LLinE Lifelong Learning in Europe

Abstract Reinhild Otte

Education for Democratic Citizenship in a lifelong learning perspective

The statement is grounded on the role and function of the CoE, being a pacemaker in education and culture for 50 years now, in particular with regard to lifelong learning. Fostering democratic culture is one of the core objectives of the CoE´s work.

Drawing on former activities in the field of adult education, the Council of Europe (CoE)initiated in 1997 the project "Education for Democratic Citizenship (EDC)" embracing all areas of education in terms of lifelong learning. The "European Year of Citizenship through Education 2005 (EYCE)" marks a further step in the main concern of this project, i.e. the promotion of ac-tive and vibrant democracy. The aims of EYCE are to bridge policy and practice and to promote the dissemination of results which have alreay been achieved.

Due to differences among the 46 member states of the CoE, the implementation of the "Year" can take several forms according to specific needs and circumstances. Moreover, promoting the objectives of the EYCE and EDC in general can also be arranged in different ways within one state, since lifelong learning necessitates the orientation towards all phases of life, from early childhood to old age. Thus, formal, non-formal and informal concepts of learning have to complement each other. EDC is understood in a holistic sense and therefore puts particular emphasis on out-of-school education and the co-operation with NGOs which were actively involved in all phases.

The concept of sustainability will play a key role in the field of EDC in a lifelong learning perspective. Efforts of the CoE take place in accordance with initiatives of the UN as well as other international governmental and non- governmental institutions.