From digital empowerment to digital sovereignty: Skills for Europe’s future

Digital sovereignty is becoming a key priority for Europe as it seeks to strengthen its control over digital technologies, infrastructure and data. The European Commission’s Digital Sovereignty Package reflects this ambition, focusing on strategic areas such as cloud and edge computing, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technologies and open-source solutions. By supporting the development and adoption of trusted technologies, the EU aims to build a more secure, resilient and competitive digital environment.

Achieving these ambitions also depends on people having the skills to develop, manage and use digital technologies. From understanding open-source approaches to working with advanced technologies, digital skills empower individuals and organisations to make informed choices, strengthen technological autonomy and contribute to Europe’s digital future.

Through initiatives such as the Digital Skills and Jobs Platform (DSJP) and Champions for the Digital Decade (C4DD), the EU supports this broader effort by connecting people with learning opportunities, strengthening the digital skills ecosystem and supporting national strategies that advance the Digital Decade goals.

Connecting digital skills and opportunities

Building digital sovereignty requires both technological capabilities and a skilled workforce. Access to digital skills opportunities helps individuals and organisations develop the knowledge needed to engage with emerging technologies, support innovation and contribute to a more open and resilient digital environment.

National Coalitions and their websites provide access to digital skills opportunities at national level, while the Digital Skills and Jobs Platform brings initiatives and learning opportunities from across Europe to a wider audience.

How can you build your digital skills for a more open and resilient digital future?

Here is a selection of resources to help you build knowledge, discover open-source approaches and make more informed digital choices:

• Explore the Tech Sovereignty Package adopted by the European Commission in June 2026: Strengthening Europe’s tech sovereignty | Shaping Europe’s digital future
• Get insights from a national strategy supporting the digital sovereignty: Spain - Roadmap to Accelerate Digital Sovereignty 2026-2030
• Check out the DSJP Training Catalogue for trainings and build skills to develop and manage new technological solutions: Big Data, Cloud, Quantum and High Performance Computing, Microelectronics and Blockchain.
• Learn about the Digital Skills Academies established to drive advanced digital skills development across EU: Launching Europe’s future: new Digital Skills Academies in Quantum Technologies, AI Skills, and Virtual Worlds
• Explore how businesses can increase their control over digital technologies and infrastructure: Short study: How SMEs can strengthen their digital autonomy
• Get inspired with a good practice: A European Digital Skills Awards 2026 Winner that developed a unique AI-based solution for researchers: Consortium FAIRmat  
• Listen to the Digital Skills Talks episode focusing on how European Data Spaces: Digital Skills Talks 15th episode: "Skills, collaboration, and innovation in European Data Spaces"