Shared Histories for a Europe without Dividing Lines

EPA was invited as a stakeholder to contribute to this very interesting and very important project of the Council of Europe that has just finished. The outcome of the 5-year project is a ground-breaking inter-active e-book on shared European histories. It has been launched nearly on Europe Day (May 5), marking the 60th anniversary of the Council of Europe’s European Cultural Convention. Apart from the fact that there is a part of the book that is provided by EPA, it is a good tool to widen our knowledge as parents, to share it with our children and also to recommend it to history teachers for classroom use.

Quality education and language competences for 21st century society: traditions, challenges and visions

This somewhat belated blog entry is the report of the 20-21 March 2014 Council of Europe conference held at the European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) in Graz. EPA was represented by Vice Secretary Arja Krauchenberg and our Ambassador, Johannes Theiner. The event was organised by Austria, holding the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers.

Council of Europe Conference on the Picture and Professional Ethos of Teachers

EPA was invited to represent the view of parents as stakeholders at this event held on 24-25 April 2014 on a very important topic: what the demands of the 21st century are for teachers to stand up for the challenges of this very complex world to educate the new generations towards a democratic life in a society that is diverse in many ways. EPA was represented by or Vice President, Oren Gostiaux who participated in a round table discussion entitled "What is the perfect teacher for you?"

"Let's create a better internet together" - Safer Internet Day 2014

The 11th Safer Internet Day is celebrated worldwide on Tuesday 11 February 2014. The theme for the day is: "Let's create a better internet together". On his day all stakeholders – children and young people, parents and carers, teachers and educators, industry and politicians – are asked to join Insafe in marking the day and working together to build a better internet for all, but particularly children and young people.

Council of Europe: 24th Meeting of the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education in Helsinki

EPA's President was invited to join the delegation of INGO (Conference of International Non-Governmental Organisations) at this conference.

Pestalozzi Programme of the Council of Europe

The PESTALOZZI Programme is the Council of Europe programme for the professional development of teachers and education actors. It bases its work on the standards and reference texts of the Council of Europe, such as recommandations and conventions. It also produces training and teaching resources. 
You will find in this section the relevant reference texts and publications as well as the pedagogical resources and reports that result from the various training activities.

Code of Good Practice for Civil Participation

(Council of Europe document)


The involvement of NGOs in the different steps of the political decision-making process  varies based on the intensity of participation. There are four gradual levels of participation, from least to most participative. These are: information; consultation; dialogue; and partnership.

The Code offers a repertoire of good practices. It  does not have a mandatory character, does not prescribe rules, or require enforcement mechanisms. It offers all actors in the democratic process guidelines stemming from concrete practical experience of dialogue and co-operation between NGOs and public authorities. The final aim is to facilitate their interaction and to enhance citizens’ empowerment and participation in the democratic process at local, regional and national levels.