Deadline: 20-Mar-2026
The European Digital Skills Awards 2026 recognise organisations across Europe advancing digital skills through innovative projects. The awards highlight initiatives in upskilling, education, inclusion, cybersecurity, and promoting women in ICT, celebrating efforts that empower citizens and businesses in the digital economy.
What are the European Digital Skills Awards?
The European Digital Skills Awards, announced by the European Commission’s Digital Skills and Jobs Platform, celebrate organisations that promote digital literacy, upskilling, and inclusion across Europe. The initiative highlights projects that strengthen workforce competencies, improve educational outcomes, support vulnerable groups, and inspire participation in the digital economy.
Focus Areas
The awards recognise excellence in the following categories:
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Digital Upskilling @ Work: Projects helping professionals and SMEs reskill or upskill in digital technologies and facilitate ICT job placements.
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Digital Skills for Education: Initiatives enhancing digital competencies for teachers, students, vocational education institutions, and school administrations.
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Inclusion in the Digital World: Projects providing digital training, media literacy, and accessibility skills to marginalised or vulnerable groups.
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Women in ICT Careers: Initiatives promoting women’s participation in the ICT sector, workforce upskilling, and inspiring girls to pursue tech careers.
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Cybersecurity Skills: Projects strengthening cybersecurity knowledge for citizens and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
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Public entities and government bodies
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Private enterprises
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Academic institutions
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Grassroots organisations
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EU-funded project consortia
Applicants must have implemented initiatives that:
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Support the development of digital skills
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Are ongoing projects that have achieved at least 50% of milestones, or completed no earlier than January 2026
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Operate in at least one EU Member State (projects spanning EU and non-EU countries are eligible if EU impact is demonstrated)
Projects that received awards in 2025 are not eligible to apply again.
Why It Matters
The awards aim to:
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Showcase innovative digital skills initiatives
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Inspire organisations to invest in digital upskilling and inclusion
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Highlight projects that enhance employability and digital literacy
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Promote gender equality, accessibility, and cybersecurity awareness across Europe
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Check that your initiative meets all requirements, including EU implementation, project status, and prior awards history.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
Include:
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Project description and objectives
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Evidence of impact and milestones achieved
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Target beneficiaries and scope
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Outcomes in relation to digital skills development
Step 3: Submit Application
Submit through the official European Digital Skills Awards portal before the specified deadline.
Step 4: Selection and Evaluation
Projects are assessed on:
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Innovation and originality
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Demonstrated impact on digital skills development
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Contribution to inclusive participation in the digital economy
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Scalability and potential for replication across Europe
Tips for Applicants
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Emphasise measurable results and real-world impact
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Highlight projects that address underrepresented groups or sectors
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Provide clear evidence of milestones achieved or progress made
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Demonstrate sustainability and potential for long-term impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible for the awards? Public entities, private enterprises, academic institutions, grassroots organisations, and EU-funded consortia.
2. Can projects outside the EU apply? Yes, if the project demonstrates impact within EU Member States.
3. Are completed projects eligible? Yes, if they ended no earlier than January 2026.
4. Can a project that won in 2025 apply? No, previous winners are ineligible.
5. What types of initiatives are recognised? Projects supporting digital upskilling, education, inclusion, cybersecurity, and women in ICT.
6. What documentation is required? Project description, evidence of milestones, target beneficiaries, and measurable impact.
7. What is the goal of these awards? To showcase exemplary initiatives that strengthen digital skills development and foster inclusion across Europe.
Conclusion
The European Digital Skills Awards 2026 provide a platform to recognise and celebrate organisations making outstanding contributions to digital literacy, workforce upskilling, and inclusive participation in the digital economy. By highlighting innovative projects across multiple focus areas, the awards encourage further action to build a digitally skilled and inclusive European society.
For more information, visit Digital Skills and Jobs Platform.
