Belgium’s performance towards the Digital Decade objectives and targets
In 2023, Belgium made notable progress in terms of the adoption of artificial intelligence by its enterprises. Important challenges persist in the area of advanced digital skills and in connectivity coverage. However, in the digitalisation of public services, the country stands out as a frontrunner.
Two main strengths or areas of progress
Digitalisation of SMEs and adoption of advanced digital technologies by enterprises
74.5% of Belgian SMEs have at least a basic level of digital intensity, above the EU average of 57.7%. Enterprises are also making good progress on digitalisation, with a strong use of cloud (47.7% of enterprises, above the EU average of 38.9%) and data analytics (44.5% of enterprises, above the EU average of 33.2%), and a very strong adoption of Artificial Intelligence (13.8% against an EU average of 8%).
Digitalisation of public services
Belgium is a frontrunner in providing key digital public services for citizens (scoring 82.3 out of 100 against an EU average of 79.4) and businesses (scoring 91.6 out of 100 against an EU average of 85.4).
Two main weaknesses or areas to improve
Connectivity infrastructure
Despite being in a leading position in gigabit coverage for Fixed Very High-Capacity Networks (VHCN), with 96% of households covered, Belgium remains far below the EU average with regards to the percentage of households covered by Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) coverage (25% against an EU average of nearly 64%) and 5G (40.4% against an EU average of 89.3%).
ICT specialists
ICT specialists accounted for 5.4% of the Belgian population in employment in 2023, which is higher than the EU average of 4.8%. However, only 3% of the population in Belgium were ICT students in 2022, a slightly greater percentage than in 2021 but still below the EU average of 4.5%. The country also continues to suffer from labour shortages in technical occupations. Moreover, Belgium had the lowest share of women tertiary education graduates in STEM in 2021, with 27.4% compared to the EU average of 32.8%.
Belgium's Key Performance Indicators
Belgiums’s Digital Decade strategic roadmap
Belgium’s roadmap demonstrates that the country considers its digital transformation important, although it devotes only some effort to achieve the Digital Decade objectives and targets. It sets targets for 12 out of 14 key performance indicators (KPIs), generally aligned with the EU 2030 ambitions, except for the target on Fiber to the Premises (FTTP). To achieve its digital transformation, Belgium plans to allocate a total budget (excluding private investments) estimated at EUR 892 million (0.2% GDP).
Digital rights and principles
The Special Eurobarometer 'Digital Decade 2024' highlights that 51% of Belgians believe the EU protects their digital rights, with a decrease of 5% compared to 2023, but above the EU average. 66% of Belgian respondents trust in privacy online, and 70% value the freedom of association online, both well above the EU average. However, concerns are growing with regards to children's online safety (48%) and about control over personal data (42%). These findings underscore the need to reinforce digital rights at national level.
Country-Specific Recommendations
Belgium must improve its performance towards the Digital Decade targets and objectives, to foster competitiveness, resilience, sovereignty, and promote European values and climate action.
Connectivity infrastructure
Accelerate efforts to ensure full Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) and 5G coverage, addressing issues like limited speed and service in rural areas.
ICT specialists
Pursue academic and industrial partnerships to attract and employ digital talent and seek to achieve a gender-balanced ICT specialist workforce.
More on the Digital Decade Report 2024
Digital Decade 2024 report: Country fact pages
Check out the progress of all Member States and extracts of country-specific recommendations.