Inclusive education for European citizenship: The double pathway

Abstract

Education for citizen participation is fundamental for Europe at this time. The European Commission itself and the Council recognize this in several reports on the educational agenda. However, there are multiple learning and participation barriers in the education systems of the member states, which draws a double pathway. All European citizens need a minimum education that allows them to be part of common projects, but this implies an education for all, in equity, with equal opportunities to develop and contribute to society with the particular skills each person has. In other words: this requires accepting that education is inclusive or it is not education.The literature on this topic is reviewed throughout thispaper, making a critical interpretation in order to argue how inclusive education for European citizenship benefits all people. In fact, the segregation or simply not taking into account certain citizens with certain limitations harms us all and does not suit anyone. This work concludes with proposals to improve the current European educational model.