The Mandate of Expert Group on Advocacy and Strategic Coordination (Version 3, April 2025) outlines the strategic goals, responsibilities, and collaborative approach of a newly formed expert group under the umbrella of EBLIDA (European Bureau of Library, Information and Documentation Associations). The Expert Group on Advocacy and Strategic Coordination is one of the pillars of EBLIDA’s ELAN (European Library Advocacy Network) initiative for the 2025–2028 period, aiming to empower public libraries across Europe through coordinated policy engagement and visibility at the national and EU levels.

This policy paper describes the group's vision: to serve as a strategic think tank and connector for national library associations and public institutions, enabling coherent advocacy campaigns across member states. The expert group’s mandate focuses on strengthening the role of libraries in democracy, civic participation, digital transition, and social cohesion—especially in light of new EU policy frameworks such as the Digital Decade and European Green Deal.

The document details internal working structures, including rotating chairmanship, reporting mechanisms to the EBLIDA Executive Committee, and collaboration with parallel expert groups on topics such as climate action, social inclusion, and data policy. It also introduces a coordination plan for supporting national library sectors in aligning their advocacy goals with broader European agendas.

This publication is a valuable strategic reference for cultural, civic, and media organizations throughout the Euro-Mediterranean region. It showcases how library systems can serve as platforms for dialogue, information access, and intercultural understanding in an increasingly digital and polarized world. While administrative in tone, the mandate demonstrates how networked expertise and public sector coordination can promote inclusive education and cultural rights across diverse societies.