Europe’s Digital Decade: Commission sets the course towards a digitally empowered Europe by 2030

Europe’s Digital Compass

The Commission proposes a Digital Compass to translate the EUʼs digital ambitions for 2030 into
concrete terms. They evolve around four cardinal points:
1) Digitally skilled citizens and highly skilled digital professionals; By 2030, at least 80% of
all adults should have basic digital skills, and there should be 20 million employed ICT specialists in
the EU – while more women should take up such jobs;
2) Secure, performant and sustainable digital infrastructures; By 2030, all EU households
should have gigabit connectivity and all populated areas should be covered by 5G; the production of
cutting-edge and sustainable semiconductors in Europe should be 20% of world production; 10,000
climate neutral highly secure edge nodes should be deployed in the EU; and Europe should have its
first quantum computer;
3) Digital transformation of businesses; By 2030, three out of four companies should use cloud
computing services, big data and Artificial Intelligence; more than 90% SMEs should reach at least
basic level of digital intensity; and the number of EU unicorns should double;
4) Digitalisation of public services; By 2030, all key public services should be available online; all
citizens will have access to their e-medical records; and 80% citizens should use an eID solution.
The Compass sets out a robust joint governance structure with Member States based on a monitoring
system with annual reporting in the form of traffic lights. The targets will be enshrined in a Policy
Programme to be agreed with the European Parliament and the Council.

A digital Europe in the world
The digital transformation poses global challenges. The EU will work to promote its positive and
human-centred digital agenda within international organisations and through strong international
digital partnerships. Combining EU internal investments with the significant funding available under
the new external cooperation instruments will allow the EU to work with partners around the world in
achieving common global objectives. The Commission has already proposed to set up a new EU-US
Trade and Technology Council. Today’s Communication highlights the importance of investing in
improved connectivity with the EU’s external partners, for example through the creation of a Digital
Connectivity Fund.