EU sets out its International Digital Strategy

The European Union has launched a bold new International Digital Strategy, outlining its vision for external digital engagement in an increasingly competitive and geopolitically tense world. The strategy, presented jointly by the European Commission and the High Representative, aims to position the EU as a reliable and values-driven global tech partner, promoting secure, inclusive, and rules-based digital cooperation.

The strategy outlines a roadmap for expanding global partnerships, boosting digital competitiveness, and strengthening digital governance with an emphasis on shared values, human rights, and cybersecurity.

Key objectives of the strategy include:

Expand global digital partnerships: Through deeper cooperation and a new Digital Partnership Network, the EU will enhance digital collaboration with countries worldwide to improve collective tech resilience and innovation.
Launch an EU tech business offer: A mix of public and private investments will support the digital transformation of partner countries. This includes support for AI development, secure digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital public services.
Champion global digital governance: The EU will advocate for a rules-based digital order aligned with democratic values and fundamental rights.

“We are taking a decisive step forward in strengthening current collaborations and seeking new partners,” said Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy.

“Countries that master AI and advanced technologies not only gain a decisive economic edge but also strengthen their national defence and security. While the EU will spare no efforts to boost its competitiveness in these fields, we will also work with partners to support their own digital transitions. Indeed, no country or region can lead the technological revolution alone.”

“AI is too fundamental for the future of humanity to be reduced to a quest for supremacy among advanced AI powers. In the EU, we have a lot of expertise and solutions to offer and a strong political will to boost tech innovation and security in the EU and for our allies and partners,” she added.

Strategic focus areas include:

Secure digital infrastructure for critical sectors like health, finance, and transport.
Emerging technologies such as AI, 5G/6G, quantum computing, and semiconductors.
Digital public infrastructure and cross-border recognition of digital identities.
Cybersecurity collaboration to protect partner nations—and the EU itself—from rising threats.
Responsible platform governance to safeguard privacy, free expression, and online child protection.

The strategy builds on existing cooperation frameworks such as the Global Gateway, Trade and Technology Councils, and Digital Partnerships.

“Europe has huge potential to expand its geopolitical reach on digital issues, and today we set out a clear vision to do just that,” said Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

“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,” she noted.

“Digital technologies are also central to defence. 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 defence sector.”

The EU’s new digital vision is set to be rolled out through a series of high-level events and engagement with global stakeholders. It follows calls from the European Council in 2024 to boost the EU’s global digital leadership and incorporates input from a wide range of contributors, including civil society, academia, tech firms, and international partners.