EU institutions and Ministry of Education invite you to the annual conference of the “EUrope in Schools” network
Vienna (OTS) – What skills do young people need in order to be able to participate democratically? How can we best promote critical thinking, youth participation and trust in democracy and science?
Questions like these were the focus of the conference on March 17, 2023 at the Upper Austrian University of Education in Linz, which was organized by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, the Liaison Office of the European Parliament and the European Commission.
Under the motto “Strengthening democratic competencies. European political educational work in the classroom”, representatives from science, practice and politics came together to shed light on the development of a critical awareness of Europe among young people. The diverse program of lectures, discussions and workshops offered plenty of opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas about the conception of educational offers in the context of European democracy education.
Angelika Winzig, head of the ÖVP delegation in the European Parliament, said: “I am very pleased that the network ‘EUrope in der Schule’, together with the Upper Austrian University of Education, is focusing on the European Union and its working methods. Discourse and participation are the cornerstones of democracy, one of our core values in the EU. In this way, we can bring Europe and the institutions closer to the participants of the conference, and we as members of parliament receive direct input for our work in Brussels and Strasbourg.”
Wolfgang Bogensberger, deputy Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Austria, stressed: “The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has made it very clear to us that not everyone is well disposed towards our model of democracy, that our European democracy is not inviolable. We are all called to defend with great determination our European values, which are the foundation of the European Union: that is, respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights, including the rights of minorities. Because if they were missing, we would be painfully aware of that.”
The strengthening of democratic skills must go beyond the classroom, beyond the school, Claudia Fahrenwald, professor for school development at the University of Education in Upper Austria, is convinced. Specifically, she mentions the cooperation with parents and civil society organizations. School is a place of education and a place of life.
Knowing your EU citizenship rights is an important part of citizenship education. Language learning and cross-border exchange also open up new perspectives. One goal of the network is to provide educators with project ideas and suggestions. In addition, educational offers and the regular exchange of information on European topics in the classroom are made possible.
“EUrope in der Schule” is a joint initiative of the Austrian Ministry of Education, the Liaison Office of the European Parliament and the representation of the European Commission.
Questions & contact:
Representation of the European Commission in Austria
Adina Hoffmann-Reumüller
Deputy Head of Press and Communication
+43 1 51618-327
Adina.Hoffmann-Reumueller@ec.europa.eu