Portugal Restructures Citizenship Education
Portugal is implementing a comprehensive reform of the Citizenship and Development course, which is mandatory across all education levels from primary school to the final year of secondary education. The Revised National Strategy for Citizenship Education, approved by the Council of Ministers on 29 August, came into effect in the 2025/2026 school year. The new framework emphasizes that Citizenship Education is not merely a curriculum component but a whole-school approach that encompasses all elements of school life. This approach aims to support democratic participation both inside and outside of school by centering the active engagement of students, families, and local communities.
As part of the reform process, the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MECI) conducted an open public consultation between 21 July and 5 August 2025. During this period, more than 10,000 contributions were submitted by civil society organizations and education stakeholders. The new strategy establishes eight thematic areas to be addressed within the Citizenship and Development component in all schools, including Human Rights, Sustainable Development, Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship, Pluralism and Cultural Diversity, and Media.
By December 2025, all schools will be required to prepare their own Citizenship Education Strategy. These strategies will outline the thematic areas selected for each grade level, teaching methods, collaborations with community organizations, assessment tools, and monitoring processes.