European Commission publishes report on promoting STEM education in schools across Europe
On May 8, 2026, the European Commission published the final report “Promoting STEM education in schools”, dedicated to the development of STEM education across European school systems and the analysis of policies, challenges, and practices related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education
The report provides a comprehensive overview of national and European approaches to STEM education development based on extensive research, 265 stakeholder interviews, thematic focus groups, analysis of Erasmus+ and other EU-funded initiatives, as well as comparative analysis across EU Member States and selected partner countries
Among the key challenges identified are fragmented governance, teacher shortages, rigid curricula, unequal access to infrastructure, limited use of non-formal learning, and weak monitoring and evaluation frameworks for STEM education outcomes
At the same time, the report highlights promising practices emerging across Europe, including:
- integrated national STEM strategies;
- interdisciplinary and inquiry-based learning approaches;
- strengthened teacher professional development;
- investment in educational infrastructure;
- expanded partnerships with industry, research institutions, and civil society
Particular attention is given to the role of European Union programmes and instruments, especially Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and the Recovery and Resilience Facility, in supporting national STEM reforms. The report underlines the need for stronger policy coherence, sustainability of reforms, and evidence-informed policymaking
The publication also provides recommendations for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders on advancing inclusive, high-quality, and future-oriented STEM education across Europe
Further information and the full report are available on the Publications Office of the European Union website:
Promoting STEM education in schools