Participation in democratic life, common values and civic engagement

The Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes are aimed at promoting citizens' participation in democratic life and processes and increasing their knowledge of the European Union. The programmes are also aimed at removing obstacles that hinder participation in different communities and in the political and social activities of the European Union.  In order for democracy to be realised, it is important to strengthen participation in democratic life, common values and civic engagement from an early age. In addition to formal education, non-formal learning can enhance citizens' understanding of both participation in democratic life and the European Union.

Participation in democratic life means the general active participation of citizens in the activities and decision-making processes of society. This can manifest as voting activity and participation in the activities of NGOs, demonstrations, political activities, social debate and decision-making. By participating in democratic life, citizens can influence the activities of communities and society and highlight their own views on the development of society.

Civic engagement means participating in and influencing the development of society and your own living environment. Citizens can prepare initiatives and opinion pieces and participate in referendums, social debate, the activities of political parties and NGOs, public discussion, petitions and demonstrations. Civic engagement is a means of expressing views and demands and participating in decision-making in order for society to better meet the needs of all its members.

Participation in democratic life and civic engagement require knowledge and understanding of how society functions and its laws and institutions. In addition to this, they require skills and the capacity to act, the development of which requires more than just theoretical knowledge sharing and learning. In order to promote participation in democratic life and civic engagement, it is important to support practical activities and experiences of citizenship. The best way to learn is to personally engage in different activities by exerting influence, participating in decision-making and cooperating in various projects, organisations and other civic activities. These skills and knowledge can be learned by participating in the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes.

The Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes are aimed at increasing participation in democratic life by supporting active citizenship and promoting the development of social and intercultural skills, critical thinking and media literacy. The programmes prioritise projects that offer opportunities for participation in democratic life and the civic engagement of young people through formal or non-formal learning. In the youth sector, the programmes’ activities are based on the EU Youth Strategy.

The programmes are also aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of European Union affairs, the EU’s common values and why it is important to be a part of the EU. At the same time, the goal is to foster a sense of belonging to the European Union.