Digital education in Europe is entering a new phase

Update 06.07.2026

6 Minute(s)

The European Union and Portugal are investing in digital literacy for all.

Digital Education

Digital Skills

Portugal Digital Strategy

Digital Skills Pact

In Detail

Digital education is a strategic priority for both the European Union and Portugal. As technology becomes more prevalent in schools, workplaces, public services and everyday life, developing digital skills has become essential for ensuring greater autonomy, inclusion and informed civic participation.

This was the central theme of the European Digital Education Hub's (EDEH) annual event, a European Commission initiative under the Digital Education Action Plan. The event brings together public bodies, schools, experts and education organisations from across Europe. Held under the motto “Collaborate for Impact: Advancing European Digital Education and Skills', the event emphasised the importance of European collaboration in enhancing digital education and equipping students, teachers, workers and citizens with the necessary skills.

The message is clear: digital skills are now essential for studying, working, accessing public services, communicating safely, and participating in society with greater autonomy.

Artificial intelligence in education

One of the key topics was the new AI Literacy Framework, which was presented by the European Commission and the OECD with the support of international experts, including CodeAI (formerly Code.org).

The framework is intended for primary and secondary education, and is designed to help schools, teachers, educational leaders, and policymakers integrate artificial intelligence responsibly into educational settings. It is structured around four areas of competence:

Engaging with AI: understanding how these tools work and how they can be used.

Creating with AI: exploring its potential to support learning and content creation.

Managing AI: promoting safe, ethical and responsible use.

Designing and Shaping AI: encouraging critical participation in the development and application of these technologies.

The framework is accompanied by practical classroom examples to help translate the guiding principles into concrete learning activities.

According to the European Commission, around 68% of teenagers already use AI tools, although many education systems still lack structured approaches to integrating this technology into curricula. Roxana Mînzatu, the European Commission's Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, emphasised that AI literacy is a fundamental skill for young people, and that the responsible use of AI should be taught from an early age.

Artificial intelligence can support teaching and learning, but its use must be based on clear rules. It is crucial to safeguard personal data, foster critical thinking, combat misinformation, and guarantee the ethical, safe, and responsible use of these tools.

Digital skills for life

Digital transformation requires a wide range of skills, from basic digital tool usage to specialised fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, cybersecurity and cloud computing.

For this reason, digital training should not be confined to school or the beginning of a professional career. It should support people throughout their lives, with tailored responses for different age groups, professions, levels of knowledge and specific needs.

As part of the Digital Europe Programme, the European Union has set a target for 80% of adults to have at least basic digital skills by 2030. This target highlights the importance of empowering individuals to use digital technologies, platforms and services with greater confidence, autonomy and security.

The Digital Skills Pact

In Portugal, this priority is linked to the Portugal Digital Strategy and the Digital Skills Pact. The latter was approved by the government through Resolution of the Council of Ministers No. 216/2025, and is included in the Portugal Digital Strategy's 2026–2027 Action Plan. This Action Plan was also approved by the Council of Ministers through Resolution No. 214/2025.

The Pact is structured around four areas of action and one cross-cutting strand:

Basic digital skills;

Intermediate and advanced digital skills;

Emerging technological skills;

A cross-cutting strand dedicated to coordinating, monitoring and implementing the planned measures.

The aim is to provide training to 2.8 million people in Portugal by 2030, including approximately 1.9 million in basic skills, 800,000 in intermediate skills, and 100,000 in advanced skills. Measures include creating a network of Community Digital Agents, setting up mobile digital training units, and developing a 'digital training wallet' to be integrated into the Gov.pt app. Particular focus will be given to vulnerable groups, rural areas, and citizens aged 45 to 70 with an education level below upper secondary.

Empowering people to include and transform

Digital education is now a priority at both the European and national levels. Technology plays a key role in education, work, the economy, public administration, and the relationship between public administration and citizens.

The goal is clear: to promote digital inclusion, empower citizens and support businesses and institutions in their digital transformation. It is also to ensure that new tools, including artificial intelligence, are used safely and responsibly in the public interest.