European schools implement new curricula and face staffing challenges

As the 2026/2027 school year begins across Central and Eastern Europe, various nations are implementing structural changes to address labor market needs and demographic shifts.

In Serbia, the Ministry of Education has introduced six new vocational profiles, including vehicle mechatronics and renewable energy technicians, to align schooling with industry demands. High interest in these roles reflects potential high earnings for graduates. Meanwhile, regional data shows fluctuating enrollment numbers in local primary schools.

Slovenia reports a trend of decreasing primary school enrollment due to demographic changes, while secondary technical education remains popular. The country also faces staffing challenges in schools, prompting discussions regarding increased teacher autonomy. In response to the influx of students, transport authorities in Slovenia have advised elderly passengers to avoid peak travel times to prevent congestion on buses.

In the Czech Republic, schools in the South Bohemian region are expanding capacities in specialized fields like pharmacy and mechanics. However, schools in Prague are struggling to find enough teaching assistants to meet new mandatory requirements for first-grade classrooms, leading some institutions to rely on retirees or parents to fill the gaps.