The city of Rimini became a hub of collaboration and knowledge-sharing as partners of the EU-funded DATA EQUALITY project gathered for the project’s Final Workshop and Steering Committee Meeting. Organised by the Court of Appeal of Venice, AGENFOR International Foundation, and ANCI Emilia Romagna, this key event brought together stakeholders from across Europe—including representatives from the judiciary, law enforcement, civil society, academia, and local authorities.
With the digital landscape increasingly shaping how discrimination manifests—especially through the use of AI and data technologies—DATA EQUALITY focuses on ensuring that data collection and analysis practices foster inclusion, equity, and accountability.
Advancing equality through data
The morning session took place at the Palazzo del Turismo and featured the Final Workshop, where project partners presented the main outcomes of four thematic working groups. These focused on:
- Data Collection and Management
- Data Analysis
- Data Exchange
- Bias and Ethical Aspects in the use of AI and OSINT tools
Participants had the opportunity to engage with real-world case studies, share national practices, and provide feedback to strengthen the shared methodology developed by the project. A highlight of the session was a preview of how the emerging methodology could be applied to ethical data governance and digital monitoring across sectors.
Steering meeting: Coordinating the final phase
In the afternoon, the Steering Committee Meeting focused on strategic coordination and planning for the final phase of the project. Partners discussed priorities for the upcoming months, including:
- Finalisation of the European Handbook on Equality Data
- Delivery of capacity-building activities
- Streamlining of communication efforts
- Refinement of key project outputs to ensure sustainability and impact
Looking ahead
The insights and feedback collected during the Rimini event will play a critical role in shaping the final version of the Shared European Methodology, which will be published in the upcoming European Handbook on Equality Data. This resource aims to equip professionals across Europe with practical tools to address bias and promote equity in the age of digitalisation and AI.