In an era defined by rapid technological change, complex global challenges, and the persistent threat of misinformation, the European Union is deepening its commitment to safeguarding democracy and fostering lasting prosperity. At the heart of this drive lies a crucial realisation: vocational education and training (VET) is not just a conveyor belt to employment, but a vital cornerstone for building resilient societies.
This core belief is central to major EU policy initiatives, including the Union of Skills initiative and its Action Plan on Basic Skills, which highlight citizenship as what Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu describes as ‘the fifth basic skill’. This focus is reinforced by the Herning Declaration, which explicitly calls for fostering citizenship competence in initial VET (IVET) to achieve increased competitiveness and quality jobs. The Commission’s new Media Resilience Programme also strengthens this agenda by placing media literacy at the centre of Europe’s response to disinformation.
Launching the three-year study
To operationalise this priority, Cedefop launched a three-year study, hosting the first meeting of its advisory group on citizenship education in IVET on 18 September 2025. This group, which brings together policy-makers, social partners, researchers and international organisations, confirmed that the research is timely and necessary, and provided feedback on the initial literature review findings. The study will examine how citizenship competences are fostered in both school- and company-based settings, identify effective practices, and propose guidance for policy and practice across Europe.
VET: a pathway to a fulfilling life
VET is a key stage for shaping the political identities and civic disposition of 43% of Europe’s youth (ages 15-19). Citizenship education is vital for democracy, equity, and employability, developing essential skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving – competences increasingly demanded by the modern labour market.
Crucially, citizenship competence must be viewed not merely for its instrumental benefits for employability, but as an essential right for VET learners. VET should promote a balance between the technical skills sought by industry and the holistic learning required for active participation in both the workplace and wider society. By promoting citizenship education, VET ensures that students are prepared for fulfilling lives, equipped to contribute meaningfully beyond the 9-to-5.
Fostering inclusive and democratic societies
Strong communities require engaged citizens capable of constructive dialogue and critical thought, which is indispensable in a world marked by polarisation. Citizenship competence includes the ability to act as responsible citizens, based on an understanding of social, economic, legal, and political structures. Experts particularly underlined the need to strengthen media literacy and embed global citizenship.
The advisory group emphasised that integrating citizenship must involve both companies and schools. Furthermore, equity is a key theme; because IVET often attracts more diverse learners, including migrants, providing civic support is both urgent and potentially highly impactful. Good practice examples, such as Malta’s Encounter project on service learning and Sweden’s workplace-based democracy schools, highlight practical ways to embed citizenship education.
VET students, exposed to pluralistic learning environments, demonstrate a higher inclination toward non-institutional civic practices like volunteering and community engagement. By promoting inclusive learning, VET helps shape more equal and inclusive societies, where individuals can reflect and work with others to improve their situation.
The study – expected to deliver evidence and a strategic guide for EU VET policymakers and providers in 2027 – is now moving into field research, starting with pilot work in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Portugal. Further case studies will follow in Romania, Czechia, Estonia and Italy.
Ultimately, the goal of this heightened EU focus, supported by a major Cedefop study, is to ensure VET learners – the future workforce and citizens of Europe – are fully included in democratic participation, fostering peace and securing a competitive future for all.