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Digital Economy and Society Index 2021: Overall progress in digital transition but need for new EU-wide efforts

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The Commission has published the results of the 2021 Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), which tracks the progress made in EU member states in digital competitiveness in the areas of human capital, broadband connectivity, the integration of digital technologies by businesses and digital public services. The DESI 2021 reports present data from the first or second quarter of 2020 for the most part, providing some insight into key developments in the digital economy and society during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the effect of COVID-19 on the use and supply of digital services and the results of policies implemented since then are not captured in the data, and will be more visible in the 2022 edition.

A Europe Fit for the Digital Age Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager said: “The message of this year's Index is positive, all EU countries made some progress in getting more digital and more competitive, but more can be done. So we are working with member states to ensure that key investments are made via the Recovery and Resilience Facility to bring the best of digital opportunities to all citizens and businesses.”

Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton added: “Setting ourselves 2030 targets was an important step, but now we need to deliver. Today's DESI shows progress, but also where we need to get better collectively to ensure that European citizens and businesses, in particular SMEs, can access and use cutting-edge technologies that will make their lives better, safer and greener.”

All EU member states have made progress in the area of digitalization, but the overall picture across member states is mixed, and despite some convergence, the gap between the EU's frontrunners and those with the lowest DESI scores remains large. Despite these improvements, all member states will need to make concerted efforts to meet the 2030 targets as set out in Europe's Digital Decade. You will find more information in a dedicated press release and Q&A.

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