The EU Sets Out Its International Digital Strategy

The European Commission and the High Representative Kaja Kallas have set out a joint vision for the EU's external action for digital. The new EU International Digital Strategy shows that the Union is a stable and reliable partner, open to digital cooperation with allies and partners.

The Strategy aims to expand international partnerships by deepening existing Digital Partnerships and Dialogues, establishing new ones, and fostering collaboration through a new Digital Partnership Network, the EU will strengthen its tech competitiveness and security as well as that of its partners. It would also aim to deploy an EU Tech Business Offer by combining EU private and public sector investments to support the digital transition of partner countries, incorporating components such as AI Factories, investments in secure and trusted connectivity, Digital Public Infrastructure, cybersecurity, and more. One of Strategy's goals is to strengthen global digital governance by promoting a rules-based global digital order, in line with the EU's fundamental values.

The EU has maintained longstanding cooperation on digital priorities with countries around the world, notably via Trade and Technology Councils, Digital Partnerships, several Digital and Cyber Dialogues, and Digital Trade Agreements. Collaboration with partner countries is also advancing, among other things, under the Global Gateway and through new Security and Defence Partnerships with allies.

Cooperation with partner countries will focus on secure and trusted digital infrastructure, emerging technologies, digital governance that fosters social cohesion, protects human rights and democratic principles, cybersecurity, Digital identities, and Digital Public Infrastructure, and will push online platforms to continue promoting the protection of children online, freedom of speech, democracy, and citizens' privacy. The EC and the High Representative will present the proposals at a series of events immediately after adoption, to begin to implement the actions laid out in the joint communication as soon as possible.

“Europe has huge potential to expand its geopolitical reach on digital issues, and today we set out a clear vision to do just that. We are ready to collaborate more closely with partners on shared digital challenges while remaining committed to individual rights and freedoms that are essential for effective global digital governance. Digital technologies are also central to defense. We see this everywhere, from Artificial Intelligence on the battlefield in Ukraine to state-sponsored cyberattacks against EU Member States. Our new strategy calls for strengthening Europe’s ability to defend itself against digital threats while championing tech innovation, including as part of building a stronger European defense sector,” said Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Vice-President of the European Commission.