Collaborate for Impact: Bridging Policy, Practice, and AI Literacy in European Digital Education

22-06-2026

 

As digital transformation continues to reshape the landscape of education, training, and everyday life across the continent, the PRISMA European Network remains dedicated to highlighting initiatives that foster innovation, inclusivity, and high-quality skill development. On June 18, 2026, the European Digital Education Hub (EDEH) hosted its flagship event in Brussels and online: "Collaborate for Impact: Advancing European Digital Education and Skills."

Marking the fourth anniversary of the Hub, this major event brought together high-level policymakers, educators, researchers, and cross-sector stakeholders. Opening remarks were delivered by Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, underscoring the vital role digital competencies play in Europe's broader "Union of Skills" strategy. The PRISMA European Network actively took part in this milestone launch event in Brussels, represented onsite by its President, Gabriel Brezoiu.

Connecting Practice to European Policy

The event acted as a crucial bridge, bringing direct insights from educators and classroom practitioners into the sphere of European policymaking. Key discussions spanned critical dimensions of the modern educational ecosystem, including:

  • Digital Sovereignty: Examining European educational technology (EdTech) and the robustness of our digital infrastructure.
  • Well-being in Digital Education: Balancing technological integration with the mental health and safety of learners.
  • The Education Package & Action Plan Review: Offering vital insights into the ongoing review of the Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027) and mapping out the future milestones for 2030.

A Milestone for AI in Schools: The EU-OECD AI Literacy Framework

A standout highlight of the conference was the official unveiling of the new AI Literacy Framework for Schools, co-developed by the European Commission and the OECD.

With data showing that roughly 68% of teenagers are already utilizing artificial intelligence tools in their daily lives, the framework addresses a major gap: the lack of structured, pedagogical approaches for integrating AI safely and constructively into classrooms.

The framework establishes a common reference point for primary and secondary education systems across Europe and internationally. It is structured around four core dimensions that map out how young learners can navigate an AI-driven society:

  1. Engage with AI: Understanding what AI is, recognizing its presence in daily life, and evaluating its outputs critically.
  2. Create with AI: Using AI tools as creative partners to problem-solve, innovate, and design.
  3. Manage AI: Developing the skills to handle AI systems responsibly, understanding data privacy, and managing digital footprints.
  4. Shape AI: Grasping the broader ethical implications, societal biases, and risks, and empowering learners to advocate for trustworthy and equitable technology.

Rather than just focusing on technical coding skills, the framework defines AI literacy as a comprehensive blend of technical knowledge, durable skills, and future-ready attitudes. To ensure this isn't just a theoretical policy document, it includes 19 core competences paired with real-world classroom examples, learning scenarios, and practical implementation guidance for educators and curriculum designers.

Synergy with the PRISMA Framework for Digital Democracy and Citizenship

The core pillars of the EU-OECD AI Literacy Framework directly reinforce our own long-term objectives under the PRISMA Framework for Digital Democracy and Citizenship. Supported by the European Union’s Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme, our 3-year strategic initiative (2026–2028) aims to equip young people and communities across Europe with the exact tools, critical awareness, and resilience needed to actively shape the digital age.

By defining clear dimensions like "Shape AI" and "Manage AI," the new European guidelines perfectly intersect with our CERV-funded actions, such as countering online disinformation, addressing digital exclusion, and educating youth on their digital rights. These competencies will be central to our upcoming initiatives, including the National Digital Democracy Labs, the European Digital Citizenship Week, and the European Digital Youth Summit (EDYS) .

Strategic Value for PRISMA Network Organisations

For organisations operating within the PRISMA Network, the outcomes of the "Collaborate for Impact" event and the introduction of the AI Literacy Framework provide a highly actionable roadmap for future initiatives. By defining clear competency benchmarks across the four dimensions—Engage, Create, Manage, and Shape AI—the framework gives PRISMA members a standardized template to design, evaluate, and scale their own digital training and education programs.

Aligning project proposals and training modules with this official EU-OECD standard significantly enhances their relevance and competitiveness for European funding opportunities, such as Erasmus+ and Digital Europe grants. Furthermore, the emphasis on cross-sector synergy empowers PRISMA organisations to position themselves as vital intermediaries—translating high-level European digital strategy into concrete, localized learning experiences that directly address the digital skills gap in their respective regions.

Why This Matters for the PRISMA Network

For the broader PRISMA European Network, the outcomes of this event represent a major leap forward. Our network believes that high-quality, inclusive digital education cannot happen in isolation. It requires the exact recipe championed at the event: cross-sector collaboration, public-private dialogue, and a firm commitment to digital inclusion.

By aligning classroom practice with the European Digital Competence Framework, the AI Act, and upcoming educational assessments—such as the PISA 2029 Media and AI Literacy assessment—Europe is laying a coordinated foundation for the next generation. As we look toward the 2030 digital targets, PRISMA will continue to support these vital frameworks, helping our members translate European digital education policies into impactful, local realities.


To explore the framework tools and practical classroom guides directly, visit the official AI Literacy Framework website. To watch session recordings or read the spotlight stories from the event, check out the European Digital Education Hub event page. Learn more about our long-term initiatives on the PRISMA Framework (CERV) platform.