Belgium's performance towards the Digital Decade targets and objectives.
Belgium has a dynamic tech ecosystem with rapid technology adoption among enterprises, strong VHCN coverage, and is a leader in cybersecurity and online public services, though gaps in FTTP and digital skills remain.
Belgium's roadmap is composed of 166 measures with a budget of EUR 913.71 million (equivalent to 0.15% of GDP).
Observed Key Performance Indicators as Percentage of the EU 2030 targets
The graph represents the observed Key Performance Indicators in the Member State as a percentage of the EU 2030 targets, as well as the distance, in percentage, to the EU 2030 targets.
The bars for cloud, data analytics and basic skills are empty, as 2023 is the most recent year for which data is available. The bars for edge nodes and unicorns are also empty as the Member State's performance cannot be compared to the EU target.
In 2024, Belgium had an estimated 30 edge nodes and 7 unicorns.
High-performance connectivity and foundational technologies for a competitive EU
Belgium leads in gigabit (VHCN) coverage and has rapidly improved 5G coverage, surpassing the EU average.;
Belgium has a strong position in cybersecurity and strategic technologies such as semiconductors and quantum computing.
Digital uptake by SMEs in some areas could be further strengthened.
Recommendation
Expand efforts to advance cloud infrastructure and promote cloud adoption among SMEs through broader national coordination across all regions and more concrete actions. Continue to support innovation in AI to reinforce leadership in the sector and create future global leader companies.
FTTP coverage remains below the EU average, especially in sparsely populated areas.
Recommendation
To enhance digital infrastructure, focus on accelerating FTTP deployment, particularly in sparsely populated areas.
Digital skills and public services to protect and empower EU people and society
Belgium has a strong performance in digital public services, especially for businesses and e-Health, with high e-ID uptake.
The country actively promotes digital literacy and inclusion, with targeted support for women in digital and lifelong learning.
Digital skills mismatches and gender imbalance persist.
Recommendation
Address the gender gap in digital skills, provide support for the less educated as well as older population, and improve skills helping citizens to stay safe while online to ensure comprehensive digital inclusion.
Advanced digital skills remain below the EU average, with shortages of ICT and STEM professionals.
Recommendation
Sustain efforts to boost the number of female ICT specialists and female ICT graduates.
Leveraging digital transformation for a smart greening
Green and digital transformation are integrated in national strategies and funding — with over 50% of its REPowerEU plan dedicated to green initiatives.
Emerging contributor in sustainable tech adoption, Belgium promotes circular ICT practices through above-EU-average device recycling rates.
Funding
EUR 1.2 billion
Share of Belgium’s total Recovery and Resilience plan directly contributing to achieving the Digital Decade targets
EUR 329 million
Share of Belgium’s total Cohesion funds directly contributing to the Digital Decade targets
What do Belgian citizens think of digital?
According to the special Eurobarometer on the Digital Decade 2025, 72% of Belgian citizens consider that the digitalisation of public and private services is making their lives easier.
87% of citizens consider it important that public authorities mitigate the issue of fake news and disinformation online.
84% of citizens consider it important to ensure that European companies can grow and become 'European Champions' able to compete globally.
More on the Digital Decade Report 2025
Member States must submit to the Commission national roadmaps, detailing the actions they plan to...