Four Years of Progress: Celebrating the Digital Education Action Plan
25/06/2025
On 24 June 2025, the European Commission hosted the Digital Education Stakeholder Forum in Brussels, marking the 4th anniversary of the Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027). The forum gathered hundreds of educators, policymakers, researchers, civil society representatives, and innovators to reflect on progress and chart the next steps toward the Digital Education Roadmap 2030.
A Vision for the Future: EVP Roxana Mînzatu’s Keynote
Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu set the tone with a keynote underlining that education and skills are as crucial as defence in today’s geopolitical and technological climate. Her call was clear: investment is needed to ensure every European citizen—not just workers—is equipped for a transforming society.
She stressed the following key points:
- The “Union of Skills” must bring together national and regional efforts for a unified European approach to upskilling.
- By 2030, 90% of jobs will require digital skills, yet 50% of adults in the EU lack even basic digital competence.
- The upcoming European Education Digital Hub and STEM education centres will serve as digital bridges between schools and universities.
- The newly released EU guidelines on AI literacy aim to build critical understanding and responsible use of AI in education.
- “Digital goes circular”: Educators must teach sustainable digital practices in line with circular economy goals.
- The EU is aiming to train 1 million girls in STEM by 2028.
- The Digital Education Roadmap 2030, to be released by year’s end, will enshrine digital skills as a foundational social right.
Forum Programme Highlights
The event featured a rich and participatory programme that combined policy dialogue with practical exchange. High-level panel discussions addressed key topics such as the Union of Skills and its role in building a European Education Area, the growing importance of AI literacy and inclusion, and how to safeguard digital wellbeing for both learners and educators.
Participants also engaged in hands-on workshops focused on implementing AI in classrooms, harnessing EdTech to drive innovation in VET and schools, and integrating circular economy principles into digital education. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed multiple opportunities for networking and collaboration, all designed to encourage peer learning and exchange among ministries, universities, NGOs, SMEs, and EU institutions.
Global Talent Shines: Digital Education Hackathon Winners
One of the most inspiring moments of the day was the announcement of the winners of the Global Digital Education Hackathon. Teams of students from Mexico, Peru, and Italy (University of Trento) were recognized for their innovative solutions in digital learning, inclusiveness, and AI-enhanced pedagogy. Their projects demonstrated the power of youth-driven innovation and the truly global reach of Europe’s digital education efforts.
A Forum of Meaningful Connection
Beyond speeches and sessions, the Forum provided vital opportunities for networking and collaboration among stakeholders across sectors. The face-to-face setting allowed for the creation of new partnerships and the strengthening of shared commitments to inclusive, accessible, and future-ready digital education.
