COMPASS Europe: Civic Education and Dialogue for Europe’s Future

ongoing

COMPASS Europe: Civic Education and Dialogue for Europe’s Future is a pan-European initiative designed to strengthen the role of civic education in fostering European belonging, democratic resilience, and active citizenship. In a time of war, geopolitical uncertainty, and democratic backsliding, the project responds to an urgent need: to reinvigorate a shared European identity rooted in values, solidarity, and civic participation. The primary objective is to build the capacity of civic educators and practitioners across Europe to engage with EU-level policy topics and foster inclusive, dialogic civic engagement at the local level about Europe’s future. It will equip participants with tools to translate complex EU developments into participatory learning and public discourse, and provide spaces for cross-sector, cross-border collaboration. To achieve this, COMPASS Europe will implement a 24-month work programme consisting of: 4 interactive online NECE Campus seminars, bringing together 100+ participants; 2 flagship NECE Festivals (Portugal in 2026 and a second EU location in 2027), facilitating exchange and cooperation among 450+ stakeholders; 10 in-person thematic NECE Labs hosted across EU, focusing on ongoing and emerging topics of relevance on EU-level, bringing together 260+ stakeholders. The activities will bring together civic educators, youth workers, civil society actors, business professionals and local government representatives from 15+ countries. Participants will commit to hosting local follow-up events, multiplying the impact of the COMPASS Europe initiative in their own communities. Aligned with Priority 1 of the CERV programme, COMPASS Europe directly supports citizen dialogue on the future of the EU, promotes awareness of EU values, and strengthens participatory democratic culture. It leverages civic education as a strategic tool to counter polarisation and ensure that citizens are informed, connected, and engaged in shaping Europe’s fututre.