Posted on May 26, 2026
Digital transformation is no longer a future ambition for Europe. It is already reshaping the way people work, how businesses operate, and the skills employers need across every sector.
The newly published Eurostat interactive publication, Digitalisation in Europe – 2026 edition, provides a timely snapshot of Europe’s digital progress. The publication highlights strong growth in areas such as ICT employment, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and ICT security, while also showing that Europe still faces a significant advanced digital skills challenge.
For learners and professionals considering their next step, the message is clear: digital skills are becoming essential for the future of work.
ICT specialists now represent 5% of EU employment
According to Eurostat, more than 10 million people in the EU worked as ICT specialists in 2025, representing 5% of total employment. This share has increased over the past decade, but Europe is still working towards its Digital Decade target of at least 20 million ICT specialists by 2030.
Eurostat also highlights an important gender gap in the ICT workforce. In 2025, women represented just 19% of ICT specialists in the EU, compared with 81% men.
This matters because Europe’s digital transition depends not only on increasing the number of ICT specialists, but also on widening access to digital careers. A more inclusive digital workforce can help ensure that the technologies shaping Europe’s future reflect a broader range of perspectives, experiences and needs.
Businesses are adopting cloud computing and AI
The Eurostat report also shows that businesses across Europe are continuing to adopt advanced digital technologies.
In 2025, 53% of EU businesses bought cloud computing services, with large businesses leading the way at 85%, compared with 52% of SMEs. Cloud services were most commonly used for email hosting, office software and file storage.
Artificial intelligence is also becoming more common in business. Eurostat reports that 20% of EU businesses used AI technologies in 2025, up from 13% in 2024. AI use remains significantly higher among large businesses, with 55% using AI compared with 19% of SMEs.
These figures show that digital transformation is not limited to the technology sector. Cloud computing, AI, data-driven decision-making and digital transformation are now business priorities across industries. This creates a growing need for professionals who can understand both the technology and its practical application in business settings.
ICT security remains a major concern for European businesses
As digital adoption increases, so does the importance of ICT security. Eurostat reports that in 2024, 22% of EU businesses experienced ICT security incidents, including incidents that caused unavailability of ICT services, destruction or corruption of data, or disclosure of confidential data.
The publication also notes that 93% of EU businesses used at least one ICT security measure in 2024. The most common measures included strong password authentication, data backup to a separate location or cloud, and network access control.
However, security is not only a technical issue. Eurostat found that around 60% of EU businesses made staff aware of their ICT security obligations, with some providing voluntary or compulsory ICT security training.
This underlines a key point for Europe’s digital future: organisations need people who can combine technical awareness with business leadership, risk management and responsible decision-making.
Supporting inclusive access to advanced digital education
The findings from Eurostat point to a clear need for more advanced digital skills across Europe. They also reinforce the importance of widening access to high-quality digital education.
The Digital4Business Joint Professional Master’s Degree in Advanced Digital Technologies for Business has been designed to help address this need. Delivered fully online by four leading European higher education institutions, the programme focuses on the practical application of advanced digital technologies within business.
To support more inclusive participation, Digital4Business is offering 100 scholarships for the September 2026 intake, with a total funding allocation of €200,000. These scholarships are intended to support students from underrepresented, disadvantaged or vulnerable groups and are awarded through an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion framework rather than on academic merit alone.
This approach is particularly important in the context of Europe’s digital skills gap. If Europe is to reach its digital targets, opportunities to develop advanced digital skills must be accessible to a wider and more diverse group of learners.
A timely opportunity for future digital leaders
The Eurostat 2026 digitalisation publication shows that Europe is making progress, but it also highlights the scale of the challenge ahead. Businesses are adopting cloud technologies, AI and ICT security measures, but the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow.
For learners who want to build a future-focused career in digital transformation, now is a critical moment to act.
The Digital4Business scholarship scheme offers eligible applicants the opportunity to access advanced digital education, develop industry-relevant skills and contribute to a more inclusive digital future for Europe.
Find out more about Digital4Business scholarships
Source citation:
European Commission: Eurostat, Digitalisation in Europe – 2026 edition, Publications Office of the European Union, 2026. Available at:
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/interactive-publications/digitalisation-2026
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