The European Commission has published DigComp 3.0, the fifth version of the European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens. DigComp 3.0 reflects recent and emerging digital technological developments — including Artificial Intelligence — while maintaining the framework’s stability, coherence and technology-neutral approach.
DigComp supports policymakers, educators, employers and researchers in understanding, developing and assessing digital competence across education, training and employment contexts.
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What’s new in DigComp 3.0?
Compared to the previous version, DigComp 3.0 introduces several important updates:
- No changes to the overall structure of the framework
- Updated wording of competence areas and competences
- Revised proficiency levels
- New learning outcomes, structured by knowledge, skills and attitudes
- Transversal integration of Artificial Intelligence competence across all areas
- An extended glossary clarifying key terms
- Multiple formats, enabling easier tailoring and adaptation to different contexts
Developed with a broad European community
DigComp 3.0 was developed with input from over 300 individuals and organisations across Europe and beyond, including policymakers, educators, employers and researchers working on digital competence.
Its development was guided by key content themes, such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (including generative AI)
- Cybersecurity
- Digital rights, choice and responsibilities
- Wellbeing in digital environments
- Tackling misinformation and disinformation
And application themes, including:
- Digital competence as a core element of lifelong learning
- Recognition of pre-requisites for acquiring basic digital competence
- Evolving and diverse digital competence needs
- Flexible and agile use of the framework across systems
Five competence areas, four proficiency levels
DigComp 3.0 continues to be organised around five competence areas:
- Information search, evaluation and management
- Communication and collaboration
- Content creation
- Safety, wellbeing and responsible use
- Problem identification and solving
Digital competence development is described across four proficiency levels — Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Highly advanced — reflecting task complexity, autonomy and cognitive demand.
AI competence integrated throughout
Rather than being treated as a standalone topic, AI competence is embedded across all 21 DigComp competences. This approach recognises AI as one digital technology among many, while ensuring that citizens develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for its safe, ethical and responsible use.
Strong policy alignment
DigComp 3.0 aligns with major European initiatives and values, including the European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles, the Digital Decade policy programme, and EU legislation such as the GDPR, Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act and AI Act. It places people firmly at the centre of Europe’s digital transformation.
