Editorial introduction: Special Issue on 'Music Education in Europe'.

This Special Issue focuses on popular music education across Europe, presenting research and perspectives from scholars in eight countries, including the Czech Republic, Finland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom. It addresses the challenges posed by Europe's cultural, political, linguistic, and educational fragmentation, as well as differing national histories and identities, which have limited cross-cultural dissemination of research in this field. The collection explores diverse national contexts, pedagogical approaches, policy influences, and the complex meanings of "popular music" within Europe, highlighting tensions between popular and western art music traditions. Articles examine institutional leadership, informal learning via social media, religious influences, inclusive pedagogy, and hegemonic policy narratives, aiming to enhance understanding and inclusion in popular music education amid Europe's ongoing social and political challenges.