Digital skills are also crucial for the EU’s economic growth and competitiveness. In addition, digital jobs offer more autonomy, skills development, job satisfaction, and usually come with better working conditions. EU initiatives to boost digital skills Digital skills are a priority of the European Year of Skills and the Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027. The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan and the Digital Decade set targets on digital skills by 2030: at least 80% of people in the EU with basic digital skills, 20 million ICT specialists employed with better gender equality. The Commission adopted two proposals for Council recommendations on digital education and skills and announced a Cybersecurity Skills Academy. The Commission is testing with several Member States a European Digital Skills Certificate to help people get their digital skills recognised across Europe by employers, governments, training providers, and more. The certificate will be rolled out in 2024. The European Digital Competence Framework (DigComp) maps the skills of people able to use technology. It supports policymaking, training design and certification. A self-assessment tool based on DigComp is also available in Europass and on the Digital Skills and Jobs Platform. Since the launch of the Pact for Skills, a flagship initiative under the European Skills Agenda, 18 large-scale partnerships have been set up with pledges to help develop the skills of at least 10 million workers including digital skills. The renewed European Alliance for Apprenticeships promotes apprenticeships for the green and digital transitions. The Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition brings together Member States, businesses, social partners, non-profit organisations and education providers on digital learning opportunities. The Digital Education Hub facilitates collaboration and best practices sharing among stakeholders in education and training. Erasmus+ supports the development of digital skills through initiatives like Centres of Vocational Excellence and Blueprint Alliances. Read the factsheet