The European Space for Citizenship Education (ESCE) is a Council of Europe initiative building on over 30 years of work on education for democratic citizenship (EDC). It is a shared effort to renew the democratic mission of education in Europe, by involving Member States directly where it matters. It contributes directly to the New Democratic Pact for Europe.
What is Education for Democratic Citizenship?
“Education for Democratic Citizenship” (EDC) means education, training, awareness-raising, information, practices and activities which aim, by equipping participants with knowledge, skills and understanding and developing their attitudes and behaviour, to empower them to exercise and defend their democratic rights and responsibilities in society, to value diversity and to play an active part in democratic life, with a view to the promotion and protection of democracy and the rule of law.” 1 (CM/Rec(2010)7, point 2.a)
Why a "Space"?
Our core values are human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. In the field of education, the Council of Europe’s member states are united around Education for Democratic Citizenship (EDC).
Within this “Space”, each member state is guided by the same principles while remaining free to develop its own system according to its unique needs and characteristics, and improve the quality of EDC. This "Space" also provides an environment where co-operation is strengthened through dedicated mechanisms. The ESCE therefore supports member states to develop, implement, and enhance high-quality citizenship education across formal, non-formal, and informal learning settings.
ESCE contributes to the implementation of the objectives of the New Democratic Pact for Europe - the Council of Europe's central commitment to restoring trust and resilience in democratic governance. Education and those who deliver it are at the heart of democratic renewal. Teachers' organisations are recognised as strategic partners in this Pact.
Three Pillars
The ESCE is structured around three mutually reinforcing pillars.
The work of the Council of Europe as a foundation for ESCE
Charter on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education (EDC / HRE)
The Charter is an important reference point for all those dealing with citizenship and human rights education. It provides a focus and catalyst for action in the member states. It is also a way of disseminating good practice and raising standards throughout Europe and beyond.
Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture (RFCDC)
The Framework is a model of the competences that need to be acquired by learners if they are to participate effectively in a culture of democracy and live peacefully together with others in culturally diverse democratic societies. The Framework also contains descriptors for all of the competences in the model.
The Education Policy Advisors Network (EPAN) was established to support education authorities in the Council of Europe member states to promote democracy and human rights in education through the use of the Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture (RFCDC), adapted to each context.
Digital citizenship is essential to flourishing in the digital age. It enables individuals to develop an in-depth and critical understanding of technologies, cultivating the skills needed to navigate effectively in this complex environment. The Council of Europe has developed an innovative model based on three complementary dimensions.
The work of the Council of Europe on Education for Democratic Citizenship through the years started in 1997. Many of the activities, standards and resources that led to the creation of the ESCE can find their roots beginning with this period and can be found in the Knowledge Hub.
1997
Second Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe
launched an initiative for education for democratic citizenship with a view to promoting citizens' awareness of their rights and responsibilities in a democratic society.
2010
CM/Rec(2010)7 — Charter on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education (EDC/HRE)
"Education for democratic citizenship and human rights education are closely inter-related and mutually supportive. They differ in focus and scope rather than in goals and practices. Education for democratic citizenship focuses primarily on democratic rights and responsibilities and active participation, in relation to the civic, political, social, economic, legal and cultural spheres of society, while human rights education is concerned with the broader spectrum of human rights and fundamental freedoms in every aspect of people's lives."
2016
"Securing democracy through education" - Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education, 25th edition
"The ministers welcomed the new Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture, developed by the Council of Europe, and pledged to increase the effectiveness of Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education (EDC/HRE) at all levels of education and training for everyone."
2023
Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe (Reykjavík Summit)
Principle for democracy no. 8: "Together we commit to the following Reykjavík Principles and will invest in a DEMOCRATIC FUTURE by ensuring that everyone is able to play their role in democratic processes. Priority will be given to supporting the participation of young persons in democratic life and decision-making processes, including through education about human rights and core democratic values, such as pluralism, inclusion, non-discrimination, transparency and accountability."
2023
Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education, 26th edition
The Ministers' resolutions reaffirmed the critical role of education in promoting democracy, human rights and the rule of law, recognised the need for decisive action on global challenges, strengthened the Council of Europe's education implementation mechanisms, and focused on the democratic future for all learners. It launched the preparatory phase of a European Space for Citizenship Education (ESCE).
2024
Launching the preparatory phase of the European Space for Citizenship Education (ESCE)
To mark the 75th anniversaries of the Council of Europe and the German constitution, the Council of Europe, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Movement, KMK and DARE held a conference in Berlin on 17–18 October 2024 to promote shared democratic values through citizenship education.
2025
"Towards a European Space for Citizenship Education" - Conference in Montenegro
On 13–14 October 2025, the Council of Europe presented the first draft of principles for EDC and a quality framework to education stakeholders from all over Europe.
2026
Launch of the European Space for Citizenship Education
during the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education, 27th edition.
Resources
Charter on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education
