The purpose of this research is to investigate whether the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 15 "Revenue from contracts with customers” adoption affects earnings quality proxied by accrual-based and real earnings management activities. Using a sample of 3 327 observations from the STOXX Europe 600 index between 2012 and 2023, this study employs a differences-in-differences design. Results show that the IFRS 15 adoption had no significant effect on either accrual-based or real earnings management. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that provides a comprehensive examination of both accrual-based and real earnings management practices in the European context between the pre- versus post-mandatory IFRS 15 adoption periods. Standards setters should inquire whether the mandatory IFRS 15 adoption has accomplished its stated objective of enhancing comparability and financial reporting quality. The findings of the study do not imply that IFRS 15 is not relevant, but rather other factors may influence earnings management activities. Furthermore, the results are of interest to investors and analysts who seek to understand the impact of the new revenue recognition standard on earning quality.