The Leonardo da Vinci programme is a European Commission funding programme focused on the teaching and training needs of those involved in professional education.
[2] In 1998, the whistleblowing of Paul van Buitenen criticised misdirection of funds in the EU, particularly in Leonardo da Vinci professional training programmes.
[3] A second, broader phase (Leonardo II 2000–2006) more focused on skills and employability of young people was evaluated for the Directorate General for Education and Culture of the European Commission in 2008.
[needs update] The programme funds transnational mobility and European projects focusing on the development or transfer of innovation and networks.
All of the projects funded by the Leonardo da Vinci programme involve working with European partners.