Challenges, practices, and innovations in education for responsible democratic citizenship

The paper is based on an empirical analysis of the practices in conducting and governing education for responsible democratic citizenship in six EU countries (Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Spain, Germany, Poland) studied in the EU Horizon-funded project DEMOCRAT. We analyse various practices in formal and non-formal learning taking into account the contemporary context that includes both polarizing and disenchanting tendencies while education seeks to support the development of autonomous and constructive democratic citizens. After examining the concepts of education for democracy and responsible democratic citizenship in the contemporary European context the paper goes on to offer an overview of findings based on country-based studies including both desk research and fieldwork. The desk research studied the various official documents of the countries, focusing on the existing approaches as they relate to the key competencies, and challenges to education for responsible democratic citizenship in each country and more generally in the EU. The fieldwork consisted of semi-structured interviews with experts and practitioners, and data gathered during workshops in each country from June 2023-April 2024. The results are synthesized and discussed with the view of identifying possible solutions for empowering and equipping youth in becoming the citizens our democracies need.