This report presents the definition and framework for developing composite indicators of active citizenship, the process of building a composite indicator and the results obtained from the indicators in terms of European cross-country comparisons. The framework and indicators used in this report are based on recommendations emerging from the research project on “Active Citizenship for Democracy” coordinated by the Centre for Research on Lifelong Learning (CRELL) of the European Commission. The Active Citizenship Composite Indicator (ACCI) covers 19 European countries and is based on a list of 63 basic indicators for which the data has been principally drawn from the European Social Survey of 2002. The ACCI shows a heterogeneous Europe where Nordic countries lead and southern European countries perform well in Values and Political Life but lag behind in Civil Society and Community Life dimensions. Explanations for these results are discussed in the report. The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of EU policies. As a service of the European Commission, the JRC functions as a reference centre of science and technology for the Union. Close to the policymaking process, it serves the common interest of the Member States, while being independent of special interests, whether private or national. LB -N A -2230-EN -C