Promoting Inclusive and Intercultural Education through the Next Generation EU Framework: A Comparative Analysis of National Recovery and Resilience Plans

The Next Generation EU (NGEU) 2021–2026 initiative offers a strategic opportunity to advance inclusive and intercultural education across Europe. This study explores how reforms and investments outlined in the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs) of selected EU member states foster inclusive educational practices and the development of intercultural and social competences within education and training systems.
A comparative and compilative analysis was conducted, examining NRRPs from Northern-Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and Mediterranean Europe. Official policy documents, governmental reports, and EU strategic frameworks were analyzed to identify objectives, implementation strategies, resource allocation, and monitoring mechanisms aimed at enhancing intercultural and inclusive education.
The analysis highlights both convergences and divergences in approaches to inclusive and intercultural education. Northern-Central European countries emphasize structured curricula and teacher professional development, while Mediterranean and Eastern European countries prioritize infrastructure, digital tools, and policy measures to promote participation. Variations in governance, resources, and strategic focus influence the effectiveness and reach of interventions, demonstrating the role of context in policy implementation.
NRRPs function as pivotal instruments for promoting inclusive and intercultural education. Their regional impact depends on governance structures, resource distribution, and policy priorities. The findings offer insights for future European educational policies, stressing the importance of targeted investments, capacity building, and harmonized evaluation frameworks to ensure sustainable and effective intercultural education practices.