A total of 41 participants met online for the 15th plenary meeting of the Education Policy Advisors Network (EPAN), taking another step in shaping the European Space for Citizenship Education. Grounded in shared principles for education for democratic citizenship, this initiative supports the education community in advancing and innovating education for democratic citizenship across Europe—from early childhood to lifelong learning. Its ultimate goal: to promote active and democratic citizenship for restoring trust in, and reimagining democracy.

The two-day meeting set a forward-looking tone, with Sarah Keating, Head of the Council of Europe’s Formal and Non-Formal Education Division, outlining strategic priorities for the year ahead, while EPAN Chair Rolf Gollob emphasized the role of collaborative frameworks such as the European Space in embedding a culture of democracy across Europe’s education systems, as well as reminding that democracy cannot be learnt in a top-down manner, but requires constant practice and active participation.

Advancing democratic cultures through, and across education

Participants engaged in focused workshops addressing four key strands:

• Vocational Education and Training (VET): Experts Søren Kristensen and Andrea Laczik shared the concept note on a new Committee of Ministers Recommendation on developing a culture of democracy in VET, sparking discussions on how VET institutions can foster democratic competences and learners’ agency.
• Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC): Led by Professor Michel Vandenbroeck, this workshop explored ways to embed democratic principles from the earliest years of education and care, and focused on core domains such as children’s rights and agency, social equity and inclusion.
• Codifying the principles for Education for Democratic Citizenship: Professor Gert Biesta presented the ongoing codification of principles for EDC, a landmark effort shaping the European Space, advancing a shared democratic vision, and linking the Council of Europe acquis to urgent challenges such as democratic backsliding, political and economic polarisation, the shifting landscape caused by emerging digital technologies and AI, and threats to civic space.
• Quality Framework for Education for Democratic Citizenship: Professor Valeria Damiani presented an update within the European Space to develop a quality framework for EDC across Europe. Participants discussed how to design a quality framework based on self-evaluation that encourages reflection, creativity, and improvement.

Looking ahead to 2026

The process of co-creation of the European Space for Citizenship Education will continue through to its official launch at the 27th Session of the Council of Europe Standing Conference of Ministers of Education in late 2026. EPAN members will next meet on 19–20 May 2026 in Strasbourg.