The Council of Europe has published the Education Department Programme of Activities for 2026, setting out the priorities, projects and expected results for the coming year in support of democratic, inclusive and high-quality education systems across Europe.
The programme contributes to the implementation of the Council of Europe Education Strategy 2024–2030 “Learners First: Education for today’s and tomorrow’s democratic societies”, which aims to strengthen the civic mission of education and place learners at the centre of education policies.
In a context marked by democratic backsliding, technological transformation and increasing societal challenges, the programme emphasises the role of education in promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law. It focuses in particular on renewing the democratic and civic mission of education, strengthening the social responsibility of education systems, and advancing education through a human-rights-based digital transformation.
Key areas of work include the development of the European Space for Citizenship Education, the promotion of academic freedom and the democratic mission of higher education, initiatives on artificial intelligence and education, as well as activities supporting language education, education integrity and transparency, and the automatic recognition of higher education qualifications.
The programme also highlights the contribution of the European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) and the Observatory on History Teaching in Europe (OHTE) to strengthening quality education policies and practices across member states.
The progress in implementing the Programme of Activities 2026 will be examined by the Steering Committee for Education (CDEDU) during its plenary session on 18 March, providing member states with an opportunity to propose implementation initiatives in their national contexts and guide the further development of the Council of Europe’s education work.
