Following the 26th session of the Council of Europe Standing Conference of Ministers of Education held in Strasbourg on 28 – 29 September 2023, the members of the Bureau of the Council of Europe Education Policy Advisors Network (EPAN) met to discuss how the Network can support priorities and actions agreed by the Ministers of Education during the Conference.

The meeting was opened by Sarah Keating, Head of Division for Formal and Non-Formal Education, who updated members about the key results from the Conference and presented the Resolution on Renewal of Civic Education. The resolution envisions a creation of an European Space for Citizenship Education which will provide a comprehensive legal framework for quality citizenship education in Europe and create a "European space" for co-operation between member States committed to democratic values and principles. As first step, the Bureau members engaged in lively discussions and brainstormed on principles and elements to be codified in the preparatory work for this new instrument which will capitalize on the extensive experience of the Council of Europe spanning over two decades on education’s unique role in supporting a culture of democracy.

Among other issues discussed were the ongoing review on the implementation of the Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture (RFCDC), the RFCDC and Vocational Education and Training, the upcoming work on RFCDC and education for sustainable development, introductory training course on the RFCDC and the Council of Europe co-operation projects.

The Members of the EPAN Bureau include education representatives from Georgia, Germany, Ireland, Serbia and Switzerland.