European Commission opens consultation on revising Digital Decade 2030 targets
The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to assess whether the EU’s Digital Decade 2030 targets remain fit for purpose amid rapid technological change. The findings will shape a formal review planned for 2026, examining whether current objectives should be updated, simplified or better aligned with funding and local implementation needs.
The European Commission has begun gathering input on the future direction of the EU’s Digital Decade policy programme, launching a call for evidence to evaluate whether the 2030 targets adopted in 2022 still match today’s fast-moving technological landscape. The consultation marks the halfway point of the Digital Decade, the EU’s framework for steering digital transformation across connectivity, digital skills, business digitalisation and public services.
The results will inform a comprehensive review scheduled for 2026. According to the Commission, the purpose of the review is to assess whether the existing targets remain relevant, realistic and flexible enough as digital technologies evolve. It will also consider how to accelerate progress where the EU is falling behind and how to streamline current requirements in line with broader efforts to simplify EU legislation.
Since its launch, the Digital Decade programme has mobilised over €288 billion through national roadmaps across member states. These plans collectively include more than 1,900 measures aimed at improving infrastructure, strengthening digital public services and supporting businesses in their transition to digital tools. The review will examine how policy objectives can be more closely aligned with future funding opportunities, particularly in the context of the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
A central focus of the consultation is the role of regions, cities and local actors in delivering digital transformation. The Commission notes that local-level implementation is key to ensuring that digitalisation benefits citizens and small and medium-sized enterprises. The review will therefore explore how structured channels for local engagement can be strengthened and better integrated into the overall policy cycle.
The call for evidence is open until 23 December 2025. As part of the consultation process, the Commission will hold an online workshop on 26 November to discuss how regional and local initiatives can support innovation, test emerging digital solutions and address disparities in digital development across the EU.
