The past, present and future of #DigitalEU achievements

Today we celebrate 1000 of you following us here on LinkedIn. As our social media platforms continue to grow, let’s discover together the history of European Commission ’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (CONNECT). Here are some of the most important milestones that shape today’s DG CONNECT.

Past

First known as DG XIII, this Directorate General was responsible for carrying out the specific programme devoted to what we then called the User-Friendly Information Society. It focused particularly on systems and services for the citizen, new methods of work and electronic commerce, multimedia content and tools, essential technologies and infrastructures.

In January 2005, the Information Society and Media Directorate-General (INFSO) replaced DG XIII. Back then, DG INFSO dealt with research, policy and regulation in the areas of information and communication technology and media. The DG was responsible for policies covering cultural, societal and economic angles, but also supported some the largest and visible economic sectors in Europe.

Present

In 2012, DG INFSO became DG CONNECT and refocused its mission to support communications networks, content and technology. Since then, its priorities have been the development and implementation of policies to ensure digital transformation and make Europe fit for the digital age.

Through funding, legislation and policy initiatives, it ensures European leadership and independence in key digital areas such as artificial intelligence, common data spaces, supercomputing, 5G, microelectronics, online platforms and quantum. ?It also works towards making Europe a global leader in the?data economy and in cybersecurity.

In the implementation of its current funding programmes (Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, Connecting Europe Facility and MEDIA) CONNECT is supported by four executive agencies ( European Research Executive Agency (REA) , European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) and European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) ) managing projects in the areas of research, capacity building, deployment, innovative enterprises and audio-visual. Joint Undertakings (KTD, SNS, EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) , European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC) ) implement as well parts of the funding programmes.

Future

Europe’s digital decade is a human-centric, sustainable vision for digital society and digital technologies, and this is where DG CONNECT steps in. The digital targets for 2030 set up a monitoring and cooperation mechanism to achieve the common objectives and targets for Europe's digital transformation. They are based on four crucial areas: supporting?digital literacy and skills?of EU citizens, ensuring a wide use and deployment of digital infrastructures, digitalisation of businesses and of public services.

On the path to the Digital Decade we have plenty of milestones to look forward to: the Digital Services, Artificial Intelligence and Chips Acts becoming reality – to name but a few.

Stay tuned for more upcoming news that shape the EU’s digital environment and make sure you follow our social media channels!