Introduction

In this volume, we have carried out a multifaceted exploration of citizenship education and citizenship practices in Central and Eastern Europe focusing mainly on insights from Political Science and Education Studies. Our point of departure was the acknowledgement of a significant gap in research on citizenship, which has necessitated a more interdisciplinary discussion of the topic at hand. Each chapter of the volume has contributed a unique perspective, allowing for insights that, taken together, have deepened our understanding of citizenship practices in this dynamic region.

Key themes

Citizenship is not a monolithic concept but rather a multilayered phenomenon, shaped by historical legacies, sociopolitical contexts, and educational systems. The pluralist approach adopted throughout this volume has allowed us to spell out the diversity of citizenship practices – from the conventional to the avant-garde – and has unveiled the interplay between citizenship and democracy. In this context, education emerges as a cornerstone in shaping citizenship practices. The role of formal, non-formal, and informal educational settings in cultivating civic virtues and political engagement has thus been a recurrent theme throughout the volume. By scrutinizing these civic and educational landscapes, we have uncovered the transformative potential of education in fostering active and informed citizenship among the youth – the future generations of citizens. Moreover, our comparative lens has highlighted both convergences and divergences across countries in the region. The impact of historical legacies, societal structures, and geopolitical shifts on citizenship practices has been explored, contributing to a map of citizenship practices in this dynamic region.