A new international study titled “Alignment of physical education curricula with physical literacy across Europe: an observational mapping study with country-level predictors” has been published, offering important insights into the state of physical education across Europe. The study involved WBSI Lab members, Prof. Dr. Bojan Mašanović and Prof. Dr. Stevo Popović. Published in the prestigious journal The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, the research examined the extent to which school physical education curricula are aligned with the modern concept of physical literacy, an approach that emphasizes not only physical activity, but also the development of motivation, knowledge, and a positive attitude toward movement throughout life.
By analyzing data from 40 European countries, the authors revealed significant differences in how physical education is designed and implemented. While some countries have successfully integrated principles that encourage creativity, autonomy, and the long-term adoption of healthy habits, others still rely on more traditional approaches. Interestingly, the quality of these programs was not directly linked to a country’s economic strength, but rather to its level of education, social development, and innovation capacity.
This study raises an important question: are schools adequately preparing children for an active and healthy life, or is it necessary to rethink physical education in line with modern societal needs? For this reason, its findings can serve as valuable guidance for policymakers and educational institutions, pointing to directions in which curricula can evolve so that physical activity becomes a lifelong value, rather than merely a school obligation.
The full article is available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101641