Partners sought by EU in the digital transformation process
EU Announces New International Digital Strategy
The European Union (EU) has unveiled a new International Digital Strategy, aimed at strengthening partnerships, promoting a rules-based global digital order, and enhancing digital cooperation with key partners around the world.
The Strategy, presented by EC Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, focuses on securing and strengthening digital infrastructure, a crucial element for advancements in critical sectors such as energy, transport, finance, and health. This includes investments in secure and trusted connectivity, digital identities, and digital public infrastructure.
The Strategy also encompasses emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G/6G, semiconductors, and quantum technologies. The EU aims to implement actions laid out in the joint communication as soon as possible to ensure its position as a leader in these fields.
In line with its commitment to upholding freedom of speech, democracy, and citizens' privacy, the Strategy continues to promote online platforms that protect children and support these values. The EU has a history of cooperation on digital priorities with countries around the globe.
To expand partnerships, the EU will deepen existing Digital Partnerships, establish new ones, and foster collaboration through a Digital Partnership Network. This network aims to facilitate cooperation in prioritized areas such as secure and trustworthy digital infrastructure, emerging technologies, digital governance, cybersecurity, digital identities, digital public infrastructure, online platforms, and the promotion of child protection, freedom of expression, democracy, and citizen privacy.
The EU Tech Business Offer, a combination of EU private and public sector investments, will support the digital transition of partner countries. This offer is not a repetition of earlier components such as AI Factories, investments in secure and trusted connectivity, Digital Public Infrastructure, cybersecurity, and more.
The Strategy reaffirms the EU's commitment to building a rules-based global digital order. It seeks to position the EU as a stable and reliable partner for digital cooperation and emphasizes digital governance that fosters social cohesion, protects human rights, and democratic principles.
Cybersecurity is a key component of the Strategy, with the aim of strengthening the cyber defence of partner countries, which is a direct investment in the EU's own security. The Commission and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas will present the proposals for the new International Digital Strategy in a series of events after adoption.
The Strategy objectives include expanding international partnerships, deploying an EU Tech Business Offer, and strengthening global digital governance. These objectives are particularly focused on partner countries in the Mediterranean region and Africa, as these regions are priorities within initiatives like Global Gateway and digital alignment efforts with Mediterranean partners.
The Strategy does not repeat earlier objectives such as expanding international partnerships, deploying an EU Tech Business Offer, and strengthening global digital governance. Instead, it builds upon these foundations to forge new collaborations and solidify the EU's position as a global leader in digital cooperation.
