One in two Cypriots has basic digital skills, Eurostat data show

One in two Cypriots had at least basic overall digital skills in 2021, just a little under the average in all European Union member states, according to data released by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical service.

In particular, 50 per cent of Cypriots aged 16 to 74 were found in 2021 to have basic digital skills, in comparison with 54 per cent of people in the European Union.

The highest shares of people aged 16 to 74 who had at least basic overall digital skills were found in the Netherlands and Finland (both 79 per cent), followed by Ireland (70 per cent)

On the other hand, the lowest share was recorded in Romania (28 per cent), followed by Bulgaria (31 per cent) and Poland (43 per cent).

Digital skills indicators are some of the key performance indicators in the context of the EU’s policies on the digital transition. The EU goal set out in the Digital Compass is for 80 per cent of EU citizens aged 16-74 years old to have at least basic digital skills by 2030.

Eurostat defines digital skills as falling under five different categories: information and data literacy skills, communication and collaboration skills, digital content creation skills, safety skills and problem-solving skills.

To be counted in statistics as having at least basic overall digital skills, people must know how to do at least one activity related to each area.