EU adoption of AI going too slow

Author Moonshot.news

Published on: 18/06/2025

EU’s adoption of AI, cloud and big data is going too slow. And just over half of Europeans (55.6%) have a basic level of digital skills, the EU Commission’s annual report on digital development shows. Further investment from public and private sources and improved access to venture capital for EU companies are needed, the report says.

The report maps the progress made towards the 2030 targets and objectives described in The Digital Decade Policy Programme.

Actions needed according to the report:

• Further investment from public and private sources and improved access to venture capital for EU companies to enhance innovation and expand strategic technologies. Targeted investments in critical areas — such as advanced connectivity infrastructure, cutting-edge semiconductors, secure and sovereign cloud and data infrastructures, AI and quantum computing, cybersecurity, and digital skill development — should be privileged, as they are poised to yield significant returns in growth and productivity.
• Structural reforms in the EU to bolster and integrate its single market, ensuring technological and economic sovereignty. These reforms aim to enhance the sovereignty and security of EU technologies and infrastructures, particularly in the realms of connectivity and public service delivery. 
• Simplification and reducing administrative burdens for EU companies, bringing forward the Omnibus packages and initiatives such as the EU Business Wallets. 

Key findings: 

• Although there are certain advancements, the rollout of connectivity infrastructure, such as fibre and 5G stand-alone networks, is still lagging. Data shows certain improvements in the deployment of edge nodes, allowing for a faster data processing with lower energy consumption. Submarine data cables and satellite systems remain under-developed and vulnerable to external dependencies and security risks.
• Adoption of AI, cloud and big data by companies has improved, however it needs to accelerate. The EU remains dependent on external providers for AI and cloud services – often used in public services – as well as the production of semiconductors and quantum infrastructure components.
• Just over half of Europeans (55.6%) have a basic level of digital skills, which are fundamental for societal resilience to online threats, including those affecting information integrity, mental wellbeing and minors. The availability of ICT specialists with advanced skills remains low and with a stark gender divide, hindering progress in key sectors, such as cybersecurity and AI.  
• In 2024, the EU made steady progress in digitalising key public services. A substantial portion of governmental digital infrastructure continues to depend on service providers outside the EU.
• The EU’s digital future is becoming increasingly dependent on stable energy production. Exponentially rising energy demands, including linked to the growing use of AI, are rapidly outpacing the development of clean and reliable energy supply and grid capacity across the EU. This discrepancy is emerging as a potential significant barrier to the scaling of key digital technologies and delaying the EU’s ability to fully leverage AI and data-driven innovation for economic competitiveness.
• The lack of effective collaboration between the civil sector and the defence sector is causing delays in advancing dual–use digital technologies, such as AI, quantum computing and semiconductors.

The report highlights also urgent societal challenges linked to digitalisation in the EU. 

“While technology advances, digital transformation has intensified vulnerabilities and inequalities, especially affecting minors and mental health”, the report says. 

“A major concern is information integrity, with 88% of Europeans expressing concern about fake news and online manipulation, and 90% seeing the protection of children online as a critical priority. These risks, amplified by AI and online platforms, threaten to undermine democratic integrity, deepen societal polarisation and erode public trust.”