This article offers the first large-scale comparative analysis of pupils’ and teachers’ perspectives on homosexuality using two waves (2013 and 2017) of self-collected data through questionnaires issued in eight European countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, Spain, Poland, Hungary and Turkey. Using these unique data, the authors examine to what extent differences prevail across countries, what mechanisms explain the differences, and how the differences change over time. The results indicate significant differences across countries. Moreover, although a positive trend can be observed between the two waves of the survey, in some countries the general climate towards homosexuality is reversing.

This paper captures the lessons learned from Homo’poly, an ERASMUS+ project on awareness and understanding of homosexuality in schools. Homo’poly was implemented between 2016 and 2019 in eight European countries: Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Turkey, Hungary and the United Kingdom. Throughout the project, partner institutions noted that homophobia, a lack of wider community engagement and (notably in Central and Eastern Eruope) limited political support proved to be significant stumbling blocks. The authors build on a survey of partner institutions to further explore these challenges and set out proposed directions for future activities and research.

Given the expected advantages for individuals and societies, financial literacy is high on the policy agenda in many countries. This paper reports the results from a unique survey conducted on a sample of 13–16-year-old students in five European countries, aimed at measuring and comparing their level of financial literacy skills. The results indicate significant differences in the level of financial literacy across countries that are interpreted in the light of the differences in the countries’ educational policies and experiences with financial education. The findings suggest that supra-national coordinated action is needed to guarantee better financial knowledge and safeguard economic stability in future crises. JEL-classification: I21; G53; O57; O16.

The authors acknowledge financial support of the government of the German-speaking Community of Belgium, Steunpunt Onderwijsonderzoek (SONO) of the Flemish Ministry of Education, and KU Leuven Fund for Fair Open Access. The views expressed in this publication are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the German-speaking Community of Belgium or the Flemish government.

Schools should offer a safe and secure environment for all young people to develop, to learn, and to thrive. Sadly, for many, they fall short. Homophobic and transphobic behaviour is still painfully common in schools across Europe. A significant number of LGBT pupils experience homophobic and transphobic bullying, and they are more likely to experience violence than heterosexual peers. This publication explores the underlying attitudes towards homosexuality in eight European countries: Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Turkey. It is the product of a strategic partnership (KA2) between fifteen European secondary and higher education institutions, launched in 2016 under the auspices of the European Commisson’s ERASMUS+ programme. The project supported by this partnership, Homo’poly, promotes greater understanding and acceptance of homosexuality with the explicit aim of improving the school life of LGB pupils.