Country news
Belgium (French Community): Introduction of a progressive and transparent tuition fee system in July 2026
As part of its budget conclave, the Government of the French Community has decided to end the mechanism freezing tuition fees and to introduce a new progressive tuition fee system starting in the 2026–2027 academic year.
Estonia: New teacher career model to support professional development and teacher supply
Estonia has introduced a teacher career model with four stages linking career development directly to salary progression. Current data shows that most teachers are currently in the first two stages. This indicates a strong potential for further career progression. The model enhances transparency, supports workforce planning and strengthens both professional development and future teacher supply.
Germany: Digital Pact 2.0 expands digital education infrastructure
France: "Année de l’ingénierie 2025-2026" – Promoting engineering careers and addressing societal challenges
Over the 2025-26 school year, France is dedicating an entire academic year to engineering, in partnership with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and the Académie des Technologies. This initiative, known as the "Année de l’ingénierie", aims to highlight the critical role of engineering in addressing the scientific, technological, and societal challenges of the 21st century.
Malta: Educator Wellbeing Strategy launched for public consultation
Malta has launched a new Educator Wellbeing Strategy for public consultation, marking a significant step in strengthening support systems for educators and enhancing overall job satisfaction across the sector.
Belgium (German-Speaking Community): Fast-track education programme eases labour market integration
In Belgium’s German-speaking region, a collaborative training initiative is fast-tracking refugees by building on their prior experience and pairing practical upskilling with hands-on workplace placements.
In the German-speaking Community of Belgium, two institutes for further education (the Robert Schuman Institute and "K4") have joined forces with the employment agency to create an educational program that allows individuals to enter the hospitality industry with minimal barriers.
Greece: New Innovation Centres to boost digital skills and STEM Education in alignment with EU priorities
Greece is moving forward with the establishment of 13 Innovation Centres, one in each Regional Directorate of Education, as part of a strategic investment in the digital and innovative transformation of primary and secondary education. The Centres begin operating in the 2025/2026 school year and function as regional hubs for educational innovation and skills development.
Türkiye: New holistic, skills-based curriculum framework
The Century of Türkiye Education Model introduces a comprehensive curriculum reform covering all levels of education from pre-primary to upper secondary. It establishes a holistic, student-centred and skills-based framework integrating knowledge, competences, values and dispositions. The model emphasises balanced learner development through cross-curricular elements such as values education, social-emotional learning and systems thinking. It also promotes differentiated instruction, school-based flexibility and formative assessment.
Denmark: New funding for more staff and lower parental fees in early childhood education and care
The Danish government has decided to increase funding to municipalities in order to support more staff in early childhood settings and to reduce parental fees. This measure is part of the 2026 national budget agreement. Municipalities will receive monthly payments to implement agreed changes throughout the year. The goal is more pedagogical staff and tangible cost relief for families.
Belgium (Flemish Community): Schools for Everyone
In April 2025, Flanders launched Schools for Everyone, a long-term plan to ensure high-quality education for all pupils, including those with additional needs. The policy addresses key challenges such as capacity shortages in school, poverty-related gaps in attainment, growing demand for learning support.