Eurofound publishes report on the digital divide.

On 30 June, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) published a new research report. The report analyses digital developments within the European Union (EU) in the context of economic and social convergence. Using key performance indicators, it examines the extent to which Member States, businesses, regions, and population groups are digitally converging – or diverging. The objective is to identify long-term trends and outline strategies for the EU to sustainably reduce the digital divide.

Progress in digital convergence

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, declared the digital and green transition to be a key task back in 2019. At the same time, she promised that no one would be left behind in this transformation.

Within this context, the report shows that the EU has made significant progress in digitalisation over the past two decades. Member States with historically lower levels of digital infrastructure have made notable gains and managed to close the gap with the frontrunners. The majority of indicators point to a positive trend towards so-called “upward convergence.”

Digital inequalities and their impact on economic growth

Despite the progress in digital convergence, the report highlights that substantial disparities persist within individual Member States – especially among different socio-economic groups and regions.
The report further shows that the digital transition is closely linked to the EU’s competitiveness, as technological advancements demonstrably contribute to increases in productivity.

While many large enterprises – expecially those in urban areas – are actively driving digital transformation forward, smaller businesses in rural regions often lag behind and struggle to keep pace. A lack of digital skills and unequal access to digital infrastructure negatively affect the performance potential of small and medium-sized enterprises, thereby impacting regional growth prospects and the broader economy.

The effects of digital inequality on social inclusion

Limited or no access to digital technologies leads to tangible disadvantages in everyday life for parts of the EU population. Low-income households, older people, and individuals with lower levels of education are particularly affected. They often lack both access to digital tools and the necessary skills to navigate digital environments in their privat and working world.

The increasing digitalisation of public administration and social security services poses a significant challenge for these groups. Ironically, those most dependent on public services often have the greatest difficulty navigating digital bureaucratic processes. The report warns of potential social consequences if digital disparities are not addressed. Without targeted efforts to reduce these gaps, there is a risk of growing social fragmentation. 

Digital inclusion for a fairer future

With the Digital Decade policy programme, the EU has set clear targets for 2030, such as ensuring that 80 per cent of the population possess basic digital skills and expanding access to modern digital infrastructure and technologies. This strategy is supported by regulations such as the European Data Act and Digital Services Act, as well as by substantial investments in artificial intelligence.

However, the report makes clear that technological progress alone will not be sufficient to prevent digital exclusion. Measures such as digital skills training in less connected regions or analogue alternatives to digital public services are essential. Educational institutions and businesses should implement programmes that address all three dimensions of digital inclusion: access, usage, and tangible outcomes.

Digital participation is therefore a fundamental prerequisite for equal opportunities, social integration, and economic success. The report concludes that only by including all segments of society can Europe manage the digital transition successfully and fairly – while also strengthening social cohesion in the long term.