Shaping the future of digital education: EU Vice-Presidents Mînzatu and Virkkunen meet with EdTech leaders
On 15 April, Executive Vice Presidents Roxana Mînzatu (Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness) and Henna Virkkunen (Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy) led a high-level European EdTech Dialogue in Brussels.
The meeting brought together 15 founders and leaders from across Europe’s education technology sector to discuss how digital innovation can strengthen education and skills systems across the EU.
The dialogue is part of the European Commission’s work to prepare the 2030 Roadmap on the future of digital education and skills. The roadmap will be a key element a broader Education Package.
Why this meeting matters
Digital technologies are playing an increasing role in education and training.
EdTech (education technology) refers to digital tools and solutions used to support teaching, learning and skills development (such as online learning platforms, digital classrooms or AI-based tools).
These tools can make learning more accessible, flexible and tailored to individual needs. At the same time, Europe is working to ensure that digital education solutions reflect its core values, including privacy, inclusion and high-quality learning.
The European EdTech sector also presents significant opportunities for Europe’s digital economy. A competitive and values-driven sector can strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty, boost competitiveness, support innovation and contribute to democratic resilience.
By bringing together 15 founders and CEOs, the Commission aims to ensure that future education policies reflect industry expertise and real-world needs.
Key discussion topics
Participants discussed how to strengthen Europe’s position in the global EdTech market and how to develop trusted, high-quality digital solutions.
Industry leaders expressed readiness to co-create, invest in and scale European solutions. These can stand out globally by being trusted, privacy-first and pedagogically sound, building on Europe’s strengths in education and regulation.
Participants also underlined the need to better connect education and technology policies. This is key to modernising classrooms and workplaces and to supporting EdTech entrepreneurs with the right ecosystem, funding and regulatory clarity. Discussions focused on:
- boosting innovation and investment in European EdTech
- strengthening cooperation between education providers and businesses
- addressing skills needs in a fast-changing labour market
Next steps
Insights from the dialogue will feed into the European Commission’s upcoming Education Package, including the 2030 Roadmap on the future of digital education and skills.
By 2030, the EU aims for 80% of adults to have at least basic digital skills and to have at least 20 million ICT specialists employed, with a balanced participation between men and women.
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