CRPE launches its new report, “Inclusive Digitalisation and Fostering Basic Digital Skills: Best Practice Examples from Romania and the European Union”, which explores examples of inclusive digitalisation initiatives, particularly those aimed at improving basic digital skills among the general population and supporting vulnerable groups in accessing and using digital technologies.
Romania is falling behind on digital skills
According to the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI 2025), only 31.8% of Romanians aged 16–74 have basic digital skills, compared to the EU target of 80% by 2030 and even Romania’s more modest national target of 50% by 2030. In practice, those most at risk of digital exclusion are often the hardest to reach, despite being among those who need the most support to access basic digital services and navigate the online environment with confidence.
Although Romania has made progress in digital connectivity and infrastructure, it continues to lag significantly behind in developing and implementing a long-term strategy for basic digital skills, an issue repeatedly highlighted by the European Commission as a major challenge for the country.
Good practices in inclusive digitalisation
Solutions already exist. Our report examines initiatives supporting basic digital skills implemented by NGOs, private companies, public institutions and local authorities in Romania and six other EU countries. From free educational workshops and physical support centres to digital skills passports and career support programmes, these good practices offer opportunities for wider replication in Romania.
Such initiatives can respond directly to citizens’ needs while involving local stakeholders in their implementation, particularly in isolated or vulnerable communities.
Challenges and opportunities for the digital transition
In Romania, a major challenge remains the lack of sustained support and coordination between digitalisation initiatives, particularly in the absence of a national framework led by public authorities. Many initiatives, ranging from national awareness campaigns to grassroots projects, lack the funding or organisational capacity needed to significantly improve basic digital skills across the population in the medium and long term.
We hope this report can serve as a starting point for closer cooperation between public authorities, civil society and the private sector, with the aim of helping more people acquire the basic digital skills they need.
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash.
