Digital technology is transforming our lives – the way we work, the way we learn, and how we interact with others. The EU’s digital strategy aims to make this transformation beneficial for people, businesses and the planet, while working toward its goal of a climate-neutral Europe by 2050.
To track the development of the digital transition and the digital skills gap, the European Commission publishes the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI). Based on DESI findings, the Commission has set targets to ensure that 70% of adults have basic digital skills by 2025 and that the level of 13-14 year olds who underperform in computing and digital literacy is reduced from 30% (2019) to 15% in 2030.
The European approach to this digital transformation will be based on three pillars:
To ensure that its digital transformation goals are met, the Commission offers an extensive range of initiatives and funding instruments. These include the Digital Education Action Plan, the Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition, and the Digital Europe Programme.
The Digital Education Action Plan (DEAP) is the European Commission’s vision for high-quality, inclusive and accessible digital education in Europe for 2021-2027. Its two strategic priorities are
Key Points:
How will it impact Irish civil society organisations?
The Digital Education Action Plan provides civil society organisations with various opportunities to upskill both their workforce and their beneficiaries. Through the EU funding programmes Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, civil society organisations are able to access funding to undertake research or participate in cooperation projects addressing the Digital Education Action Plan goals. In addition, organisations can connect with the European Digital Education Hub which supports cross-sector collaboration and new models for exchange of digital learning content at a national and regional level.
The Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) focusses on bringing digital technology to businesses, citizens and public administrations. With an overall budget of €7.5 billion for 2021-2027, Digital Europe funds projects in supercomputing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, and ensuring a wide use of digital technologies across the economy and society.
Key Points:
How will it impact Irish civil society organisations?
Digital Europe provides opportunities for civil society organisations to engage in activities which address the programme’s objectives. Civil society organisations can access these funding streams through various calls for proposals throughout the 2021-2027 EU budget period.
The Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition is a partnership of companies, nonprofit organisations, educational providers and Member States who pledge to take action to boost and promote digital skills in Europe. These actions can include things like initiatives to upskill or retrain unemployed people, courses for educators or advanced training for ICT sector employees.
Key points:
How will it impact Irish civil society organisations?
The Irish Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition was launched in 2017 and includes members from academia, nonprofit organisations, the public service and formal and nonformal education. Civil society organisations can learn more about their actions and how to become involved in the Irish Digital Skills and Job Coalition.
Shaping Europe's Digital Future
Digital Education Plan - Factsheet
Decisions that are made at the EU level can have a big impact on our daily lives. At The Wheel we believe that citizens’ active participation in society is vital so they can play a part in influencing the decisions that affect them.
Here’s how you can connect with the EU:
Together.eu is an online community of pan-European active citizens interested in learning from each other and finding common ground on EU issues. Created by the European Parliament during the 2019 European elections, together.eu encourages everybody to participate in democracy through events and activities.
Together.eu connects people both locally and across Europe to meet, share knowledge, and learn new skills. The community has brought together more than 350,000 people who actively advocate the importance of voting, democracy and civic engagement. Today, together.eu stands as a vibrant, interconnected and growing community dedicated to advancing European democracy.
Check out the latest events organised by the European Parliament and the together.eu community, happening online and across Europe, by joining together.eu.
Following the European elections in June 2024, 14 MEPs representing Ireland's three constituencies, Dublin, South and Midlands-North-West, took their seats in the European Parliament on 16 July 2024 for Parliament's 10th term.
Due to demographic changes, Ireland gained one additional MEP, bringing the number of MEPs elected in 2024 to 14. The additional seat was allocated to the Midlands-North-West constituency. Going forward, the constituencies of Ireland South and Midlands-North-West will have five seats each, and the Dublin constituency will have four seats.
Who are your MEPs and how can you contact them? We have gathered the information for you!
Through involvement in EU-funded projects, you’ll deliver on current EU policy and programme goals while helping to shape future policy.
Learn more about the various EU funding programmes and the projects they support.
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