CULTURAL HERITAGE IN EUROPEAN EDUCATION IN THE 21st CENTURY: CHALLENGE, DEVELOPMENT, AND PROSPECTS

The analysis of the European educational system focuses on the necessity of developing a modern educational model that recognizes the significance of cultural heritage and integrates it harmoniously into the demands of modern society, in a rapidly changing world. Linking the past with the future constitutes a central pillar of European education, as the identity and values that have shaped European society must not be neglected but rather incorporated into the contemporary educational discourse. Through systematic and in-depth research, this article explores and elaborates on this necessity, offering a comprehensive analysis of the integration of cultural heritage within the framework of the European educational system, while acknowledging the modern challenges and the need for education to adapt to the conditions of a globalized society. Its integration into education does not imply resistance to progress but rather enhances the potential for developing a society that constructively engages in contemporary challenges. At the same time, the article highlights the importance of education in fostering social solidarity, cooperation, and respect for cultural differences. The need to promote critical thinking, empathy, and the capacity to navigate a multicultural world strengthens democratic values and deepens young people’s understanding of their cultural roots. Education in the 21st century can combine cultural heritage with modern demands, creating a coherent and resilient social fabric capable of responding to global needs without severing ties with the foundational values on which it is built.