1. THE EU MUST BE TAUGHT

A framework of governance that is scarcely understood and fails to engage people is likely to be one built on sand. Here lies an important role for national education systems in fostering a dynamic and evolving European political culture. We have not been able to obtain an overall picture of how extensively the Union’s history, purposes, institutions and development are taught in our different education systems. We have no clear idea what proportion of our citizens is exposed to any formal teaching about the Union. Consultations carried out by the Commission for its White Paper on Youth Policies in Europe uncovered a demand from young people for some kind of education on Europe in schools. They want non-partisan, accurate information, dealing, for instance, with cultural, historical and geographical issues.

2. EDUCATION
2.1. Teach in schools the history, development and objectives of the European
Union Europe needs a younger generation with an educated awareness of the Union and the confidence to debate and seek to influence its purposes. Each Member State should
review primary and secondary school curricula to see what extent, if any, the Union has any place. It should then launch a public debate on whether there is a need for change.
The Union could also offer systematic support for training teachers in European affairs.

2.2. Work with schools of journalism to ensure that the training of young
journalists includes knowledge of the institutions, their roles and powers and their
policies on information and communications.
The Commission and the Member states should consider funding European modules in
journalism training schools designed to familiarise students and mid-career journalists with European issues and institutions. The Commission could even design its own module and make it available on-line as well as create traineeships inside the institution for journalists. Exchange schemes could also be supported to give trainees experience outside of their home country, although there would clearly be language problems to be overcome.