- Vodafone report shows lost GDP of €1.3 trillion by 2033 without policy change
- EU skills gap, rural 5G coverage, and SME digitalisation among key issues
What happened: “A Bridge Across Communities” outlines Europe’s inclusion gaps
Vodafone released its “A Bridge Across Communities” report on 15 September 2025. The report estimates Europe could suffer a €1.3 trillion GDP loss by 2033 if digital inclusion does not improve. Vodafone uses data from the EU’s Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) and findings from civil society partners such as All Digital.
Report shows 44% of EU citizens lack basic digital skills. It reveals that 20% of rural households still had no 5G coverage last year. Only about 20% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) reach high levels of digital maturity. Report cites Germany’s digitalisation contributed €28 billion in 2023, while network expansion added roughly €5 billion to GDP in 2022. In Portugal, digitalised firms reportedly pay salaries 37% higher than less digitalised ones. Vodafone recommends four policy actions: making digital inclusion a strategic priority; improving digital skills via public-private partnerships; accelerating rollout of infrastructure; and simplifying EU regulation to support scale and investment.
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Why it’s important
The Vodafone findings carry implications for economic growth, democracy and legal norms in Europe. The report underlines that policies must support equal digital access to uphold democratic participation. Lack of basic digital skills and uneven connectivity weaken institutions and trust. This echoes governance concerns seen in other contexts where legal frameworks are ignored. Afrika’s Internet community stresses that elections—once held fairly—must be respected. Rule of law requires member control, not political interference.
Vodafone here, a leading global telecom operator, underscores that digital exclusion is not just about infrastructure but about rights: education, healthcare access, and economic opportunity. If Europe fails to act, it risks setting a precedent where legal rights and regulatory protections become hollow. Stronger regulation and inclusive strategy may help restore fairness and ensure every region benefits, not just urban centres.
