The European Commission’s State of the Digital Decade 2025 report highlights both progress and persistent challenges in the EU’s digital transformation, urging renewed efforts to meet the bloc’s 2030 digital targets.
While the report notes advancements in digital public services and increased adoption of technologies like AI, cloud, and big data, it warns that critical gaps remain. The rollout of fibre and 5G stand-alone networks is behind schedule, and only 55.6% of Europeans have basic digital skills. The shortage of advanced ICT specialists—particularly women—is slowing progress in key fields such as cybersecurity and AI.
The report also points to the EU’s continued reliance on non-EU service providers for essential digital infrastructure and calls out barriers like fragmented markets, complex regulations, and limited access to venture capital.
To close these gaps, the Commission urges increased investment, simplified regulatory frameworks, and faster adoption of strategic technologies. Member States will review the findings and discuss next steps with the Commission, which plans to revisit its Digital Decade Policy Programme (DDPP) targets in 2026 to ensure they align with evolving needs and priorities.
