A New Chapter for Digital Skills in Europe — Explore DigComp 3.0!
DigComp 3.0: the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre has just unveiled the latest edition of the Digital Competence Framework –developed in collaboration with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion and over 300 stakeholders, experts and policymakers.
The European Digital Competence Framework (DigComp) sets out what is needed to be digitally competent and supports the development of digital competence for all. The framework incorporates a wide range of skills levels – from basic to highly advanced. Today, it is an overarching reference point, used by policymakers, employers, educators and researchers alike: a common language for digital competence in a rapidly-evolving digital world.
Why DigComp matters now
Digital technologies have rewired the very fabric of our daily, social and work lives in more ways than one. In today’s global economy, embedded with data and AI, digital competence has become a necessity. Digital skills are no longer about getting ready for the future of work: they define the present. In 2024-2025, 92% of EU workers reported needing digital skills to do their jobs, and 30% used AI systems for their work.
Today’s employees are expected not only to use digital tools, but also re-skill, up-skill, continually throughout their careers. If digital skills have become synonymous with working and living in today’s world, then those without digital competence are effectively locked out of jobs, essential services, and opportunities. Yet, just 56% of Europeans in 2023 had above basic digital skills – leaving the EU far from the Digital Decade targets.
What is new in DigComp 3.0
This fifth iteration brings new content that covers priorities like AI and cybersecurity competence, mis- and dis-information, digital wellbeing and digital rights.
Proficiency levels—from basic to highly advanced—have been updated, alongside over 500 new learning outcome statements with clear descriptions to support skill development and assessment.
The DigComp framework is also available in multiple formats, enabling agile and adaptable use across different contexts.
A brief history of the DigComp
First launched back in 2013 by the European Commission, the European Digital Competence Framework (DigComp) was developed by the Joint Research Centre as a common reference point for digital competence throughout the EU. Even back then, the Commission recognised that more and more jobs were being reshaped by the digital transformation of European economy and society, and identified a need for a shared understanding when it comes to digital competence across the EU Member States. This was 2013: a time when many EU countries had not yet fully embraced digital skills development, and when digital transformation had not touched all sectors to the extent it has today.
DigComp 2.0 in 2016 introduced major changes in terminology and conceptualisation, driven by technology trends, skills demand and supply – and the increased popularity of alternative work forms, such as Platform work. DigComp 2.1 was published the following year, in 2017, introducing 8 proficiency levels and strengthening operational usability.DigComp 2.2, which came out in 2022, brought AI literacy, data literacy and cybersecurity to the forefront, adding 250 new examples of knowledge, skills and attitudes.
From a purely descriptive taxonomy, DigComp has evolved into its current role as the main framework for digital skills in Europe. Today, it is helping to connect different sectors (such as formal education to VET, higher education and VET to employment) or supporting skills transferability and assessment across the EU Member States; an innovation-enabler.
Further reading
If this has sparked your interest, an interactive session on DigComp will take place on 12 December 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 CET. Register here!
Check out also a new report that showcases how DigComp has been used over the past decade.
Dive into the DigComp 3.0 edition and what it brings via here.
There is also a list of resources on DigComp 3.0: DigComp 3.0: European Digital Competence Framework for living, working and learning (2025); and a DigComp 3.0 Information Leaflet.
