Ages 9 to 13 · Teaching kit · PDF guide available
A learning guide for children to explore how democracy works, become democracy champions, and take action in their school and local community.
Ages 15 and over · Classroom toolkit
Four interactive classroom lessons introducing secondary students to EU decision-making and how citizens use the European Citizens' Initiative to propose new EU laws.
Ages 15 and over · Pedagogical kit
A teaching kit providing educators with practical guidance, hands-on creative activities, and discussion prompts exploring how contemporary artworks relate to democratic values.
Ages 15 and over · Illustrated publication · PDF and print copies
An introductory publication explaining what the European Union is, how its institutions take democratic decisions, and what impact EU policies have on daily life.
Ages 12 to 15 · Teaching kit
Classroom teaching materials guiding students through ethical dilemmas, exploring fundamental human rights, and examining the balance between rights and responsibilities.
Classroom handbook download:
Download the official Democracy Toolkit educator guide (PDF) · Available in all 24 EU languages.
Ages 15 and over · Online simulation game (60 min)
An online game where students take on the role of Members of the European Parliament to debate, negotiate, and vote on EU law proposals in an interactive 60-minute simulation.
Ages 12 to 15 · Illustrated booklet · PDF and free print copies
An illustrated publication for young learners discovering European history, geography, languages, and how EU countries cooperate through shared democratic values.
Ages 15 and over · Decision-making game
An interactive learning game and role-play where students take on the roles of EU, national, and city decision-makers to explore migration and integration policies.
Ages 12 and over · Video explainer
An educational video explaining the core values shared by EU countries—including human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law.
Ages 15 and over · 1-minute video series
Short, one-minute video explainers from the European Parliament detailing the role of MEPs, the democratic lawmaking process, and European elections.
Youth initiatives
Discover European Union programmes, school networks, and student competitions that empower young people to debate, connect, and participate actively in democratic life across Europe:
- ImagineEU competition for secondary schools: Students create short video concepts for a European Citizens' Initiative to win an educational study trip to Brussels.
- European Parliament Ambassador School (EPAS): Official network and certification for secondary schools actively teaching European parliamentary democracy.
- Euroscola in Strasbourg: Parliamentary simulation where secondary school students debate in the European Parliament hemicycle as Members of the European Parliament.
- EU Youth Dialogue: Connects young people directly with European decision-makers to help shape policies affecting youth.
- Experience Europe exhibition centre: Interactive exhibition centre in Brussels offering free guided workshops and games for school trips.
- Europe Direct local centres: Over 400 local centres across all EU Member States for classroom visits, guest speakers, and free publications.
- European Youth Portal: Discover EU-wide opportunities, youth exchanges, and volunteering projects.
Taking place across Europe and online, European Youth Week highlights young people's voices, active citizenship, and democratic engagement. Discover local and national events, participate in interactive discussions with decision-makers, and explore youth opportunities in your country.
Organized by the European Parliament, the European Youth Event (EYE) brings together thousands of young people aged 16 to 30 from all over the European Union and beyond. Meet other young Europeans, debate with decision-makers, and share your ideas on the future of Europe in Strasbourg and through local EYE events.
Classroom publications and print sets
Official educational publications and classroom handbooks from the European Commission and the European Parliament. Teachers and schools can download classroom materials as high-resolution PDFs or order free printed copies in bulk, delivered across the European Union in all 24 official EU languages.
- Democracy Toolkit: educator and learner guide (PDF): 44-page complete handbook with lesson plans, democratic debate activities, and student worksheets (Ages 9–13).
- Let's explore Europe! illustrated booklet (PDF): 48-page illustrated publication exploring European history, values, and institutions for secondary students (Ages 12–15). Order free print copies in bulk.
- The European Union: what it is and what it does (PDF and print): 64-page comprehensive flagship guide on EU decision-making and democratic checks and balances (Ages 15+). Free physical classroom sets available.
- Art in Democracy: pedagogical kit (PDF): European Parliament educator handbook connecting contemporary artworks with freedom of expression and democracy (Ages 15+).
- A short guide to the EU (PDF): Compact illustrated guide to EU institutions and citizens' rights. Order print copies.
Need bulk classroom sets? Browse and order printed materials with free delivery across the EU through the EU Publications Office catalogue.