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European Commission

Digital economy and society

What the EU does

Two women take a selfie at the region Lombardy tourist board stand during BIT 2023 at Allianz MiCo

The EU works on shaping Europe's digital present and future. It supports, funds and regulates new technologies to strengthen our democracy and to make Europe safer, more competitive and technologically independent. The EU also sets rules for how online platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) are used.

To secure Europe’s digital future, the EU aims at becoming a leading continent in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and strategic technologies, while being able to rely on its own digital systems and tools.

To strengthen democracy, the EU makes sure that digital laws provide a safe space and fair online markets, support free media and counter disinformation.

To make Europe safer, the EU invests in cybersecurity to defend against cyber and hybrid security threats.

The EU’s main digital policy objectives are to

  • make AI tools and services safe and trustworthy
  • increase European independence in strategic digital technologies (such as AI, semiconductors, cloud and quantum computing)
  • enable businesses and administrations to share data seamlessly
  • foster and protect Europe’s critical digital infrastructure
  • facilitate secure and fast connectivity
  • make online platforms safer and more trustworthy
  • protect media freedom and democracy online
  • reach Europe’s Digital Decade targets by 2030.

Key figures

€8.2 billion
Digital Europe Programme budget for 2021-2027
€20 billion
to finance up to 5 AI Gigafactories
20 million
ICT specialists working in the EU by 2030

Areas of action

European AI Office

The EU’s centre of expertise supporting safe and trustworthy AI development

Cybersecurity

EU measures to protect Europe against cyber threats and keep us safe online

Digital connectivity

Making the EU the most connected continent by 2030 with high-speed internet access for all

Digital Services Act

EU rules for a safe digital space protecting users and regulating online platforms and intermediaries

Digital Markets Act

EU rules for gatekeeper online platforms to keep our digital market fair and competitive

Key achievements

  • The EU has pioneered a legal framework for governing online platforms and artificial intelligence in the EU, setting global standards for digital regulation.
  • It has created a framework to make Europe more competitive, facilitate innovation and encourage better use of data – through actions such targeted funding (for instance for semiconductors), and initiatives such as multi-country projects, or European Digital Innovation Hubs.
  • The EU has invested in cutting-edge technologies, including high-performance computing and quantum technologies, and has set up AI factories.
  • To support democracy and empower citizens, the EU has introduced tools like the European digital identity (eID) wallet, promoted digital skills, protected journalists’ rights and supported the fight against disinformation.
  • The EU has expanded digital infrastructures, and improved connectivity, while building capacity in numerous areas - from cybersecurity to electronic communication and submarine cables.

In focus

Ambitious AI Continent action plan for Europe

Europe wants to become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and launched its ambitious AI Continent action plan on 9 April 2025.

The initiative is set to transform Europe’s strong traditional industries and its exceptional talent pool into powerful engines of AI innovation and acceleration.

More about the AI Continent action plan

Related information