At the ECPR joint sessions-workshop from 20.5.-23.5.2025 in Prague, one workshop dealt with the implications of challenges in democracy for democratic citizenship education exploring innovative approaches. This article provides a reflection on four of 16 presentations from Sweden, UK, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Estonia. L. Kalev provided an overview of the normative and structural…
In the last few years, several international studies have warned of a worrying trend: new generations show a growing disaffection towards democratic systems. This situation reflects a record level of dissatisfaction with democracy in many countries, especially among the young population, which poses an urgent challenge for the education system. Faced with this reality, the…
On 27–28 May 2025, Strasbourg hosted the first Digital Citizenship Education Forum, a gathering that brought together over 200 people from more than 30 countries. The event was organised by the Council of Europe as part of the European Year of Digital Citizenship Education, and it provided a timely space for experts and stakeholder to…
As part of the Finnish Living Lab within the EU-funded DEMOCRAT project, nearly 200 future teachers at the University of Jyväskylä participated in an ambitious university course aimed at translating democratic values into classroom practice. The course, organised for soon-to-graduate subject teachers from a wide range of disciplines, challenged the students to explore the concept…
By Sudha Sreenivasa Reddy In the heart of rural India, where caste hierarchies, patriarchal customs, and poverty intertwine, the simple question— “What do you think?”—can be revolutionary. Among the adolescent girls I work with in Karnataka’s villages, most have never been asked for their opinion, let alone encouraged to express it. Yet, over the past…
How educators, civil society, and policymakers can empower youth as active shapers of democratic life. Democratic agency in young people is a core mission of project DEMOCRAT. In recent years, the world has witnessed a surge in student-led movements, addressing issues from environmental concerns to political conflicts. These protests highlight a growing desire among youth…
In today’s world, where information spreads instantly and global challenges affect our everyday lives, understanding democracy is essential. For students in Ireland, learning about democracy isn’t just another subject; it’s preparation for real-life participation in society. Democracy is more than just a way of governing. It’s a set of values that include freedom, fairness, and…
Detecting Misinformation: Challenges and Impacts on Democracies The proliferation of misinformation on social media platforms represents a considerable threat for the quality of public discourse and the integrity of democratic processes (Reglitz, 2022; McKay & Tenove, 2021; Silva & Proksch, 2021). The ability to accurately classify and identify misinformation is essential in order to mitigate…
We are more connected to the world than we’ve ever been. Globalization and increasingly affordable digital technologies have diversified the communities we engage in, both on- and offline.
Policy Challenges and Envisaged Changes in Digital Learning In recent years, the use of online learning tools in education has increased significantly in most developed countries. This trend was further accelerated by the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent school closures in 2020. Given the increasing prevalence of these tools and their likely integration into mainstream…
Building a Democratic Future with Education In today’s world, democracy faces a unique set of challenges, from the spread of misinformation to political polarization and global crises like climate change. As these issues evolve, so does the need for a well-informed and engaged citizenry. Education for Democracy (EfD) is one of the most effective ways…
Building a Democratic Future Through Education for Democracy As we navigate today’s world filled with pressing challenges—like rising polarization, environmental crises, and digital shifts—there’s a critical need to rethink how we approach democratic education. Enter the DEMOCRAT project: a forward-thinking initiative aiming to transform education across Europe by focusing on Education for Democracy (EfD). By…
Education for Democracy – A Cornerstone of European Identity Democracy forms the bedrock of European identity, uniting diverse nations under shared values of freedom, justice, and responsible citizenship. With growing polarization, advancing digitalization, and urgent sustainability needs, European democracies face unique challenges. Education for Democracy (EfD) emerges as a vital tool to address these concerns,…
As modern democracies face a range of social challenges, fostering democratic values from an early age has never been more critical. Project DEMOCRAT is leading the way by introducing social innovation into educational settings, providing a framework for democratic engagement that benefits students, educators, and communities alike. Here, we explore four transformative ways that social…
The European Education Policy Network on Teachers and School Leaders published a research paper based on extensive desk research covering the 20 countries represented in the network on active citizenship skills and active digital citizenship skills in teaching and learning in the digital age.