ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the definitions of media literacy (ML) and media and information literacy (MIL) circulating among EU member states and beyond, and their associated norms and values, drawing on a qualitative and interpretative analysis of the TRANSLIT/COST country reports, especially the section of the template survey dealing with the dimensions 'Historical background' and 'Main concepts and legitimizing values'. The analysis of the historical development of media education (ME) and the notion of ML reveals that, globally, European countries have more commonalities than differences, and most differences can be traced, in large part, to societal and political developments. While the fast pace of technological advancement is setting challenges for research, policy and implementation, ML initiatives and ME are producing steady progress and a changing positioning of ML in Europe. However, ML initiatives in Europe are also differentiated by a group of factors, one of which is integration of film, visual and cultural studies in ME.
