Europe may demand millions back from Flemish schools over laptop deals

The European Commission could reclaim more than €20 million from Flemish schools after an audit found mistakes in thousands of laptop and IT purchases.

An investigation by the Flemish Agency for Educational Services, ordered by the European Commission, showed that public-procurement rules were not followed in about one in seven checked invoices, De Tijd writes. At least 2,500 orders made between 2021 and mid-2025 are affected.

The purchases were part of Digisprong, a large digital programme launched by former education minister Ben Weyts, which used EU recovery funds to provide pupils from Year 5 upwards with a laptop or tablet. His successor, Zuhal Demir, has since dropped the scheme.

So far only invoices submitted before March 2023 have been reviewed, meaning the total could rise. Demir says schools should not have to repay the money themselves and has set aside up to €20 million from current education budgets in case Europe asks for a refund.

A final decision is expected later this year.