Volume 1, Issue 2 June 2017
Welcome to the regular update on research for the CULT Committee. In this issue we focus on the study “Teaching Common Values in Europe”, published in May 2017. It explores the teaching of common values in Europe, in particular democracy and tolerance—if and how they are addressed by EU Member States’ official curricula for students in secondary education. The role of civil society and non-governmental organisations is also considered. Country chapters set out the situation in 12 EU Member States and show that in many cases, there are considerable gaps between general policy aims and concrete implementing measures, and between policy and practice. Read the full study here. Busy and in need of quick input on the subject? Check out the briefing that provides the key conclusions and recommendations in a nutshell. The presentation in the CULT Committee is scheduled for 29 June at 9:30 in ASP 3G3.

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Also in this issue
- Follow-up briefing on Euronews
- Recent research for CULT Committee
- Upcoming research for CULT Committee
- External publications of interest
Follow-up briefing on Euronews
In a follow-up to the joint hearing of the CULT and CONT committees on Euronews in April, an internal briefing has been prepared for CULT Committee Members. It summarises the recent developments regarding the ownership structure of the channel and the relationship with the European Commission.
Recent research for CULT Committee
European Identity
This study seeks to examine the concept, challenges and prospects of ‘collective identity’ in a European context. The text acknowledges the complex nature of collective identities in general and a common ‘European identity’ in particular. On that basis, the study critically assesses the potential of cultural and political approaches to foster allegiances with a supranational body politic such as the European Union. Particular attention is paid to the role of history and historical remembrance, as well as that of bottom-up initiatives aimed at active civic engagement, in strengthening a European sense of belonging. Presentation in CULT planned for 11 July.
Minority languages and education, 2nd edition
An in-depth comparative analysis of thirteen language case studies providing insight on the situation of education in minority languages in Europe. Indications of best practices are described and challenges that minority languages face in education are highlighted. Specific attention is directed to vocational education and career perspectives. The study recommends ways in which the EU can support minority languages in education.
Migrant Education: Monitoring and Assessment
A first attempt to explore the monitoring and assessment of migrant education in EU countries. The main dimensions of monitoring and assessment are governance, monitoring, evaluation and assessment of individual outcomes. Country reports on these dimensions in 27 EU Member States reveal that little has been done to monitor and assess migrant education, but that most countries already have an enabling infrastructure. Presentation in CULT to be scheduled in the 2nd half of the year.
Upcoming research for CULT Committee
In response to requests from the CULT Committee, the Policy Department for Structural and Cohesion Policies aims to deliver studies on the following subjects in the second half of 2017:
- European Solidarity Corps and Volunteering; [completed in September 2017]
- Modernisation of Higher Education; [completed in October 2017]
- Best practices in safeguarding cultural heritage.
External publications of interest
- European Audiovisual Observatory (2017): Mapping of media literacy practices and actions in EU-28
- Eurocities (2017): Cities’ Actions for the Education of Refugees and Asylum Seekers
- Working group of EU Member States experts on intercultural dialogue in the context of the migratory and refugee crisis under the open method of coordination (2017): How Culture and the Arts can promote intercultural dialogue in the context of the migratory and refugee crisis
- LangOER- Enhance teaching and learning of less used languages through OER/OEP: 3-year network funded by the Commission.