Digital ministers from Estonia, Germany, Latvia and Lithuania want to work closely together on digitalization / Key issues paper on reforms in European digital policy presented
Germany and the Baltic States want to strengthen Europe as a digital location and advocate for innovation-friendly framework conditions. Today in Mainz, Germany, the digital ministers of the four countries presented nine points for a new EU digital agenda. They affirm their support for the Digital Single Market, but call for more pragmatic and more efficient approaches to reaching this goal.
Dr. Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital and Transport:
“In the Innovation Club, we are joining forces to drive comprehensive and consistent digitalization throughout Europe. This is imperative given the tough competition we face. Only the fastest economies with the best frameworks will benefit from digital technology. We must learn from the countries at the forefront of digitalization and share lessons learned. We are united in our commitment to ensuring that the EU sets the right priorities in digital policy: faster decisions, more openness to innovation and fewer barriers for companies.”
Aušrinė Armonaitė, Lithuania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation: “Fostering an environment suitable for developing next-gen digital solutions is a task best tackled together with like-minded partners. This is what we see in Germany, Latvia, and Estonia – the perfect partners for making the EU even more competitive in our digital age. After all, we all have a single goal – a prosperous digital Europe that opens new opportunities for everyone.”
Inga Bērziņa, Latvia’s Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development: “Today we discussed a strategic nine-point agenda aimed at fortifying Europe's position as a digital hub and advocating for innovation-friendly framework conditions in the forthcoming European Commission mandate. In the face of fierce global competition, we understand that only the swiftest economies, equipped with the most conducive conditions, will reap the rewards of digital technology. The 'innovation club' symbolizes our dedication to learning from each other, sharing knowledge, and collectively shaping the EU's digital policy. By uniting our strengths, we aim to propel the EU into a digitally empowered future."
Tiit Riisalo, Estonia’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology: “Europe has the potential to become a frontrunner in the next technological revolution. Digital technologies and AI will have a significant impact on our society and economy in the coming years, and greater attention to these developments is crucial. Europe needs an innovation-friendly digital agenda and we must ensure that the use of new technologies is not an end in itself, but a means to increase people’s well-being. This means efficient, more convenient and secure services for our citizens and companies.”
The Innovation Club’s proposals are intended for the next European Commission, in order to support the adoption of a new digital agenda from 2024. The proposals will be elaborated over the next few weeks.
The Innovation Club’s key issues paper is available for download at: https://bmdv.bund.de/innovationclub-paper