In-person event
During a period of accelerating geopolitical tensions, the rapid evolution of digital technologies offers immense societal and economic potential but also significant strategic and security risks. This all influences both the EU’s internal and external policies and priorities as well as its global geopolitical positioning.
Recognising that technological competitiveness is both an economic and security imperative for the EU, the Joint Communication on the EU International Digital Strategy, set to be published on 5 June 2025, is expected to offer a vision for European leadership in shaping a secure, open and rules-based international digital environment; to advocate for a tailored and values-based approach to international cooperation and digital diplomacy; and to present an EU digital offer in crucial domains such as the digital public infrastructures, AI, cybersecurity and secure connectivity.
On the same day that the Strategy is published, CEPS will host a dedicated roundtable where speakers from the European External Action Service and the European Commission, DG CONNECT will elaborate on the Strategy’s content and rationale. The event will also explore pathways for strengthening Europe’s tech diplomacy in the coming years, a topic that CEPS will launch a dedicated programme on in the coming weeks.
The event will gather participants from the European Institutions, Member States, private sector and think tanks, to discuss the next steps in implementing the strategy.
Key questions for the debate:
- How can the EU assert digital leadership globally and tackle technological dependencies while preserving its democratic values and attachment to fundamental rights and security?
- How can we make EU’s international digital offer more attractive and accessible to global partners, especially in the Global Gateway countries?
- What is the expected role of EU stakeholders (e.g. industry, civil society, think tanks) in implementing the strategy?
- How can we strengthen EU digital/tech diplomacy initiatives, leveraging collaboration with global partners?
The panel discussion and Q&A will be followed by a cocktail reception.
