How are the European Institutions reacting to the challenge of developing “active European citizenship?

Citizenship in the European Union

Within the European Union, “bringing Europe closer to its citizens” is high on the political agenda.  Young people’s active citizenship is an important strands of European policy in the field of youth, established by the White Paper on Youth Policy (2001).  Since then a number of policy documents have been adopted both by the European Commission and the European Council, to promote the participation of young people in democratic life at both national and European level.  In March 2005, the European Youth Pact was adopted by the European Council as one of the instruments for achieving the revised Lisbon objectives, promoting growth and more and better jobs. Most recently, the European Commission has developed policies to introduce “structured dialogue” with young people on the European agenda, and most recently a EU Communication on “Promoting young people’s full participation in education, employment and society.” 

The structured dialogue is an instrument to actively involve young people in policy shaping debates and dialogue in relation to the European agenda. It is structured in terms of themes and timing: in 2007 it will focus on social and professional integration of young people, in 2008 on intercultural dialogue and in 2009 on the further perspectives of youth policy at European level. The structured dialogue contributes to the implementation of the Commission’s Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate which was developed to stimulate debate on the future direction of the European Union following the negative votes on the European Constitution. 

The Youth in Action Programme (2017-2013) provides financial support for young people to experience opportunities for non-formal and informal learning with a European dimension, and youth organizations working at European and national level.  A Youth in Action Programme Guide provides young people with information on the different opportunities available to support non-formal and informal learning with a European dimension. It aims to inspire a sense of European citizenship amongst young people in Europe and to involve them in constructing the future of the European Union.

Another programme providing support for trans-national exchanges and co-operation activities is the Europe for Citizens programme, which aims to bring Europe closer to its citizens and to enable them to participate fully in “the European construction.”  

Citizenship and the Council of Europe 

Europe in its widest geographical sense is represented by the Council of Europe, founded in 1949 to protect human rights, pluralist democracy and the rule of law;  to promote awareness and encourage the development of Europe ’s cultural identity and diversity and  to find common solutions to the challenges facing European society across 47 member countries.  

The Council of Europe promotes the concept of Education for Democratic Citizenship, linking this to Human Rights Education.  Through the Division for Citizenship and Human Rights Education it supports organizations which provide individuals of all ages with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will help them play an effective role in their community and ensure they are informed about their rights and responsibilities.  

Youth participation and democratic citizenship is also an important priority for the youth sector of the Council of Europe so young people can play an active part in democratic life and exercise their rights and responsibilities in society.

A number of training courses, seminars, and workshops are organized on these themes each year.  

  • The "Young Active Citizens” Award encourages co-operation between local and/or regional authorities and young people on projects to support youth participation.
  • In 2003, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Europe adopted “The Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life” outlining the measures to promote youth participation. A manual "Have your say!" was created to answer questions such as “What is real youth participation? What do I do with the charter? Why should I be interested in this document?” and is targeted at youth organisations and young people who want to have their say as well as at governmental representatives who want to increase active youth participation.   
  • The European Youth Foundation,  provides financial support for non-governmental youth organisations or networks involved in areas of youth work relevant to the Council of Europe’s youth policies and work, such as youth participation and citizenship issues. 
  • Youth participation is one of the themes of All Different All Equal campaign organized by Youth and Sport Directorate of the Council of Europe.  The campaign, organised from June 2006 – October 2007 was set up to encourage and enable young people to participate in building peaceful societies based on human rights, diversity and inclusion, in a spirit of respect, tolerance and mutual understanding.  

    Partnership of the Council of Europe and the European Commission in the field of Youth  

    Since 1998, The Council of Europe and the European Commission have developed a close co-operation to provide training for youth workers and youth leaders, and to carry out youth research.  One objective within this framework is co-operation on European citizenship and human rights education, to ensure that young people are aware of the human rights and common values shared by European citizens in the fullest sense.