Information package on the digital priority for beneficiaries and potential applicants
The ongoing digital transformation continuously impacts our societies and economies. It creates new ways to learn, train, work and actively participate in society, entertain, and communicate. Digital skills and competences are the cornerstone of social inclusion, active citizenship, employability, productivity, security, and growth.
Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps projects can play an important role in developing individual and institutional digital readiness, capacity and skills, thus offering everyone an equal opportunity to thrive in life, find employment, and be engaged citizens.
The programmes contribute to more inclusive and cohesive, greener, and digitally fit societies. Europe’s innovation capacity, developing digital skills and competences and skills in forward-looking fields, such as combating climate change, clean energy, artificial intelligence, robotics, and big data analysis, is essential for Europe's future sustainable growth and cohesion.
Digital transformation is especially important for education and training, youth work and sport, as a systemic process of change where technology is used to enable new processes and methods, with the goal to increase quality and inclusiveness of education, training and youth work. Purposeful use of digital, AI and other emerging technologies can provide new learning and communication possibilities, enhance information access, and allow for modern pedagogical approaches to enhance the quality of teaching and learning, in both formal and non-formal settings.
The following collection of guidelines, materials, and other resources provides essential information about the Horizontal Digital Priority for the National Agencies, beneficiaries, potential applicants, and other stakeholders.
Digital Priority - General information and policy background
Implementation guidelines - Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes D…
erasmus-plus.ec.europa.euThe Implementation guidelines - Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes Digital Strategy document provides guidance on how to ensure that programmes contribute systematically to the digital transition through impactful activities. The aim of the current guidelines is to engage, inspire and motivate Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps participants, beneficiaries, project coordinators and partners, implementing bodies and other stakeholders involved in the programmes to play an active part in the digital transition.
Erasmus+ Programme guide
erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu2026 annual work programme for the implementation of Erasmus+: the Union Programme for Education, Training, Youth and Sport
European Solidarity Corps Programme Guide 2026
youth.europa.euThis Guide is a tool for anybody who would like to have a thorough knowledge of what the European Solidarity Corps (referred also as 'Corps' or ‘Programme’) is about. This document is mainly addressed to organisations, institutions, bodies willing to organise activities under the European Solidarity Corps and young people wishing to get involved in solidarity activities supported by the Corps.
Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027
education.ec.europa.euThe Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027) is a renewed European Union (EU) policy initiative that sets out a common vision of high-quality, inclusive and accessible digital education in Europe, and aims to support the adaptation of the education and training systems of Member States to the digital age.
Council recommendation on Key enabling factors for successful digital education…
data.consilium.europa.euThe European Council conclusions of 9 February 2023 emphasised the need for bolder, more ambitious action to further develop the skills that are required for the green and digital transitions through education, training, upskilling and reskilling to meet the challenges of labour shortages and the transformation of jobs, including in the context of demographic challenges.
Council Recommendation on improving the provision of digital skills and compete…
data.consilium.europa.euDigital skills and competences have become vital in almost every sector of society and the economy, and are a cornerstone of social inclusion, well-being, active citizenship, employability, productivity, security and growth. All citizens need digital skills and competences in order to live, learn, work, exercise their rights, be informed, access online services, communicate, consume, and create and disseminate digital content.
Union of skills - European Commission
commission.europa.euThe European Union needs skilled people to respond to new challenges and stay competitive. But as job requirements change, many workers struggle to keep up and businesses cannot find the right talent. These skills and labour gaps are hindering European competitiveness. That is why the European Commission is introducing the union of skills, a plan to improve high quality education, training, and lifelong learning.
STEM Education Strategic Plan (legal document) - European Education Area
education.ec.europa.euCommunication on the European Union's strategic plan to address critical challenges in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education
The EU Youth Strategy
youth.europa.euThe EU Youth Strategy is the framework for EU youth policy cooperation for 2019-2027, based on the Council Resolution of 26 November 2018. EU youth cooperation shall make the most of youth policy's potential. It fosters youth participation in democratic life; it also supports social and civic engagement and aims to ensure that all young people have the necessary resources to take part in society.
European Youth Work Agenda
eur-lex.europa.euResolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the Framework for establishing a European Youth Work Agenda
European Education Area
education.ec.europa.euThe European Education Area (EEA) initiative structures collaboration between Member States and stakeholders to build more resilient and inclusive national education systems. EEA has several focus areas, also Digital Education.
Europe's Digital Decade
digital-strategy.ec.europa.euThere are still many challenges associated with the digital transformation. The digital world should be based on European values – where no one is left behind, everyone enjoys freedom, protection and fairness. Europe’s Digital Decade is where everyone has the skills to use everyday technology.
European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan
ec.europa.euThe Action Plan sets out concrete initiatives to turn the European Pillar of Social Rights into reality. It proposes headline targets for the EU by 2030.
Good practices and research on the Digital Priority
Selection of good practices 2024
www.oph.fiThe materials on good practices offer ideas, examples and inspiration on how digital transformation can be implemented in education, training and youth work. This collection of good practices provides examples on digital transformation in the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps projects.
Inspiring Good Practices on Implementing the Digital Priority
www.oph.fiThe materials on good practices offer ideas, examples and inspiration on how digital transformation can be implemented in education, training and youth work. This booklet contains a brief description of 14 Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps projects on implementing the Horizontal Digital Priority. In addition, it provides inspiration and illustrates possibilities for implementing the digital transformation.
Perspectives on Digital Transformation in Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corp…
www.oph.fiThe practical aim of the study is to identify and analyze relevant good practice projects that address the horizontal Digital Priority within Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps. The study applies a rubric as a systematic framework for identifying and analyzing best practices. These projects are significant in fostering the development of a high-performing digital education ecosystem and in enhancing digital skills and competences for digital transformation, in line with the EU’s Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027).
ERASMUS+ projects focusing on digital skills and engaging young people in vocat…
op.europa.euThis report investigates how Erasmus+ projects (2018-2021 KA2 calls) have contributed to enhancing basic and advanced digital skills in initial and continuing vocational education and training (VET) as well as their contribution to improving outreach about learning and career pathways to young persons neither in employment nor education or training (NEETs) and vulnerable groups.
Erasmus+ Project Results platform
erasmus-plus.ec.europa.euThe Project Results Platform hosts a wealth of information about Erasmus+ projects. Whether you're interested in applying for funding, or just curious about what the European Union does to support education, training, youth and sport, this database will inform you.
European Solidarity Corps project results database
youth.europa.euEuropean Solidarity Corps project results database has access to all funded European Solidarity Corps projects.
Supporting the digital transformation of Vocational Education and Training
dx.doi.orgThis research informs policies to ensure EU VET systems remain competitive, offering quality training aligned with labor market needs. The studies highlight the importance of digital skills in VET and provide valuable insights for policymakers to address workforce competence requirements effectively.
RAY Digi: Exploring successful approaches to digital youth work
www.researchyouth.netThis research report examines successful digital youth work practices, digital competences of youth workers and young people, structural success factors of digital youth work, as well as how young people and youth workers envision the future of digital youth work.
RAY Digi: Exploring successful approaches to digital youth work (Key findings)
www.researchyouth.netThis document presents key findings of the research Exploring successful approaches to digital youth work and has 10 lessons on digital youth work. It also has reflection and planning tools for digital youth work practices.
Materials for beneficiaries and potential applicants to support the implementation of the Digital Priority in the projects
Implementation guidelines - Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes D…
erasmus-plus.ec.europa.euThe Implementation guidelines - Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes Digital Strategy document provides guidance on how to ensure that programmes contribute systematically to the digital transition through impactful activities. The aim of the current guidelines is to engage, inspire and motivate Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps participants, beneficiaries, project coordinators and partners, implementing bodies and other stakeholders involved in the programmes to play an active part in the digital transition.
SALTO Digital Onepager: How to identify good practices in the project
www.oph.fiOnepagers are compact and easy-to-use resources that introduce various frameworks and tools for use in projects to support the digital transformation. The framework for identifying good practices on the digital transformation serves as a tool for getting deeper insights on the implementation of the digital transformation within a project.
Framework to identify good practices in projects 2024
www.oph.fiThis rubric provides a structured framework to identify good practices in existing projects and to plan and develop the implementation of the Digital Transformation in new projects. The framework outlines digital transformation across five key dimensions and illustrates practical implementation.
One Pager: How can you make use of DigComp in your projects?
www.oph.fiOne-pagers are compact and easy-to-use resources that introduce various frameworks and tools for use in projects to support the digital transformation. This one-pager explores how the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp) can be used in projects.
One Pager: How can you make use of the Digital Education Action Plan in your pr…
www.oph.fiOne-pagers are compact and easy-to-use resources that introduce various frameworks and tools for use in projects to support the digital transformation. The one-pager explores how the Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027 (DEAP) can be useful in planning, framing and increasing the impact and relevance of projects.
Onepager: How can you make use of the European Digital Education Hub in your pr…
www.oph.fiOne-pagers are compact and easy-to-use resources that introduce various frameworks and tools for use in projects to support the digital transformation. This one-pager introduces how the European Digital Education Hub, as a community of practice, can provide new ideas, partners and a platform to share project results.
One Pager: How to make use of SELFIE in your project?
www.oph.fiOne-pagers are compact and easy-to-use resources that introduce various frameworks and tools for use in projects to support the digital transformation. This one-pager explores how the SELFIE (Self-reflection on Effective Learning by Fostering the use of Innovative Educational Technologies) tool can be used in projects.
One Pager: How to make use of SELFIEforTEACHERS in your project?
www.oph.fiOne-pagers are compact and easy-to-use resources that introduce various frameworks and tools for use in projects to support the digital transformation. The one-pager explores how the SELFIE for TEACHERS tool can be leveraged to support competence development, self-reflection and impact assessment in projects.
OnePager: How to make use of SELFIEforTEACHERS in early childhood education in …
www.oph.fiSALTO Digital Onepagers are easy-to-use resources for National agencies, Beneficiaries and Potential Applicants of the programmes. SELFIE for TEACHERS helps early childhood educators reflect on how digital tools and technologies can enhance their professional practice.
OnePager: How to make use of SELFIE for Work-based learning in your VET project…
www.oph.fiSALTO Digital Onepagers are easy-to-use resources for National agencies, Beneficiaries and Potential Applicants of the programmes. SELFIE for work-based learning is meant for VET institutions and companies to self-reflect about organisational practices on integrating digital technology in work-based learning, teaching and training when planning a VET-project.
Onepager: How can you make use of the guidelines for tackling disinformation an…
www.oph.fiSALTO Digital Onepagers are easy-to-use resources for National agencies, Beneficiaries and Potential Applicants of the programmes. When planning your Erasmus+ or European Solidarity Corps project, consider how the project could promote digital literacy and skills on tackling disinformation.
SALTO Digital Onepager: How can you address Digital Transformation in solidarit…
www.oph.fiOnepagers are compact and easy-to-use resources that introduce various frameworks and tools for use in projects to support digital transformation in projects. This onepager explains how the Digital Transformation priority can be addressed in solidarity projects in the European Solidarity Corps Programme.
SALTO Digital Onepager:How can you address Digital Transformation in volunteeri…
www.oph.fiOnepagers are compact and easy-to-use resources that introduce various frameworks and tools for use in projects to support digital transformation in projects. This onepager explains how the Digital Transformation priority can be addressed in volunteering projects in the European Solidarity Corps programme.
Theme card: Artificial Intelligence
www.oph.fiThe Theme Cards introduce themes relevant to digital transformation in education, training and youth work. Each card also includes questions to be pondered, supporting collaborative exploration of the theme and fostering a shared understanding. This theme card provides a brief introduction to AI with a focus on the new skills needed and ethical considerations.
STEAM as an approach
www.oph.fiThe Theme Cards introduce themes relevant to digital transformation in education, training and youth work. Each card also includes questions to be pondered, supporting collaborative exploration of the theme and fostering a shared understanding. This theme card provides a brief introduction to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) as a multidisciplinary approach to preparing learners for real-world challenges.
Theme Card: Digital and Green Transition
www.oph.fiThe Theme Cards introduce themes relevant to digital transformation in education, training and youth work. Each card also includes questions to be pondered, supporting collaborative exploration of the theme and fostering a shared understanding. This theme card provides a brief introduction to the Twin Transition, the combination of the digital and green transitions that mutually reinforce one another.
SALTO Digital Theme Card: Computational Thinking
www.oph.fiThe Theme Cards introduce themes relevant to digital transformation in education, training and youth work. Each card also includes questions to be pondered, supporting collaborative exploration of the theme and fostering a shared understanding. This theme card provides a brief introduction to the basic understanding of Computational thinking as a fundamental skill for everyone and a key competence for digital transformation.
SALTO Digital Theme Card: Digital well-being
www.oph.fiThe Theme Cards introduce themes relevant to digital transformation in education, training and youth work. Each card also includes questions to be pondered, supporting collaborative exploration of the theme and fostering a shared understanding. This theme card provides a brief introduction to the Digital well-being that is a physical, cognitive, social and emotional contentment that enables individuals to interact positively in the digital aspects of their lives.
Ethical guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence and data in teaching a…
op.europa.euThese guidelines, published by the European Commission in 2023, are intended for primary and secondary teachers and can be used by educators with little or no experience with digital education. They clarify popular and widespread misconceptions about artificial intelligence (AI) that might confuse people and cause anxiety over its use, especially in education.
Guidelines on tackling disinformation and promoting digital literacy through ed…
op.europa.euThese guidelines provide hands-on guidance for teachers and educators, including practical tips and activity plans. They are designed for primary and secondary teachers with or without specialist knowledge of digital education. The guidelines aim to foster an understanding of how to enhance digital literacy and provide practical knowledge about disinformation. They provide advice on how to use digital technologies responsibly and how to assess student competences concerning digital literacy.
Cookbook of good practice projects on Digital Transformation 2024
www.oph.fiIn your project, you can approach Digital Transformation as a topic of your content, as something bringing added value to your pedagogy or methods, or both. In this cookbook, we explore together how that might happen.
The Book of ideas 2024
www.oph.fiThe materials on good practices offer ideas, examples and inspiration on how digital transformation can be implemented in education, training and youth work. This book of ideas builds on the analysed best practices, with a focus on the question “What is the next idea that could contribute further to digital transformation in education, training and youth work?”, as digital transformation requires new methods and innovative pedagogical practices.
Unlock the Power of Priorities
www.oph.fiPractical guidelines to help your international projects address the priorities of the Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps programmes.
Frameworks and tools supporting the implementation of the Digital Priority in the projects
DigComp 2.2
publications.jrc.ec.europa.euThe Digital Competence Framework for Citizen (DigComp) provides a common understanding of what digital competence is. The publication provides more than 250 new examples of knowledge, skills and attitudes that help citizens engage confidently, critically and safely with digital technologies, and new and emerging ones such as systems driven by artificial intelligence (AI).
DigCompEdu
joint-research-centre.ec.europa.euThe European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu) is a scientifically sound framework describing what it means for educators to be digitally competent. It provides a general reference frame to support the development of educator-specific digital competences in Europe.
DigCompOrg
joint-research-centre.ec.europa.euDigitally Competent Educational Organisations (DigCompOrg) provides a comprehensive and generic conceptual framework that reflects all aspects of the process of systematically integrating digital learning in educational organisations from all education sectors. It is adaptable to the particular contexts within which educational organisations, intermediaries or project developers operate
SELFIE
education.ec.europa.euSelf-reflection on Effective Learning by Fostering the use of Innovative Educational technologies, tool designed to help schools embed digital technologies into teaching, learning and assessment.
AI Literacy Framework for Primary and Secondary Education
ailiteracyframework.orgAI literacy empowers learners to understand AI and make decisions about its use in meaningful and ethical ways. When integrated thoughtfully into learning, AI provides new opportunities to exercise critical thinking and creative expression.
eTwinning
school-education.ec.europa.eueTwinning is an initiative of the European Commission, funded by the Erasmus+ programme, under the broader umbrella of the European Union’s support for education and training. eTwinning is a community for schools, an online space where schools can collaborate. eTwinning provides a safe and free platform for teachers and pupils across Europe to work together on projects, discuss in online groups, and develop their professional skills.
Erasmus+ and eTwinning Creating blended learning mobility projects in VET
op.europa.euWhile Erasmus+ projects enable physical mobility and cross-border learning experiences, eTwinning provides a safe, powerful digital space to sustain collaboration, dialogue and shared creation before, during and after mobilities. In vocational education and training, this synergy can transform a mobility experience into a longer-term, blended learning journey that supports project continuity, deeper integration of vocational competencies and collaborative knowledge construction.
Erasmus+ and eTwinning Creating blended learning mobility projects in school ed…
op.europa.euWhile Erasmus+ projects enable physical mobility and cross-border learning experiences, eTwinning provides a safe, powerful digital space to sustain collaboration, dialogue and shared creation before, during and after mobilities. In school education, this synergy can transform a mobility experience into a longer-term, blended learning journey − supporting project continuity, deeper integration of key competencies and collaborative knowledge construction.
European Digital Education Hub
education.ec.europa.euEuropean Digital Education Hub is a community to collaborate, exchange best practices and develop solutions with stakeholders from all sectors of education and training.
European School Education Platform
school-education.ec.europa.euEuropean School Education Platform is a meeting point for all stakeholders from early childhood education and care to primary and secondary school, including initial vocational education and training, to find news, interviews, publications, practice examples, courses and partners for their Erasmus+ projects.
EPALE
epale.ec.europa.euEPALE is an Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe, community of adult learning professionals.
Europass
europa.euEuropass is a personal tool for learning and working in Europe
Euroguidance
euroguidance.euEuroguidance is a network of national resource and information centres for guidance in European countries.
HEInnovate
www.heinnovate.euHEInnovate is a self-reflection tool for Higher Education Institutions who wish to explore their innovative potential.
Impacttool
www.erasmusplus.nlAnyone who is familiar with Erasmus+ will also be familiar with the term “impact”. This term also gives rise to many questions, however. What exactly does it mean for your project? How can you ensure that a project has the largest impact possible? This tool helps you achieve this result.