Active citizenship in European education

Inspiring young people to value difference and engage in society

Education plays a key part in building a society where individuals respect human rights and value difference. Respect for diversity, empathy for others and a commitment to the common good are essential qualities for participation in a healthy, functioning democracy. Read how these qualities can be nurtured by teaching civic values, promoting empathy and combining learning with community service.

• Creating a culture of respect and understanding
• Civic education sparks connection in the classroom and beyond
• ALL INC - Building LGBT+ friendly schools across Europe
• Roadmap for ensuring school success for all
• Empowering active citizenship in eTwinning Schools

Promoting young people’s participation as active citizens

Active citizenship is essential to the health of democratic societies. However, despite their potential to shape the future of European democracies, young people often face structural barriers to participating in democratic processes. Our expert and practice articles and publications explore the challenges young people face in becoming active citizens, and the roles that schools can play in addressing these challenges.

• Active citizenship education for young people in Europe by Daniele Sabato, Project and Policy Officer at the Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions (OBESSU)
• Active citizenship: projects that inspire social change
• Young citizens’ views and engagement in a changing Europe
• Guidelines for youth workers on how to promote active citizenship
• Children's voices on democracy and voting survey – results

Approaching controversial topics in the classroom

When discussing active citizenship, critical thinking and tolerance, some topics (such as immigration, religion, sexual orientation and race) can be seen as sensitive or controversial. Our first 2025 survey aimed to gather insights into the complexities of teaching sensitive topics and the most effective strategies to overcome them. The survey closed on 28 February, and results will be available on the platform in Spring 2025.

• Survey on teaching sensitive and controversial topics

Rewatch recent webinars

Explore some areas of citizenship education via our related webinars:

• Building bridges: How volunteering transforms classrooms, 23.01.2025
• Enabling children's right to be heard in education by ensuring space, voice, audience and influence, 03.02.2025

Or use our course materials to learn more about using debate to build critical thinking and communication skills.