BAKGRUNN (fra Kommisjonens pressemelding 27.9.2023)

First report on the State of the Digital Decade calls for collective action to shape the digital transition

The first report on the State of the Digital Decade, published today, provides a comprehensive look at progress towards achieving the digital transformation to empower a more digitally sovereign, resilient, and competitive EU. It includes an assessment of the EU's performance towards Europe's 2030 objectives and targets focusing on four main pillars: digital skills, digital infrastructure, digitalisation of businesses, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digitalisation of public services. It also includes the monitoring of the European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles, which reflects the EU's commitment to a secure, safe and sustainable digital transformation, putting people at the centre.

The 2023 report, which is the first of a series of annual reports, is a call to Member States for collective action to address the current investment gaps, accelerate digital transformation in Europe and intensify efforts to reach the objectives of the Digital Decade Policy Programme (DDPP). The DDPP was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council and entered into force on 9 January 2023, and includes a system of collaborative governance between the EU and national authorities.

The 2023 report's horizontal recommendations and the country-specific recommendations present a clear and operational way forward. The recommendations will be the basis for discussion and collaboration between the Commission and the Member States on how to achieve our common goals. This work will be supported through the implementation of large-scale multi-country projects, including the newly introduced European Digital Infrastructure Consortia (EDICs).

The following are the key findings in the various areas covered in the report.

Digital infrastructure – secure connectivity

Under the current 2030 target, gigabit coverage should be available for everyone and 5G performant networks in all populated areas.

Currently, fibre networks, which are critical for delivering gigabit connectivity, only reach 56% of households, while 5G coverage stands at 81% of the population, dropping to 51% in rural areas. However, the deployment of 5G stand-alone networks is lagging and 5G is still falling short in quality with regards to end-users' expectations and industry needs. 55% of rural households are still not served by any advanced network and 9% are not yet covered by any fixed network at all.

Additional investment of up to at least €200 billion is needed to ensure full gigabit coverage across the EU as well as 5G coverage in all populated areas. Member States should map their connectivity gaps and explore financing to complement private investment in areas that are not commercially viable, including rural and remote areas, benefitting from the pro-investment EU regulatory framework.

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