacy important for young people?

Young people are constantly exposed to large volumes of online content, including disinformation and manipulation. Strengthening digital and media literacy helps them develop critical thinking skills, verify information and navigate digital environments safely, aligning with the EU AI Act and the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) standards. It also enables them to understand the risks of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and to respond effectively.

How does Cyber Shield support youth in the digital environment?

Cyber Shield brings together young people through educational and interactive activities, including workshops, training sessions and awareness campaigns. These activities promote critical thinking, responsible communication and safe online behaviour. The project empowers young people not only as consumers of digital content, but also as active creators who shape the information environment.

What activities are included in the Cyber Shield initiative?

Participants engage in hands-on activities related to media literacy, digital storytelling and content creation. This includes developing visual campaigns, social media formats and awareness-raising materials. The initiative also focuses on practical skills such as verifying information, recognising disinformation and creating meaningful and responsible digital conten.

What role does ECE Brussels play in the Cyber Shield project?

ECE Brussels supports the implementation of the Cyber Shield project by contributing expertise in strategic communication, digital and AI literacy, as well as youth engagement. The organisation plays a key role in training and mentoring activities, helping young participants develop critical thinking, responsible communication skills and an understanding of the broader EU context of digital transformation and democratic resilience.

How does Cyber Shield contribute to EU priorities?

The Cyber Shield initiative contributes to EU priorities related to digital transformation, AI literacy, democratic resilience and youth empowerment. By bridging EU-level policy with practical implementation, the project supports efforts to build a more informed, resilient and inclusive digital society across the European Union and EU candidate countries.

Who is Bojan Kordalov and what is his role in the Cyber Shield project?

Bojan Kordalov is a Brussels-based senior EU expert in strategic communication, EU visibility, digital transformation and AI literacy. He also serves as the Director of Policy and Communications at the European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels). With 25 years of professional experience and more than 500 training sessions delivered only in the past decade, he is recognised for his work at the intersection of media literacy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and public communication in the European context.

Within the Cyber Shield project, Bojan Kordalov contributes as a Senior EU expert in training and mentoring activities, supporting young participants in developing critical thinking, responsible content creation and digital communication skills. His role ensures that the project integrates EU-level expertise on AI literacy and democratic resilience, bridging policy frameworks with practical implementation.