D9+ 2025 Amsterdam update


Amsterdam declaration
As the European Union stands at a crucial juncture in shaping its digital future, the D9+ calls for increasing the EU's tech sovereignty in an open manner1. Welcoming the Commission’s ambitious Competitiveness Compass, the D9+ calls for a coherent and forward-looking European technology strategy with a strong human-centric and rights oriented digital component. This strategy should bridge between the different existing initiatives, while encompassing the relevant policy goals from the Digital Decade.

The D9+ countries are committed to refining and advancing the trajectory of European digital policies to boost the next wave of frontier technologies. The Presidents political guidelines provide the new Commission with an ambitious agenda in the digital domain. The Competitiveness Compass, which is based on the findings of the Draghi report, which emphasises the transformative potential of digitalisation for Europe’s economic growth, social cohesion, and global competitiveness. It underscores the need for robust investments in digital technology and infrastructure, greater public-private partnerships, and a unified approach in order to harness and accelerate the development of emerging technologies such as AI and quantum technologies within the Union.

In Amsterdam, we, the D9+ ministers, discussed three aspects of EU digital policy and innovation:
• first, the rapid scientific and commercial development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the EU and the benefits of its deployment in both the private and public sectors;
• second, the need to foster the development of a large, open, competitive, collaborative, and interoperable European connectivity, cloud-edge and AI ecosystem, as a prerequisite to unlock the potential of European digital innovation;
• and finally, the need for a digital rulebook that is fit for purpose, avoids unnecessary red tape and does not hinder the development and use of technology by innovative European companies.

In the light of our discussions, we, the D9+ countries, recognise the importance of deepening digital cooperation among Member States and call for a cohesive and forward-looking European technology strategy with a strong digital component, aimed at increasing the EU's tech sovereignty in an open manner.

The urgent need to invest in European digital technology
Digitalisation plays a crucial role when it comes to accelerating efforts to improve Europe’s economic and geopolitical outlook. The EU’s competitiveness will increasingly depend on the digitalisation of the economy in and across different sectors and on building strengths in advanced technologies, which will drive investment, job and wealth creation. A strong position in digital technology not only benefits our overall prosperity, but also enables us to meet societal challenges and ensures our security and resilience. In a rapidly changing world order, characterised by a global race for technological dominance, tech sovereignty in an open manner is a crucial enabler of economic and geoeconomic strength. All this is essential for Europe's competitiveness, economic security and its stature as a geopolitical actor.

As it is vital to remain at the forefront of technological development, the EU needs to invest substantially and consistently in digital technologies. Since public funding has its limits, it is important to reduce barriers for private investments in European digital technology and explore what other actions are needed to unlock sufficient capital to support the EU digital investment agenda. In the EU we should increase focus on improving conditions for growth in sectors and technologies that will shape and underlie tomorrow’s industries. We must take a strategic, integral view on digital technology and take a whole-of- stack approach2. This should be done in cooperation with business sector and investors, researchers and international partners.

The D9+ welcomes the proposals in the Competitiveness Compass and will work with the European Commission in taking forward the proposals regarding the digital realm and create the right preconditions for growth to support the EU’s digital ambitions.

To increase Europe’s tech sovereignty in an open manner, we, the D9+ ministers:
• Calls for the establishment of a European technology strategy with a strong digital component, with an emphasis on increasing investment opportunities rather than introducing new legal obligations. This strategy should be aimed at a prioritised set of key technologies that have the most impact on the EU’s competitiveness and security, building towards technological leadership on select key technologies in 2035.
• Propose to include key digital technologies in the strategy, for example AI, semiconductors and quantum technology, while also acknowledging the importance of fundamental enablers in the digital domain, such as networking technologies, cloud technology, cybersecurity and the availability of data. These technologies do not stand alone, but are inextricably linked, which requires stimulating synergies.
• Stress the need to create optimal conditions for growth, innovation and investment, by removing barriers and ensuring a fully functioning Single Market, simplifying EU rules and procedures, deepening the capital markets union to ease access to finance and especially venture capital. Also, innovation ecosystems need to be strengthened and connected across Member State borders, driven by public-private partnerships and geared to achieving the necessary scale.
• Support the Commission in its aim of simplifying and creating more synergies between the different European funding programmes.
• Emphasise the importance of the European Investment Bank substantially increasing its investment volumes in venture capital and focusing more on impact investments, including in the digital domain.
• Emphasise the importance of the combined buying power that the EU and national governments have, which can be used to strengthen the EU’s position in the digital domain. Public procurement should be effectively used to bolster the development of critical digital technologies, while safeguarding competition and ensuring flexibility for national needs.
• Support finding innovative ways to mobilise private capital. An example could be the creation of EU-wide simple, low-cost retail investment products, labels, EU or national investment accounts (building on national best practices), or any other feasible instrument which lowers the barrier for European citizens to invest in European assets, including promising digital products and services.
• Emphasize the need to strategically project European interests and priorities internationally and build cooperation with likeminded partners, including on technology regulation and coordination of R&D efforts, while strengthening supply chains and dismantling barriers to trade on technology products.

---
[PM NAMES & TITLES SIGNATORIES]


Amsterdam declaration
As the European Union stands at a crucial juncture in shaping its digital future, the D9+ calls for increasing the EU's tech sovereignty in an open manner1. welcomesWelcoming the Commission’s ambitious Competitiveness Compass. The, the D9+ calls for a cohesive coherent and forward-looking European technology strategy with a strong human-centric and rights oriented digital component, aimed at increasing. the EU's tech sovereignty in an open manner. This strategy should bridge between the different existing initiatives, while encompassing the relevant policy goals from the Digital Decade.

The D9+ countries are committed to refining and advancing the trajectory of European digital policies to boost the next wave of frontier technologies. The Presidents political guidelines provide the new Commission with an ambitious agenda in the digital domain. The Competitiveness Compass, which is based on the findings of tThe Draghi report, has which emphasisesd the transformative potential of digitalisation for Europe’s economic growth, social cohesion, and global competitiveness. It underscores the need for robust private investments in digital technology and infrastructure, greater public-private partnerships, and a unified approach in order to harness and accelerate the development of emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing technologies within the Union.

In Amsterdam, we, the D9+ ministers, discussed three aspects of EU digital policy and innovation:
• first, the rapid scientific and commercial development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the EU and the benefits of its deployment in both the private and public sectors;
• second, the need to foster the development of a large, open, competitive, collaborative, and interoperable European connectivity, cloud-edge and AI ecosystem, as a prerequisite to unlock the potential of European digital innovation;
• and finally, the need for a digital rulebook that is fit for purpose, avoids unnecessary red tape and does not hinder the development and use of technology by innovative European companies.

In the light of our discussions, we, the D9+ countries, recognise the importance of deepening digital cooperation among Member States and call for a cohesive and forward-looking European technology strategy with a strong digital component, aimed at increasing the EU's tech sovereignty in an open manner.

The urgent need to invest in European digital technology
Digitalisation plays a crucial role when it comes to accelerating efforts to improve Europe’s economic and geopolitical outlook. The EU’s competitiveness will increasingly depend on the digitalisation of the economy in and across different all sectors and on building strengths in advanced technologies, which will drive investment, job and wealth creation. A strong position in digital technology not only benefits our overall prosperity, but also enables us to meet societal challenges and ensures our security and resilience. In a rapidly changing world order, characterised by a global struggle race for technological dominance, tech sovereignty in an open manner is an a crucial enabler of economic and geoeconomic strength., new military technology, and investing in a solid cyber defence, making it crucialis ThisAll this is essential for Europe's competitiveness, economic security and its stature as a geopolitical actor.

As it is vital to remain at the forefront of technological development, Tthe Draghi report rightly concluded that the EU needs to invest substantially and consistently in digital technologies to remain at the forefront of technological development. Since public funding has its limits, it is important to reduce barriers for private investments in European digital technology and explore what other actions are needed to unlock sufficient capital to support the EU digital investment agendafor the EU to make clear choices. In tThe EU we should increase its focus on incentivising private investments and improving conditions for growthcreating growth in sectors and technologies that will shape and underlie tomorrow’s industries. We must take a strategic, integral view on digital technology and take a whole-of- stack approach2, in which we strive for strategicc indispensability in the value chain. This should be done in cooperation with international partners and the private business sector and investors, researchers and international partners.

The D9+ welcomes will work with the European Commission to take forward the proposals in the Competitiveness Compass and will work with the European Commission in taking forward the proposals regarding concerning the digital realm and create the right preconditions for growth to support the EU’s digital ambitions.

To increase Europe’s tech sovereignty in an open manner, we, the D9+ ministers:
• Propose Calls for the establishment of a European technology strategy with a strong digital component, with an emphasis on increasing investment opportunities rather than introducing new legal obligations(, which can link current EU frameworks on competitiveness and economic security such as the competitiveness compass and the European economic security strategy)ensuring coherence of policy aims, regulation and financial instruments. This strategy should be aimed at a limited prioritised set of key technologies that have the most impact on the EU’s competitiveness and, security, and tech sovereignty in an open manner meaning theybuilding towards technological leadership on select key technologies in 2035.
• Propose to prioritise include the following six core key digital technologies in the strategy, such asfor example: AI, semiconductors and, quantum technology, while also acknowledging the importance of fundamental enablers in the digital domain, such as ,networking technologies, cloud technology, , and AI, while ensuringI and cybersecurity and the availability of data, as. a fundamental enablers for all other technologies. These technologies do not stand alone, but are inextricably linked, which requires finding stimulating synergies for European companies.
•
• Stress the need to create optimal conditions for growth, innovation and investment, by removing barriers and ensuring a fully functioning in the Ssingle Mmarket, simplifying EU rules and procedures, deepening the capital markets union to ease access to finance and especially venture capital. Also, innovation ecosystems need to be strengthened and connected across Member State borders, driven by public-private partnerships and geared to achieving the necessary scale.
• Support the Commission in its aim of simplifying and creating more synergies between the different European funding programmes.
• Emphasise the importance of the European Investment Bank substantially increasing its investment volumes in venture capital and focusing more on impact investments, (including in the digital domain).
• Emphasise the importance of the market combined buying power of that the EU and national governments have, which can be used in strengtheningto strengthen the EU’s position in the digital domain. and support , by stimulating e Pffective use of public procurement toshould be effectively used to bolster the development of critical digital technologies, while safeguarding competition and ensuring flexibility for national needs. through sectoral legislation on digital technology.
• Support finding innovative ways to mobilise private capital. An example could be the creation of EU-wide simple, low-cost retail investment products, labels, EU or national investment accounts (building on national best practices), or any other feasible instrument which lowers the barrier for European citizens to invest in European cross-border assets, including promising digital products and services.
• Emphasize the need to strategically project European interests and priorities internationally and build cooperation with likeminded partners, including on technology regulation and coordination of R&D efforts, while strengthening supply chains and dismantling barriers to trade on technology products.

---
[PM NAMES & TITLES SIGNATORIES]


Amsterdam declaration
As the European Union stands at a crucial juncture in shaping its digital future, the D9+ calls for increasing the EU's tech sovereignty in an open manner1. Welcoming the Commission’s ambitious Competitiveness Compass, the D9+ calls for a coherent and forward-looking European technology strategy with a strong human-centric and rights oriented digital component. This strategy should bridge between the different existing initiatives, while encompassing the relevant policy goals from the Digital Decade.

The D9+ countries are committed to refining and advancing the trajectory of European digital policies to boost the next wave of frontier technologies. The Presidents political guidelines provide the new Commission with an ambitious agenda in the digital domain. The Competitiveness Compass, which is based on the findings of the Draghi report, which emphasises the transformative potential of digitalisation for Europe’s economic growth, social cohesion, and global competitiveness. It underscores the need for robust investments in digital technology and infrastructure, greater public-private partnerships, and a unified approach in order to harness and accelerate the development of emerging technologies such as AI and quantum technologies within the Union.

In Amsterdam, we, the D9+ ministers, discussed three aspects of EU digital policy and innovation:
• first, the rapid scientific and commercial development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the EU and the benefits of its deployment in both the private and public sectors;
• second, the need to foster the development of a large, open, competitive, collaborative, and interoperable European connectivity, cloud-edge and AI ecosystem, as a prerequisite to unlock the potential of European digital innovation;
• and finally, the need for a digital rulebook that is fit for purpose, avoids unnecessary red tape and does not hinder the development and use of technology by innovative European companies.

In the light of our discussions, we, the D9+ countries, recognise the importance of deepening digital cooperation among Member States and call for a cohesive and forward-looking European technology strategy with a strong digital component, aimed at increasing the EU's tech sovereignty in an open manner.

The urgent need to invest in European digital technology
Digitalisation plays a crucial role when it comes to accelerating efforts to improve Europe’s economic and geopolitical outlook. The EU’s competitiveness will increasingly depend on the digitalisation of the economy in and across different sectors and on building strengths in advanced technologies, which will drive investment, job and wealth creation. A strong position in digital technology not only benefits our overall prosperity, but also enables us to meet societal challenges and ensures our security and resilience. In a rapidly changing world order, characterised by a global race for technological dominance, tech sovereignty in an open manner is a crucial enabler of economic and geoeconomic strength. All this is essential for Europe's competitiveness, economic security and its stature as a geopolitical actor.

As it is vital to remain at the forefront of technological development, the EU needs to invest substantially and consistently in digital technologies. Since public funding has its limits, it is important to reduce barriers for private investments in European digital technology and explore what other actions are needed to unlock sufficient capital to support the EU digital investment agenda. In the EU we should increase focus on improving conditions for growth in sectors and technologies that will shape and underlie tomorrow’s industries. We must take a strategic, integral view on digital technology and take a whole-of- stack approach2. This should be done in cooperation with business sector and investors, researchers and international partners.

The D9+ welcomes the proposals in the Competitiveness Compass and will work with the European Commission in taking forward the proposals regarding the digital realm and create the right preconditions for growth to support the EU’s digital ambitions.

To increase Europe’s tech sovereignty in an open manner, we, the D9+ ministers:
• Calls for the establishment of a European technology strategy with a strong digital component, with an emphasis on increasing investment opportunities rather than introducing new legal obligations. This strategy should be aimed at a prioritised set of key technologies that have the most impact on the EU’s competitiveness and security, building towards technological leadership on select key technologies in 2035.
• Propose to include key digital technologies in the strategy, for example AI, semiconductors and quantum technology, while also acknowledging the importance of fundamental enablers in the digital domain, such as networking technologies, cloud technology, cybersecurity and the availability of data. These technologies do not stand alone, but are inextricably linked, which requires stimulating synergies.
• Stress the need to create optimal conditions for growth, innovation and investment, by removing barriers and ensuring a fully functioning Single Market, simplifying EU rules and procedures, deepening the capital markets union to ease access to finance and especially venture capital. Also, innovation ecosystems need to be strengthened and connected across Member State borders, driven by public-private partnerships and geared to achieving the necessary scale.
• Support the Commission in its aim of simplifying and creating more synergies between the different European funding programmes.
• Emphasise the importance of the European Investment Bank substantially increasing its investment volumes in venture capital and focusing more on impact investments, including in the digital domain.
• Emphasise the importance of the combined buying power that the EU and national governments have, which can be used to strengthen the EU’s position in the digital domain. Public procurement should be effectively used to bolster the development of critical digital technologies, while safeguarding competition and ensuring flexibility for national needs.
• Support finding innovative ways to mobilise private capital. An example could be the creation of EU-wide simple, low-cost retail investment products, labels, EU or national investment accounts (building on national best practices), or any other feasible instrument which lowers the barrier for European citizens to invest in European assets, including promising digital products and services.
• Emphasize the need to strategically project European interests and priorities internationally and build cooperation with likeminded partners, including on technology regulation and coordination of R&D efforts, while strengthening supply chains and dismantling barriers to trade on technology products.

---
[PM NAMES & TITLES SIGNATORIES]


Amsterdam declaration
As the European Union stands at a crucial juncture in shaping its digital future, the D9+ calls for increasing the EU's tech sovereignty in an open manner1. welcomesWelcoming the Commission’s ambitious Competitiveness Compass. The, the D9+ calls for a cohesive coherent and forward-looking European technology strategy with a strong human-centric and rights oriented digital component, aimed at increasing. the EU's tech sovereignty in an open manner. This strategy should bridge between the different existing initiatives, while encompassing the relevant policy goals from the Digital Decade.

The D9+ countries are committed to refining and advancing the trajectory of European digital policies to boost the next wave of frontier technologies. The Presidents political guidelines provide the new Commission with an ambitious agenda in the digital domain. The Competitiveness Compass, which is based on the findings of tThe Draghi report, has which emphasisesd the transformative potential of digitalisation for Europe’s economic growth, social cohesion, and global competitiveness. It underscores the need for robust private investments in digital technology and infrastructure, greater public-private partnerships, and a unified approach in order to harness and accelerate the development of emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing technologies within the Union.

In Amsterdam, we, the D9+ ministers, discussed three aspects of EU digital policy and innovation:
• first, the rapid scientific and commercial development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the EU and the benefits of its deployment in both the private and public sectors;
• second, the need to foster the development of a large, open, competitive, collaborative, and interoperable European connectivity, cloud-edge and AI ecosystem, as a prerequisite to unlock the potential of European digital innovation;
• and finally, the need for a digital rulebook that is fit for purpose, avoids unnecessary red tape and does not hinder the development and use of technology by innovative European companies.

In the light of our discussions, we, the D9+ countries, recognise the importance of deepening digital cooperation among Member States and call for a cohesive and forward-looking European technology strategy with a strong digital component, aimed at increasing the EU's tech sovereignty in an open manner.

The urgent need to invest in European digital technology
Digitalisation plays a crucial role when it comes to accelerating efforts to improve Europe’s economic and geopolitical outlook. The EU’s competitiveness will increasingly depend on the digitalisation of the economy in and across different all sectors and on building strengths in advanced technologies, which will drive investment, job and wealth creation. A strong position in digital technology not only benefits our overall prosperity, but also enables us to meet societal challenges and ensures our security and resilience. In a rapidly changing world order, characterised by a global struggle race for technological dominance, tech sovereignty in an open manner is an a crucial enabler of economic and geoeconomic strength., new military technology, and investing in a solid cyber defence, making it crucialis ThisAll this is essential for Europe's competitiveness, economic security and its stature as a geopolitical actor.

As it is vital to remain at the forefront of technological development, Tthe Draghi report rightly concluded that the EU needs to invest substantially and consistently in digital technologies to remain at the forefront of technological development. Since public funding has its limits, it is important to reduce barriers for private investments in European digital technology and explore what other actions are needed to unlock sufficient capital to support the EU digital investment agendafor the EU to make clear choices. In tThe EU we should increase its focus on incentivising private investments and improving conditions for growthcreating growth in sectors and technologies that will shape and underlie tomorrow’s industries. We must take a strategic, integral view on digital technology and take a whole-of- stack approach2, in which we strive for strategicc indispensability in the value chain. This should be done in cooperation with international partners and the private business sector and investors, researchers and international partners.

The D9+ welcomes will work with the European Commission to take forward the proposals in the Competitiveness Compass and will work with the European Commission in taking forward the proposals regarding concerning the digital realm and create the right preconditions for growth to support the EU’s digital ambitions.

To increase Europe’s tech sovereignty in an open manner, we, the D9+ ministers:
• Propose Calls for the establishment of a European technology strategy with a strong digital component, with an emphasis on increasing investment opportunities rather than introducing new legal obligations(, which can link current EU frameworks on competitiveness and economic security such as the competitiveness compass and the European economic security strategy)ensuring coherence of policy aims, regulation and financial instruments. This strategy should be aimed at a limited prioritised set of key technologies that have the most impact on the EU’s competitiveness and, security, and tech sovereignty in an open manner meaning theybuilding towards technological leadership on select key technologies in 2035.
• Propose to prioritise include the following six core key digital technologies in the strategy, such asfor example: AI, semiconductors and, quantum technology, while also acknowledging the importance of fundamental enablers in the digital domain, such as ,networking technologies, cloud technology, , and AI, while ensuringI and cybersecurity and the availability of data, as. a fundamental enablers for all other technologies. These technologies do not stand alone, but are inextricably linked, which requires finding stimulating synergies for European companies.
•
• Stress the need to create optimal conditions for growth, innovation and investment, by removing barriers and ensuring a fully functioning in the Ssingle Mmarket, simplifying EU rules and procedures, deepening the capital markets union to ease access to finance and especially venture capital. Also, innovation ecosystems need to be strengthened and connected across Member State borders, driven by public-private partnerships and geared to achieving the necessary scale.
• Support the Commission in its aim of simplifying and creating more synergies between the different European funding programmes.
• Emphasise the importance of the European Investment Bank substantially increasing its investment volumes in venture capital and focusing more on impact investments, (including in the digital domain).
• Emphasise the importance of the market combined buying power of that the EU and national governments have, which can be used in strengtheningto strengthen the EU’s position in the digital domain. and support , by stimulating e Pffective use of public procurement toshould be effectively used to bolster the development of critical digital technologies, while safeguarding competition and ensuring flexibility for national needs. through sectoral legislation on digital technology.
• Support finding innovative ways to mobilise private capital. An example could be the creation of EU-wide simple, low-cost retail investment products, labels, EU or national investment accounts (building on national best practices), or any other feasible instrument which lowers the barrier for European citizens to invest in European cross-border assets, including promising digital products and services.
• Emphasize the need to strategically project European interests and priorities internationally and build cooperation with likeminded partners, including on technology regulation and coordination of R&D efforts, while strengthening supply chains and dismantling barriers to trade on technology products.

---
[PM NAMES & TITLES SIGNATORIES]