The European Commission has published its annual State of the Digital Decade report. The report shows progress toward the objectives and targets outlined for 2030 in the Digital Decade policy programme.
The EU is renewing its efforts to drive a more competitive, resilient, inclusive, and sovereign digital transformation. However, urgent and bold action is needed to reach the 2030 targets.
Main findings of the report:
- Digital infrastructures: despite certain advancements, the rollout of connectivity infrastructure, such as fibre and 5G stand-alone networks, is progressing slowly
- Digitalisation of businesses: adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud and big data by companies has improved, but it still needs to accelerate
- Digital skills: only 55.6% of Europeans have a basic level of digital skills, while the availability of ICT specialists with advanced skills remains low, with a stark gender divide, hindering progress in cybersecurity and AI
- Digitalisation of public services: in 2024, the EU made steady progress in digitalising key public services, but a substantial portion of governmental digital infrastructure continues to depend on service providers outside the EU.
The data shows persisting challenges, such as fragmented markets, overly complex regulations, security, and strategic dependence. The report underlines potential benefits of bold action, which could boost the European Union’s GDP.
EU countries will review the Commission’s recommendations to reach the 2030 targets and discuss the way forward with the Commission.
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