On December 6, 2024, the Council of the European Union approved conclusions regarding the European Commission’s White Paper titled “How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?” This approval underscores the EU’s commitment to advancing secure, resilient, and high-capacity digital infrastructures across member states.
Key Highlights:
- Strategic Importance of Digital Infrastructure: The Council emphasizes that robust digital infrastructure is essential for Europe’s competitiveness and digital sovereignty. It calls for coordinated investments at both EU and national levels to enhance digital connectivity and resilience.
- Implementation of the White Paper’s Recommendations: The Council supports the White Paper’s proposals, including the development of secure and resilient 5G networks, the expansion of fiber optics, and the strengthening of submarine cable infrastructures. These measures aim to ensure seamless and secure digital communication across Europe.
- Addressing Cybersecurity Challenges: Recognizing the increasing cybersecurity threats, the Council underscores the need for a coherent approach between digital and cybersecurity policies. It highlights the importance of security and resilience by design in digital products and processes.
- Promotion of Innovation and Competitiveness: The conclusions stress the importance of fostering innovation-friendly environments, reducing administrative burdens, and ensuring legal certainty to boost the EU’s digital economy. This includes supporting SMEs and startups in adopting new technologies.
- International Cooperation: The Council acknowledges the significance of international partnerships in the digital domain. It calls for a coordinated EU strategy in multistakeholder digital governance to uphold European values and standards globally.
These conclusions align with the EU’s broader objectives of achieving digital sovereignty, enhancing cybersecurity, and promoting sustainable digital transformation. They reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing current and future challenges in Europe’s digital landscape.
Source: European Commission