On November 12, 2025, CRPE organized an online event focused on how public authorities and the private sector can collaborate to reduce the digital divide in Romania. The event brought together representatives from public institutions, civil society, and the business sector to discuss current challenges related to digital inclusion and the potential of existing initiatives. In a context where Romania is far below the European average in terms of digital skills and access to digital public services, the discussion started with a key question: how can we leverage initiatives that work, and what collaboration mechanisms are needed to make digitalization accessible to everyone?
The need for inclusive digitalization
The European Union has set ambitious goals for digital transformation through the Digital Decade program, with 2030 as a major milestone. Romania has aligned with these goals through the adoption of the National Digital Action Plan, committing to clear targets in digital skills, digital public services, business transformation, and secure infrastructure.
Despite this strategic framework, digital gaps remain significant. Only 27.7% of Romanians aged 16 to 74 have basic digital skills, well below the EU average and far from the European target of 80%. These disparities are particularly visible in rural areas, among vulnerable populations, and those with limited access to digital education.
Without targeted action, these gaps can lead to social divides. The elderly population, young people with limited access to technology education, and disadvantaged communities need dedicated programs to prevent digital exclusion.
In this context, the CRPE event on November 12, 2025, opened a discussion on how the public sector, private sector, and civic organizations can collaborate to reduce digital divides and support inclusive digital transformation.
Panel discussion: solutions and recommendations for inclusive digitalization
During the debate, initiatives already tested for several years in communities were presented: digital workshops in libraries for seniors, such as in Onești; Code Kids clubs; the Digitaliada program by the Orange Foundation; and educational activities funded through the Științescu Fund, which support access to technology for youth from vulnerable communities. In addition, local administrations and social services, such as in Oradea, also spoke about the importance of investing in technology access and training for vulnerable groups.
Discussions with representatives of these initiatives highlighted several key directions for reducing the digital divide: developing local infrastructure, fostering closer collaboration between authorities and the private sector, expanding digital training programs, and providing targeted interventions for groups at risk of exclusion.
Participants emphasized that, without strong national coordination, digitalization remains dependent on isolated initiatives. However, the examples presented show that when there is local will, community support, and dedicated resources, results can be replicated and scaled.
CRPE launches mapping of best practices in digital inclusion and an independent analysis of existing measures
On the occasion of the event, CRPE presented a mapping of best practices developed in Romania by local authorities, civic organizations, and the private sector in its report “Bridging the digital divide – Examples of good practice for inclusive digitalization”.
Despite national challenges, the CRPE analysis highlights Romania’s real potential for progress. The initiatives presented during the event demonstrate that local interventions, when well-organized, supported by the community, and complemented by partnerships with the private sector, can produce significant improvements in the population’s digital skills.
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This publication is part of the EmpowerDigi project, funded by the European Citizen Action Service (ECAS) under EURECA 2025 and co-funded by the European Union. The views expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the European Union or ECAS. Neither the European Union nor ECAS can be held responsible for them.
