EU funding for digitalisation of schools falling short of its potential

The EU's funding to support efforts towards improving the digitalisation of schools has not had its full impact, according to a new report by the European Court of Auditors. This is due in particular to a lack of strategic focus of member states in using this EU financing.

Significant amounts have been or will be disbursed between 2014 and 2026 through various EU programmes to support digital education. Resources allocated through the post-pandemic Recovery and Resilience Facility alone will be over € 11 billion.

"The COVID-19 pandemic showed that school systems in almost all member states were not well prepared for distance teaching," said Pietro Russo, the ECA member who led the audit. "This was because schools' internet connections were often inadequate, and because digital equipment for students and teachers was lacking. The EU has ambitious plans for digital education and can help schools in their efforts to make more use of technology. But we believe that EU financing could be better used."