More than a third of Europeans now use digital education tools for online learning. New data from Eurostat reveals a shift in European habits, showing that these platforms have moved from a niche interest to a mainstream phenomenon. However, the figures also show a significant cultural and digital divide across the continent.
Digital Education: From the Pre-Pandemic Era to 2025
In 2025, 34.8% of EU internet users reported taking online courses or using electronic educational materials. The scale of this trend is evident in the data from recent years:
- 2019: Less than a quarter of users (21.4%).
- 2024: One-third of users (33.4%).
- 2025: Nearly 35% (a 1.4% increase in one year).
These figures confirm that the concept of lifelong learning has successfully transitioned to digital formats.
Digital Education Divide: EU Leaders and Laggards
Despite the overall upward trend, statistics reveal a serious regional gap within the European Union. Northern and Western Europe have moved far ahead, while Eastern and Southern Europe lag behind.
Top four countries for online education engagement:
- Netherlands — 60.2% (the absolute leader)
- Ireland — 59.7%
- Finland — 50.7%
- Sweden — 50.6%
Countries with the lowest interest in digital learning:
- Cyprus — 21.0%
- Bulgaria — 18.4%
- Romania — 11.8%
Formats: Materials More Popular Than Structured Courses
Preferences within the learning process vary. Users seek specific information and self-study materials more often than they enroll in structured online courses.
- Online learning materials (30.5% of EU users). The Netherlands is the absolute leader, with 55.1% of internet users engaging in online self-education. Ireland (50.4%) and Hungary (46.4%) follow.
- Full online courses (17.3% of EU users). This format requires more discipline and time, making it less widespread. Ireland (29.6%), Finland (29.3%), and the Netherlands (28.5%) lead in course participation.
Data from 2025 shows that digital education is now a standard for Europe’s developed economies. The leadership of the Netherlands, Ireland, and Scandinavian countries is consistent with high high-speed internet penetration, a strong digital culture, and a corporate sector that encourages professional development. The challenge for the European Union in the coming years will be to overcome barriers in Eastern Europe to prevent a widening skills gap within the single European market.
