What is the problem? Lack of skills excludes people from modern society

Some 30% of Europeans have never used the internet. These people – mostly elderly, unemployed or on low incomes – lack the skills, confidence and means to use digital media and are thus unable to participate in today's society. Digital skills and media literacy play a huge role in employability and equal societal participation.

Why is EU action required?

The European Social Fund aims to reduce differences in prosperity and living standards across Member States and regions. It is devoted to promoting employment. With ICT being ever more necessary for employment (90% of jobs in the near future require ICT skills of some level), it is necessary to ensure that in the European Social Fund digital literacy and skills are well-reflected, to face new global challenges.

What are the Commission's plans?

The European Social Fund (ESF) can be a powerful tool to enhance digital skills and literacy across the EU in a targeted way.

The European Commission will propose that support for digital skills and literacy become a priority for the new ESF cycle (2014-2020). A new draft Regulation governing the principles of the ESF will be proposed by the Commission in 2011.

Contact:

paul.timmers@ec.europa