The European Union is based on a set of common, fundamental values, which include respect for human rights, dignity, freedom, equality and the rights of people belonging to minorities. However, these values have been challenged in recent times by occurrences of intolerance, racism and discrimination, which seem to be on the rise across the EU. Many European policy initiatives – such as the EU Youth Strategy or the Council Recommendation on promoting common values, inclusive education, and the European dimension of teaching – therefore call on Member States to equip citizens – and in particular young people – with intercultural awareness and competences and to combat all forms of discrimination.

In more than half of the surveyed countries, top-level authorities organise or support initiatives aimed at promoting intercultural awareness and to combat discrimination among young people both in formal and non-formal education.

Initiatives in formal education include efforts to address these issues through curriculum subjects, such as citizenship education or intercultural education, or to provide educational resources or training for teachers and other staff in education institutions.

Initiatives in the field of non-formal education include dedicated programmes or funding of projects that encourage intercultural learning and dialogue, awareness raising campaigns and websites, handbooks and training for employers, schools, professionals and citizens more generally.