Digital Decade report showcases Spain’s progress in AI and connectivity

Spain has strengthened its position as one of the EU’s leading digital economies, according to the European Commission’s 2026 State of the Digital Decade report.

The assessment highlights Spain’s strong performance in connectivity, digital public services, AI adoption and digital skills, with the country outperforming the EU average across several key indicators.

The report notes that Spain remains a European leader in digital infrastructure. Spain has the highest share of internet connections delivering speeds of 100 Mbps or more and ranks second in fibre-optic coverage across the EU. Fibre networks now reach almost 96% of the population, while 5G coverage exceeds 99% nationwide and nearly 96% in rural areas.

The Commission also highlighted investments in submarine cables and connectivity programmes that have reinforced Spain’s role as a key digital gateway between Europe, Africa and Latin America.

Spain also continues to rank among the EU’s top performers in digital public services. The Commission cited improvements to the ‘Mi Carpeta Ciudadana’ platform, which expanded services and incorporated user feedback during 2025.

Spain also ranks among Europe’s best performers in prefilled administrative forms, helping citizens interact more efficiently with public authorities. Digital services for both citizens and businesses remain significantly above the EU average.

The report also highlights the growing adoption of advanced technologies by Spanish businesses. AI adoption among Spanish businesses increased from 11.3% in 2024 to 20.3% in 2025, slightly above the EU average.

Data analytics adoption reached 47.1%, while digitalisation among small and medium-sized enterprises continued to improve through initiatives such as Kit Digital, Kit Consulting and Acelera Pyme.

The Commission also highlighted Spain’s commitment to quantum technologies, cybersecurity resilience and digital skills development, with 66.5% of the population now possessing at least basic digital skills.

Why does it matter?

Spain’s performance illustrates how sustained investment in digital infrastructure, public services and innovation can translate into broader economic and technological competitiveness. High levels of fibre connectivity, widespread digital public services and growing AI adoption provide a foundation for productivity growth and support the country’s position within Europe’s digital economy.

The findings are also relevant to the EU’s broader ambitions around technological sovereignty. As Europe seeks to reduce strategic dependencies in critical technologies, countries such as Spain are becoming important contributors to the bloc’s digital capacity through investments in connectivity, cybersecurity, quantum technologies and digital skills. Continued progress in these areas will be important for meeting the EU’s 2030 Digital Decade objectives.

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