Introduction and Description

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Active European citizenship education is a cornerstone of high-quality, future-oriented education systems across Europe. In a context marked by democratic challenges, declining civic participation, social fragmentation and the rapid spread of misinformation, schools are increasingly expected to play a proactive role in strengthening democratic culture, critical thinking and active participation. Citizenship education today extends far beyond the transmission of knowledge about institutions or rights; it involves creating learning environments where democratic values are experienced, practiced and reflected upon in everyday school life.

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The course Active European Citizenship in Practice: Democracy, Participation and Civic Engagement in Schools is designed to support teachers, school leaders and education professionals in developing meaningful, participatory and sustainable approaches to citizenship and values education. Aligned with the core principles and priorities of the European Union, the course addresses key dimensions of European citizenship, including democracy, human rights, inclusion, student voice, intercultural dialogue and community engagement. It responds directly to Erasmus+ priorities related to participation in democratic life, common values, civic engagement, social inclusion and active citizenship.

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The programme combines theoretical foundations with practical, school-based applications. Participants explore how democratic values such as equality, solidarity, freedom of expression and shared responsibility can be embedded in classroom practice, school governance and whole-school culture. Special emphasis is placed on participatory pedagogies and student-centred approaches, including student councils, deliberative classroom methods, co-creation of learning processes, service learning and civic action projects. The course also addresses contemporary challenges such as digital citizenship, media literacy and responsible participation in online spaces, which are increasingly relevant for democratic education in the digital age.

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Both the 5-day and 10-day versions of the course are structured to support reflection, collaboration and professional exchange among participants from different European contexts. The programme encourages educators to critically analyse their own institutional practices and to develop realistic, context-sensitive strategies for strengthening democratic participation in their schools. Throughout the course, participants work on a school-based citizenship action plan, ensuring that learning outcomes are directly transferable to their professional environments.

By fostering democratic competencies, intercultural understanding and active participation, this course contributes to the Erasmus+ objectives of enhancing educational quality, promoting European values and strengthening the role of education in building inclusive, resilient and democratic societies. It is particularly relevant for educators involved in civic education, whole-school development, Erasmus+ mobility projects and values-based educational initiatives, offering practical tools and long-term impact for schools across Europe.