Editorial introduction to the issue ‘Fostering democratic citizenship in the Nordic and Baltic countries’

This special issue collectively explores the multifaceted landscape of democratic citizenship education (DCE) in Europe, delving into critical aspects ranging from fostering civic identity in youth to navigating misinformation in the digital age, and from designing transformative pedagogies to addressing the complexities of assessment. Through a variety of research methods, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches, the studies of this issue analyse various possibilities and challenges to the development of democratic citizenship, with particular emphasis on the role of education and assessment for young citizens in schools and higher education institutions. Across these contributions, a compelling narrative emerges: effectively preparing young people for active, informed, and reflective democratic participation requires holistic, responsive, and ethically mindful educational approaches. The articles in this special issue underscore that democratic citizenship education is not merely about transmitting facts, but about cultivating a living, evolving engagement with democratic principles. This requires conscious effort from policymakers, school leaders, and especially educators to create environments that empower young people to critically navigate complex information, engage constructively with diverse perspectives, and recognise their own capacity to shape the democratic future.