A recently published report provides a detailed strategy to protect Europe’s digital sovereignty while keeping Europe’s position open and competitive in the global digital economy. The report suggests that the EU’s digital security, protection, and defense policies should simultaneously take into account the EU’s global digital relationships while encouraging innovation and collaboration. The European Commission recently introduced policies designed to strengthen Europe’s ability to exercise digital control over technologically advanced infrastructures and systems.
These policies are a part of the EU’s strategy concerning the development of Europe’s digital resilience
The Commission argues that Europe’s Digital Resilience Strategy aims to limit dependencies and defend Europe’s position in global innovation.
“Digital sovereignty does not mean protectionism. It means ensuring that Europe can make its own choices and safeguard its interests in a connected world.”
The report identifies a number of priority areas. These include the unimpeded flows of secure data, the provision of cloud services that are trustworthy, and the establishment of comprehensive systems that guarantee the protection of all aspects of information and communication technology.
The report advocates intervention in the development of advanced technologies to focus and strengthen Europe’s competitive advantage in emerging technologies. The strategy aims to promote fairness in competition while ensuring the protection of privacy and several fundamental rights, and facilitates a focus on interoperability and standardization.
People in the Business Software Alliance feel there is a need to maintain openness in international trade and innovation
The BSA believes that Europe’s digital sovereignty should be built on trust, transparency, and collaboration.
BSA discourages policymakers from putting restrictive digital economy policies in place that could result in the fragmentation of the digital economy and/or less access to cutting-edge technologies.
This study proposes the construction of a European Cloud Rulebook to be the first of its kind. The Cloud Rulebook will set the first standard on security, protection, and compliance across all EU member countries and will help EU citizens and businesses obtain compliant cloud technologies from the EU.
The European Union (EU) is also planning to improve investments in the digital workforce and cyber skills to help alleviate gaps in the workforce for critical cyber skills.
The European Union (EU) is not aiming to replace collaboration with other like-minded countries
The European Union (EU) still aims to help the world with international standards. This supports Europe’s digital economy, available to all, with democracy and human rights respected.
Experts have identified that this initiative is timely. Artificial Intelligence is improving at a staggering rate, and new concerns are arising about the security and privacy of our data.
Across the globe, governments are reassessing their digital policies. For Europe, the challenge is finding a balance between self-governance and international relations. The Commission stated,
“The goal is not to close doors but to ensure that Europe can act independently when the occasion calls for it.”
The study says governments need to be more transparent with their technology partnerships
The EU is trying to regulate trust in the partnerships it chooses to take on, to mitigate the risks of foreign influence while attempting to strengthen innovation from within the EU.
Looking towards the future, the continued digital growth of Europe will depend on Europe’s digital sovereignty.
Policymakers are working with industry representatives, civil society, and the EU’s international partners to enhance the proposals. If all goes to plan, Europe will have the potential to be at the top of the world for safe and groundbreaking technology. As Europe continues to modernize its digital system, it has also showcased its model for balancing digital independence and digital access, and it is showing other regions how to best tackle this digital independence dilemma.
