The issue paper examines the European dimension of citizenship education, building on the European Commission’s Working Group on Equality and Values in Education and Training. The paper reviews EU policy and legal frameworks, young people’s attitudes towards the EU, citizenship competence frameworks, curricula and teaching practices across Europe. It concludes with insights on EU funding, policy initiatives, communities of practice and inspiring projects supporting the European dimension of citizenship education.

The 2023 Council conclusions emphasize strengthening EU democratic resilience amidst crises by prioritizing citizenship education, critical thinking and media literacy. They call for fostering a shared sense of belonging and promoting, at all levels, the values of freedom, equality and the rule of law.

The European Parliament resolution of 6 April 2022 on the implementation of citizenship education (2021/2008(INI)) calls for a stronger, more harmonized approach to teaching democratic values, human rights and the EU’s role across Member States. It emphasizes fostering critical thinking, media literacy and active participation in civic life to strengthen European identity.

A strategic framework supporting young people in becoming active citizens, including through Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.

The Recommendation aims to promote a sense of belonging by conveying common values, practising inclusive education and teaching about Europe and its Member States. It seeks to strengthen learners’ sense of belonging to their school, locality and country, as well as to the European family.

The European Commission works with EU Member States to support and reinforce the development of key competences and basic skills for all, from an early age and throughout life. The Recommendation identifies citizenship competence as a key competence. It includes understanding common EU values, awareness of national, European and global developments, European integration, cultural diversity and how national identities contribute to a shared European identity.

The RFCDC is a set of educational materials designed to help education systems develop young people’s competences for promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Based on the Model of Competences for Democratic Culture (the “butterfly model”), it supports learners in becoming active, responsible citizens who can participate effectively in democratic life, live peacefully with others and engage respectfully in culturally diverse societies through a structured approach to teaching, learning and assessment.

The three volumes are available in more than 15 European languages.

The framework also contains detailed guidance for ministries and education practitioners on using the competence model and descriptors to create more effective education systems.

The Charter is a policy framework that defines how education should promote democratic values, human rights and the rule of law, while preventing discrimination, intolerance, violence and extremism. It states that education for democratic citizenship and human rights should cover all areas of life and forms of learning, empowering people to participate actively, responsibly and respectfully in a diverse democratic society. It also calls on Council of Europe member states to align policies, curricula and educational practices in order to implement these goals systematically and sustainably.