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) each year. 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 1) fostering the development of a high-performing digital education ecosystem and 2) enhancing digital skills and competences for the digital transformation.
Key Points:
How will it impact Irish civil society organisations?
The Digital Education Action Plan will provide civil society organisations with various opportunities to upskill both their workforce and their beneficiaries. Through the Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ funding programmes, civil society organisations will also be 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 new European Digital Education Hub which will support cross-sector collaboration and new models for exchange of digital learning content at a national and regional level.
The Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) is the EU’s first financial instrument focused on bringing digital technology to businesses and citizens. With a planned overall budget of €7.5 billion, the Digital Europe Programme will fund 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 will provide opportunities for civil society organisations to access funding to engage in activities which address the programme’s objectives. Other EU funding programmes will provide additional investments in the area of digital transformation to complement DIGITAL including the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme. Civil society organisations will be able to access these funding streams through various calls for tenders and 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 here.
Shaping Europe's Digital Future
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 virtual events and activities.
In the lead-up to May 2019, volunteers helped raise awareness about the issues that matter most to them, their friends and families. From climate change to data protection, thousands of EU citizens throughout Europe organised activities, events and debates to remind others that participation in pan-European platforms is essential to dealing with today's challenges.
Check out the latest events organised by the European Parliament and the together.eu community, happening online and across Europe, by joining together.eu here.
Following the European elections in May 2019, 11 MEPs representing Ireland's three constituencies, Dublin, South and Midlands-North-West, took their seats in the European Parliament on 2 July 2019 for Parliament's 9th term.
With the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union on 31 January 2020, Ireland gained an additional two MEPs. Barry Andrews (Fianna Fáil/ Renew Europe), Dublin, and Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael/ EPP), South, took up their seats in the European Parliament on 1 February 2020.
Who are your MEPs and how can you contact them? We have gathered the information for you here.
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 here.
