The Palumba app aims to tackle disaffection, misinformation and polarisation, by matching users with political parties whose policies and positions reflect their own beliefs through a simple swipe mechanism.

By swiping right on statements they do not agree with and left on statements they do agree with, users get tailored matches to parliamentary groups and candidates who match their priorities. The app also provides simple explanations of party policies, and uses cute graphics – with a pigeon mascot – to aid engagement.

Supported by the Evens Foundation, the first edition of the app was launched for the EU elections in 2024. Available in more than 30 languages, it became the number one download in the App Stores across a number of EU countries in the run up to the elections, with more than 170,000 first-time voters using it to answer their questions on politics, and find out where parties and representatives stood on the economy, climate crisis or migration.

Now it will relaunch in Germany, with a redeveloped platform that aims to support youth voters in their decision-making ahead of the 23 February elections.

The developers have placed a strong focus on privacy and transparency to ensure that users can trust the app. "The algorithm we use is open source , meaning they can access all the data, accounts and sponsors we have," explained Pol Villaverde, president of the Palumba EU Association in an interview with 20 Minutes.