The EU's Digitally Connected Future
EU pursues enhanced digital connections with allied nations
The European Commission is gearing up to intertwine with global trading partners in the digital landscape, prioritizing stability, reliability, and competitiveness. The strategy? A network of digital partnerships, designed to elevate the tech game worldwide.
According to the Commission's International Digital Strategy, the objective is three-fold:
- Cementing Collaborations: The EU intends to solidify existing ties and forge new digital partnerships through a Digital Partnership Network, boosting security, competitiveness, and the collective tech prowess.
- Boosting the Tech Bombshell: This strategic move incorporates joint investments by private and public sectors, aiming to drive the digital transition of partner countries. Key elements include AI Factories, secure connectivity, Digital Public Infrastructure, cybersecurity, and more.
- Governance Galvanization: The EU aims to usher in a rules-based global digital order that aligns with its fundamental values and advocates for shaping global digital governance standards with a network of like-minded partners.
The focus areas encompass:
- Secure Connections: Enhancing the digital security landscape, embracing emerging technologies like AI, 5G/G6, semiconductors, and quantum technologies.
- Hardline Cybersecurity: Guaranteeing robust cybersecurity for the EU and its partners.
- Digital Infrastructure: Investing in infrastructure that supports digital services and systems.
- Platform Politics: Prioritizing online platform considerations such as child protection, freedom of speech, and privacy.
The EU is already digging its roots deep with a number of digital partnerships:
- EU-Japan Union: The EU and Japan have solidified their tech and digital partnership, regularly engaging through the European Union-Japan Digital Partnership Council.
- EU-Singapore Summit: The EU and Singapore boast a comprehensive digital alliance, covering AI, 5G, digital connectivity, semiconductors, and digital trade. They have completed negotiations on a digital trade agreement, pending ratification.
As for the context of "Fed Frankfurt," while there are no specific undertakings mentioned in the digital partnership plans, the EU's focus on stability and competitiveness in the digital realm suggests that any tech or financial initiatives (such as those associated with Frankfurt's financial hub) would need to align with these broader digital strategy objectives.
In essence, the EU's digital partnerships are about building a reliable, rule-based global digital environment that fosters cooperation while boosting the competitive edge in cutting-edge technologies.
- The European Commission's strategies for digital partnerships aim to include collaboration with partners in finance by promoting joint investments in emerging technologies like AI, as part of the digital transformation of partner countries.
- As the EU forges ahead with its digital partnerships, the focus on stability and competitiveness in the digital realm suggests that finance technology initiatives, such as those in Frankfurt's financial hub, should align with the broader objectives of the digital strategy to foster a reliable rule-based global digital environment.
