On February 21-22, 2024, a significant gathering of representatives from Serbian and European universities took place in Belgrade to deliberate on the integration of competences for democratic culture into higher education programs[^1]. This expert meeting was part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe initiative titled “Quality education for all,” aimed at enhancing educational standards in Serbia[^1].
The event was inaugurated by Nadia Ćuk, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, who highlighted the essential societal role of education in fostering values such as tolerance, inclusivity, and respect for diversity—cornerstones for the promotion of human rights and the development of progressive communities[^1]. Anamarija Viček, State Secretary in the Ministry of Education, and Vesna Atanasova from the Education Department of the Council of Europe, both underscored the critical function of higher education in preparing educators who are not only critically aware but also embody democratic values[^1].
Mirjana Maksimović, representing the Delegation of the European Union, expressed gratitude towards the Ministry of Education and the Council of Europe for their enduring partnership in promoting quality education in Serbia, emphasizing the significance of such collaborations in advancing educational standards[^1].
The conference featured international experts from prestigious institutions, including Queen’s University Belfast, the Catholic University of Valencia, the University of Barcelona, the University of Humanistic Studies Utrecht, Leeds Beckett University, and the University of Helsinki. These experts shared their experiences and insights on incorporating the Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture (RFCDC) into higher education curricula[^1].
The second day of the meeting saw dynamic discussions among Serbian university representatives and international experts on how to adapt and implement the strategies and practices presented to fit the Serbian educational context. The exchange of ideas included aligning university policies with RFCDC values, promoting diversity among staff, integrating research and education with social purposes, engaging students with local communities, and developing courses that incorporate aspects of the RFCDC[^1].
The meeting concluded with a commitment from the participants to apply the knowledge gained to enhance the quality and inclusivity of higher education in Serbia. An international experts’ task force will be established to continue working on the identified models according to local needs[^1].
Suggested Reading:
[https://www.coe.int/en/web/education/-/representatives-from-serbian-and-european-universities-met-to-discuss-how-to-integrate-competences-for-democratic-culture-into-higher-education-programmes](https://www.coe.int/en/web/education/-/representatives-from-serbian-and-european-universities-met-to-discuss-how-to-integrate-competences-for-democratic-culture-into-higher-education-programmes)
