Republished with full copyright permissions from The San Francisco Press.

In recent years, the digital landscape has evolved rapidly, impacting the daily lives of individuals and households across the European Union. A recently published report by Eurostat sheds light on the current status of digital skills among people aged 16 to 74, providing valuable insights into the region’s digital competencies.

According to the latest data, in 2023, 56% of individuals in the EU within this age group possessed at least basic overall digital skills. This metric serves as a crucial performance indicator within the framework of the Digital Decade, which outlines the EU’s ambitious vision for digital transformation.

Notably, the highest proportion of individuals with basic digital skills was observed in the Netherlands, with an impressive 83%, followed closely by Finland at 82% and Denmark at 70%. Conversely, Romania ranked lowest with only 28% of individuals meeting the basic digital skills criteria, trailed by Bulgaria at 36% and Poland at 44%.

The Digital Decade outlines a bold objective for 2030: to elevate the proportion of EU citizens aged 16-74 with basic digital skills to 80%. This aspirational target aligns with the broader vision for digitalization and underscores the importance of enhancing digital competencies among EU citizens.

It is essential to recognize that overall digital skills encompass proficiency in five key areas, namely information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation, safety, and problem-solving. To meet the basic threshold, individuals must demonstrate competence in at least one activity within each of these domains.

With the digital transformation continuing to reshape the fabric of society and the economy, the cultivation of digital skills assumes paramount significance. The 2023 report serves as a pivotal benchmark, offering valuable insights that can inform targeted strategies and initiatives aimed at advancing digital competencies across the European Union.

The pursuit of robust digital skills is fundamental as the EU charts its course towards a digitally inclusive future. Let us collectively strive towards empowering individuals with the necessary capabilities to navigate and thrive in an increasingly digital-centric world.