Reenvisioning Europe’s digital sovereignty

Ursula von der Leyen's leadership presents a pivotal opportunity for the European Union to redefine its digital strategy, moving away from a protectionist 'tech sovereignty' approach that has characterized her previous term. The new Commission aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, focusing on open markets and funding groundbreaking ideas rather than merely supporting established industries. Finland's Henna Virkkunen has been appointed as the executive vice president for tech sovereignty, signaling a commitment to global competitiveness in digital matters. Virkkunen's expertise and Finland's status as a leader in cloud computing and high-performance computing position the country as a model for the EU's digital agenda. However, she will collaborate with France's Stéphane Séjourné, who is aligned with President Macron's protectionist policies. This partnership raises concerns about the potential for conflicting strategies within the Commission. Von der Leyen is urged to reject any form of 'tech sovereignty' that isolates Europe from the global economy. Instead, she should empower her team to prioritize digital growth and innovation, ensuring that the EU can compete effectively on the world stage. The recent report by former ECB chief Mario Draghi emphasizes the need for European companies to thrive internationally, rather than merely favoring legacy industries. The next five years are crucial for the EU to transform into a global-facing innovation powerhouse. By embracing a more open digital policy, the Commission can unlock the economic potential of next-generation technologies and position Europe as a leader in the digital landscape.