Enhancing citizenship competences in the EU

Today, maybe more than ever, active citizens are needed safeguard democracies all over the European Union (EU). The significant rise of anti-democratic movements within and beyond the 27 Member States cannot be brushed aside with little concern and denial. Therefore, enhanced citizenship competences based on shared European values is much needed. It will allow citizens to shape the future of Europe.

Within this context, our conference on Enhancing citizenship competences in the EU  (organised with Values Unite), will bring together civil society leaders and policy makers to explore the possibilities for improved and value-based citizenship education in the European Union.

While the EU’s competences in education are generally limited, a range of EU initiatives already exist in the field, such as policy cooperation mechanisms and funding instruments. However, better and more coordinated action is would further strengthen civic education in Europe. Especially the application of digital tools can facilitate the enhancement of more and improved citizenship competences in the EU.

Learn more about ECAS’ endorsement of Values Unite’s initiative here.

The event will take place online (on Webex) and will be live broadcasted on Facebook. You can find the draft agenda below and download it here.

Conference agenda

10.00 – 10.10

Welcome | Susanne Zels, Co-Founder and Manager (Values Unite)

10.10 – 10.20

Keynote: EU citizenship education toolbox | Themis Christophidou, Director-General (European Commission, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture)

10.20 – 10.25

Opening words & introduction of the Panel | Assya Kavrakova, Executive Director (ECAS)

10.25 – 10.55

Panel Discussion: Promoting European values: top-down or bottom-up? How can the EU ensure citizen ownership of European values on the local level & coherence of their interpretation all over the union through education?

Moderation: Assya Kavrakova, Executive Director (ECAS)

• Domenec Ruiz Devesa, MEP (S&D)
• Loránt Vincze, MEP (EPP)
• Susanne Zels, Co-Founder and Manager (Values Unite)
• Petar Markovic, Policy Leader Fellow (School of Transnational Governance, EUI)

10.55 – 11.10

Q&A

11.10 – 11.15

Conference closure | Susanne Zels, Co-Founder and Manager (Values Unite)