The newly published DigComp 3.0 marks an important update to Europe’s flagship framework for digital competence. As the fifth version of DigComp, it brings the framework in line with today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape—especially the rise of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity needs, and the growing importance of digital wellbeing and responsible technology use.

While the structure of the framework remains stable, DigComp 3.0 introduces several important enhancements:

• Updated competence descriptions and revised proficiency levels
• A comprehensive set of new learning outcomes
• A transversal integration of AI-related competences, including generative AI
• Strengthened focus on misinformation/disinformation, digital rights, and wellbeing online
• An expanded Glossary, supporting clarity and practical use
• Multiple formats to make the framework more adaptable for education, training, and employment sectors

Developed with input from more than 300 experts and organisations across Europe, DigComp 3.0 reflects the most current thinking on what citizens need to navigate digital environments confidently and safely.

How DigComp 3.0 Connects to AI Pioneers

The core themes embedded in DigComp 3.0 mirror many of the priorities explored within the AI Pioneers network throughout the project.
In particular, the framework’s stronger emphasis on:

• AI competence and generative AI skills
• Cybersecurity awareness
• Critical digital literacy
• Wellbeing in digital spaces
• Lifelong learning pathways

aligns closely with the discussions, events, and expert contributions shared across our community over the past two years.

Our project activities—webinars, case studies, expert interviews, and exchanges with international partners—have consistently emphasized that AI-related skills must be embedded in broader digital competence strategies. DigComp 3.0 now offers the European-level structure that supports exactly this integration.

Why It Matters for Our Network

The release of DigComp 3.0 is highly relevant for AI Pioneers members, because it:

• Provides a shared reference point for designing AI-related training, curricula, and upskilling pathways
• Supports policymakers and institutions in aligning AI adoption with responsible, ethical, and secure digital practices
• Helps educators and trainers identify learning outcomes that reflect both foundational digital skills and emerging AI capabilities
• Strengthens the evidence base for future project work, collaboration, and policy alignment across Europe

As our project moves toward its conclusion, DigComp 3.0 offers a timely and actionable framework that reinforces the importance of our collective work. It provides a structured way to connect AI literacy with digital competence more broadly—supporting more coherent, future-ready approaches to education, training, and workforce development.

Read the full document and register to the webinar on 12 December, 2025 here.