The European Commission has shared its vision for the digital transformation of Europe by 2030. The policy initiative is an all-encompassing approach to many aspects of the economy and daily existence. The EU states that this builds on the Commission’s digital strategy of February 2020. The Commission’s communication proposes to agree on a set of digital principles, to launch important multi-country projects, and to prepare a legislative proposal “setting out a robust governance framework, to monitor progress – the Digital Compass.”
The Digital Compass focuses on four sectors:
- By 2030, at least 80% of all adults should have basic digital skills
- By 2030, all EU households should have gigabit connectivity and all populated areas should be covered by 5G
- 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;
- 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
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated:
“Europe has a lifetime opportunity to build back better. With the new multi-annual budget and the Recovery and Resilience Facility, we have mobilised unprecedented resources to invest in the digital transition. The pandemic has exposed how crucial digital technologies and skills are to work, study and engage – and where we need to get better. We must now make this Europe’s Digital Decade so that all citizens and businesses can access the very best the digital world can offer. Today’s Digital Compass gives us a clear view of how to get there.”
The Commission is expected to launch a discussion and consultation process, including with EU citizens, on the EU vision and the digital principles.
A fact page is available here.