Embedding EU values in teaching and learning in higher education

The EmbED-EU project aimed to design and implement a comprehensive approach for embedding European Union values in higher education teaching and learning. Its main objective was to empower academi...

The EmbED-EU project aimed to design and implement a comprehensive approach for embedding European Union values in higher education teaching and learning. Its main objective was to empower academic staff to consciously integrate EU values, such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, and respect for human rights, into their pedagogical practice. The project sought to achieve this by developing three interconnected results: (1) the EUCompAL Framework, defining the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed by lecturers to teach in alignment with EU values; (2) a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) offering professional development and practical strategies for embedding these values; and (3) a digital self-assessment tool enabling lecturers to reflect on and evaluate their own practices. Additionally, the project aimed to produce policy recommendations to guide institutions and decision-makers. EmbED-EU aspired to foster a community of practice among European educators committed to creating inclusive, democratic, and value-driven learning environments that reinforce the social mission of universities.

The EmbED-EU project was implemented through four work packages combining research, co-creation, and digital innovation. First, a needs analysis and literature review were conducted to identify how EU values are currently represented in higher education and what competencies lecturers require. Based on this evidence, partners co-created the EUCompAL Framework, outlining the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to embed EU values in teaching. Using design thinking methodologies, the consortium developed the MOOC “Embedding EU Values in Higher Education,” which included study guides, video lectures, formative activities, and open-access resources structured around five thematic modules. Parallelly, a Digital Self-Assessment Tool was designed to help lecturers reflect on their teaching practices and evaluate their alignment with EU values. Each activity was co-created and tested collaboratively across partner institutions, ensuring inclusivity and quality assurance. Dissemination was carried out through seminars, a project website, and social media, engaging more than 130 educators across Europe.

The EmbED-EU project delivered a set of interrelated and sustainable results that collectively strengthened the integration of EU values in higher education. The first major output was the EUCompAL Framework, an 81-page document defining the competencies -knowledge, skills, and attitudes- required by academics to embed EU values in their teaching practice. The second was the MOOC “Embedding EU Values in Higher Education,” an open-access online course featuring five interactive modules with study guides, video lectures, transcripts, and formative activities, which attracted over 130 registered participants. The third was the Digital Self-Assessment Tool, an online interactive platform that enables educators to evaluate their teaching in relation to EU values without the need for personal data, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. Additionally, the consortium produced a Policy Recommendations Report offering practical guidelines for institutions and policymakers, and disseminated outcomes through conferences, seminars, and social media. The project also generated 2 academic papers in indexed journals and 2 papers published in international conferences.