On January 30th, the Bureau of the Education Committee of the Council of Europe will convene in Strasbourg to examine the findings of the "Review of the Implementation of the Council of Europe Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture (RFCDC)."
This significant meeting is set to explore the extensive review, which has been instrumental in assessing the integration and impact of the RFCDC in member states' education systems since its inception in 2016. The RFCDC, a pivotal framework developed by the Council of Europe, is designed to enhance the competences for democratic culture of learners, education professionals and all actors of the education community across Europe.
The agenda for the Bureau’s meeting is as follows:
1. Analysis of the Review's Findings: Deliberations will focus on the review's comprehensive analysis, highlighting how the RFCDC has influenced education policies, teaching practices, and learners’ competences for democratic culture across various member states.
2. Challenges and Achievements: A critical evaluation of the challenges faced in implementing the RFCDC, along with the achievements and progress made in embedding democratic culture competences in educational systems.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Discussions on the role of educators, parents, local authorities, and NGOs in the successful implementation of the RFCDC. The meeting will consider ways to enhance collaboration among these relevant stakeholders.
4. Recommendations for Future Actions: The Bureau will consider the recommendations from the review, focusing on strategies to further integrate the RFCDC into different educational sectors, including early childhood education, vocational education and training, higher education, and adult education.
5. Next Steps: Outlining future steps to continue the momentum in implementing the RFCDC, with a focus on addressing existing challenges and maximizing the framework’s impact on cultivating democratic competences.
This meeting is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future strategy of the Council of Europe in promoting a democratic culture through education and in particular the establishment of a European Space for Citizenship Education in Europe. The examination of the review's findings will provide invaluable insights into the effectiveness of the RFCDC and pave the way for enhanced implementation strategies.
The Council of Europe remains committed to fostering democratic competences in education, and the outcomes of this meeting will be crucial in reinforcing these efforts across member states.
