EU ministers call for faster progress toward 2030 digital goals

EU ministers have adopted a set of conclusions aimed at accelerating the Union’s progress toward its 2030 digital decade targets, emphasising the need for stronger digital skills, wider innovation uptake and a regulatory environment that supports growth while safeguarding fundamental rights. The discussions underscored that digital competitiveness remains closely tied to Europe’s ability to balance technological development with trust, safety and resilience.

A central theme was the need to simplify digital rules for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups, which officials said continue to face complex and overlapping administrative requirements. Ministers called for clearer legislation, reduced duplication in reporting obligations and a more predictable legal environment. They stressed, however, that simplification must not come at the expense of data protection, consumer rights or other core safeguards.

Online safety concerns featured strongly in exchanges on the enforcement of the Digital Services Act. Ministers noted persistent harmful and illegal content on major online platforms and marketplaces, calling for more coordinated enforcement across member states and more consistent application of consumer protection and product safety rules.

Cyber-resilience was highlighted as a growing priority. Several governments reported an increase in cyberattacks affecting both citizens and the broader economy, and ministers stressed the need for stronger national and cross-border defences. Ensuring that digital transformation is matched with robust security measures was presented as essential to maintaining competitiveness and public trust.

Across all themes, ministers reaffirmed that European digital sovereignty should remain open, risk-based and aligned with EU values, forming the basis for a competitive and rights-respecting digital future.