JOIN(2025) 140 JOINT COMMUNICATION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL An International Digital Strategy for the European Union

    Resolutsiooni liik: Riigikantselei resolutsioon Viide: Välisministeerium /  / ; Riigikantselei /  / 2-5/25-01253

Resolutsiooni teema: ELi rahvusvaheline digistrateegia

Adressaat: Välisministeerium Ülesanne: Tulenevalt Riigikogu kodu- ja töökorra seaduse § 152` lg 1 p 2 ning Vabariigi Valitsuse reglemendi § 3 lg 4 palun valmistada ette Vabariigi Valitsuse seisukoha ja otsuse eelnõu järgneva algatuse kohta, kaasates seejuures olulisi huvigruppe ja osapooli:

- JOINT COMMUNICATION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL An International Digital Strategy for the European Union, JOIN(2025) 140.

EISi toimiku nr: 25-0333

Tähtaeg: 11.07.2025

Adressaat: Haridus- ja Teadusministeerium, Justiits- ja Digiministeerium, Kaitseministeerium, Kliimaministeerium, Majandus- ja Kommunikatsiooniministeerium Ülesanne: Palun esitada oma sisend Välisministeeriumile seisukohtade kujundamiseks antud eelnõu kohta (eelnõude infosüsteemi (EIS) kaudu).

Tähtaeg: 09.07.2025

Lisainfo: Eelnõu on kavas arutada valitsuse 24.07.2025 istungil ja Vabariigi Valitsuse reglemendi § 6 lg 6 kohaselt sellele eelneval nädalal (16.07.2025) EL koordinatsioonikogus. Esialgsed materjalid EL koordinatsioonikoguks palume esitada hiljemalt 11.07.2025.

Kinnitaja: Nele Grünberg, Euroopa Liidu asjade direktori asetäitja Kinnitamise kuupäev: 26.06.2025 Resolutsiooni koostaja: Elen Nurme [email protected], 693 5201  

.

25.06.2025

ELi rahvusvaheline digistrateegia (JOIN(2025) 140 final)

Otsuse ettepanek koordinatsioonikogule

Kujundada seisukoht

Kaasvastutaja sisendi tähtaeg: 9.07.2025

KOKi esitamise tähtaeg: 16.07.2025

VVsse esitamise tähtaeg: 24.07.2025

Vastutav ministeerium: Välisministeerium

Kaasvastutajad: Justiits- ja Digiministeerium; Majandus- ja Kommunikatsiooniministeerium; Haridus- ja Teadusministeerium; Kaitseministeerium; Kliimaministeerium.

Seisukoha valitsusse toomise alus ja põhjendus:

Seisukoha võtmist peab oluliseks peaminister või minister (VVS § 20¹ lg 2);

Algatuse vastuvõtmisega kaasneks oluline majanduslik või sotsiaalne mõju (RKKTS § 152¹ lg 1 p 2);

Otsuse ettepanek koordinatsioonikogule:

Kujundada seisukoht

Sisukokkuvõte

Euroopa Komisjon ning ELi välisasjade ja julgeolekupoliitika kõrge esindaja avaldasid 5. juunil 2025 ühisteatise „ELi rahvusvaheline digistrateegia“.

Strateegia eesmärgiks on tugevdada ELi juhtrolli rahvusvahelistes digiküsimustes ja kasvatada ELi digipartnerlusi. Prioriteetvaldkondadeks on turvaline ühenduvus, uued tehnoloogiad (sh tehisintellekt, 5G/6G, pooljuhid, kvanttehnoloogiad), küberjulgeolek, avalik digitaristu ja veebiplatvormid (sh lastekaitse, sõnavabadus ja privaatsuse kaitse).

Kas EL algatus reguleerib karistusi või haldustrahve? Ei

Kas nähakse ette uue asutuse loomine (järelevalvelised või muud asutused)? Ei

Kas lahenduse rakendamine vajab IT-arendusi? Ei

2

Eesmärgid

 ELi tehnoloogilise konkurentsivõime kasv

 ELi ja partnerite julgeoleku tagamine (sh ELi julgeoleku- ja kaitsepartnerluste tugevdamine, et rohkem käsitleda ka digiteemasid)

 Globaalse digihalduse ja standardite kujundamine üheskoos partneritega

Mõjud

 Täiendavate võimaluse loomine Eesti (digi)ettevõtetele

 Teadus- ja arendustegevuses samameelsete partneritega koostöö suurendamine, sh tehisintellekti ja kvanttehnoloogia valdkondades

 Rahvusvaheliste standardite edendamine uutes tehnoloogiates, nt 5G/6G

 Digiküsimuste suurem hõlmamine ELi arengukoostöö tegevustesse, sh Global Gateway

Kaasamine

Kaasata kõik asjassepuutuvad sidusrühmad ja partnerid, sh IKTL, Kaubandus- Tööstuskoda jne.

EN EN

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

HIGH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNION FOR

FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND SECURITY POLICY

Brussels, 5.6.2025

JOIN(2025) 140 final

JOINT COMMUNICATION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE

COUNCIL

An International Digital Strategy for the European Union

1

An International Digital Strategy for the European Union

The digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution is reshaping economies and societies in

Europe and across the world. Economic players and countries that are able to master them do

not only gain a decisive economic edge in terms of competitiveness and efficiency but can also

use these technologies to strengthen their national defence and security, as well as ensure they

are aligned with the core values of their society. Conversely, those who are late in embracing

them risk lagging behind economically and undermining their sovereignty.

In such context, the EU is determined to boost its tech competitiveness and innovation capacity

while working with partners and allies to support their own digital transition. No country or

region can tackle the digital and AI revolution alone. The EU remains committed to the rules-

based global order and to the defence of its fundamental values.

For the EU’s competitiveness, economic security and defence capacity, it is crucial to closely

cooperate with our partners and tech allies to enhance the ability of European tech companies

to innovate and grow globally. Concerted EU efforts are necessary to ensure that global digital

governance supports EU interests and fundamental values.

This strategy sets out the basis on which the EU will address these objectives, working in a

joined-up way.

1. DIGITAL AS A CORE ELEMENT OF THE EU’S EXTERNAL ACTION

At the current geopolitical juncture, the EU remains a reliable and predictable partner,

committed to strengthening its existing relations with allies globally, and forging new mutually

beneficial partnerships with those willing to work towards shared objectives. The EU’s support

to the rules-based global order, aligned with the values of democracy, rule of law and

fundamental rights, is steadfast.

The EU’s growing network of bilateral and regional partnerships allows the EU to be stronger

on the world stage, building coalitions in pursuit of shared objectives in key international fora

and organisations. From shaping norms in multilateral fora to deepening bilateral partnerships,

the EU aims to make progress on concrete and immediate priorities, protecting and promoting

the EU’s strategic interests.1

As emphasised by the Draghi report2, the increasing productivity gap between the EU and the

United States since the mid-1990s is largely explained by the superior ability of the US to

innovate, scale-up globally and succeed in the tech sector. The EU also faces the risk of

weaponisation of its technological and economic dependencies and the risk of critical

technology leakage. As outlined in the ProtectEU Strategy3, the lines between offline and online

1 See the Conclusions of the European Council, 17th April 2024: “The European Council also highlights the need

to strengthen the EU’s leadership in global digital affairs and invites the Commission and the High

Representative to prepare a joint communication on the subject” (p. 10) 2 The future of European competitiveness: Report by Mario Draghi (2024) 3 Communication on ProtectEU: a European Internal Security Strategy, COM(2025) 148

2

threats are increasingly blurred and the EU needs to cooperate better with its partners to combat

the misuse of technologies.

In boosting its tech competitiveness and innovation capacity, as set out in the EU’s

Competitiveness Compass4, the EU can build on several strengths. The EU has a large and

integrated digital single market and is the global leader in the import and export of digitally

delivered services5. It hosts world-leading tech companies and has an increasing number of tech

start-ups6. It can draw on world-class research and innovation and has the capacity to provide

integrated technology solutions to partner countries seeking to uphold their digital sovereignty

and to implement a human-centric digital transformation.

As part of its Digital Decade Policy Programme 20307, the EU aims to boost investment in

connectivity infrastructure, skills, and research8, and create more favourable conditions for EU

disruptive start-ups to emerge and scale up. As technologies such as AI, semiconductors, cloud

and quantum computing are fundamentally changing the industrial as well as defence and

security landscape, Europe needs an industry capable of designing, developing, manufacturing

and delivering these technologies and products faster and at scale.

An increasingly active Digital Diplomacy has built on these strong domestic foundations to

advance our international priorities and to build partnerships9. Investments and initiatives

launched under the Global Gateway, including in enlargement and neighbourhood countries,

notably the EU Growth Plans, demonstrate the strategic importance of the digital sector from a

geopolitical, security and economic point of view.

Building on the EU’s strengths and internal policies and actions, the International Digital

Strategy for the European Union will therefore focus on the following objectives:

a) Boost the EU’s tech competitiveness through economic and business cooperation. The

EU will continue to cooperate with trusted partners to reinforce EU leadership in emerging

tech, including through research and innovation and by attracting foreign investments and

talents; use its international tools to develop and promote EU technology solutions

worldwide; and expand its growing network of digital trade agreements

b) Promote a high level of security for the EU and its partners. In line with existing

commitments10, the EU will continue to strengthen its cybersecurity and cyber defence,

particularly of key critical infrastructures; enhance the security of research while enhancing

research in security-related fields; tackle hybrid threats and foreign information

manipulation and interference; enhance the resilience, security, and stability of ICT supply

chains, including beyond its borders; tackle cybercrime through joint operations11,

including through bilateral and multilateral cooperation; and promote trusted suppliers of

digital technologies, including in dual-use technologies such as AI and quantum.

c) Shape global digital governance and standards with a network of partners. The EU

will continue to promote its values-based approach on digital governance and digital

4 Communication on a Competitiveness Compass for the EU, COM(2025) 30 final 5 See source WTO 6 COM(2025) 217 of 28/05/2025 – ‘EU startup and scale-up Strategy’ 7 See the full Digital Decade Policy Programme 8 As outlined in the Communication on the Union of Skills COM(2025) 90 final 9 As outlined by the Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions on Digital Diplomacy in June 2023 10 The Protect EU Strategy ((COM)2025 148), Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030,

Preparedness Union Strategy (JOIN(2025) 130), Strategic Compass (7371/22) 11 For example: Europol

3

standards to shape a global digital transformation that is human-centric, trustworthy, and

respects human rights and fundamental freedoms. By acting decisively, the EU can be a

driving force of responsibly guided technological advancement on the global stage.

2. SCALING THE EU’S GLOBAL NETWORK OF PARTNERS

The EU has developed strong regional and bilateral digital cooperation with partners

through Ministerial-level Trade and Technology Councils12 and Digital Partnerships13, as well

as Digital Dialogues14. It maintains Cyber Dialogues with a wide range of partners15, and digital

issues are an increasingly important feature of the tailor-made Comprehensive and Strategic

Partnerships16.

In addition, digital cooperation also builds on the association of partner countries to key EU

programmes, notably Horizon Europe17 and the Digital Europe Programme18 for advanced

research and innovation cooperation and the deployment of digital technologies.

Advancing the harmonisation of key digital transformation policies, investing in secure digital

connectivity and boosting innovation are also at the heart of the EU’s cooperation with

enlargement and neighbourhood countries, via instruments such as Deep and

Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements or Stabilisation and Association Agreements. These

trade agreements and other related instruments such as the Growth Plans for the Western

Balkans19, the Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova20 and the Ukraine Facility21 set a

strategic basis for the gradual integration of candidate countries into the Digital Single Market22.

The EU is developing a New Pact for the Mediterranean with partners of the Southern

Neighbourhood, building on the 2021 Agenda for the Mediterranean, to deepen our political

engagement and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, notably in the digital

domain.

The EU is continuously expanding its network of free trade agreements23 and digital trade

agreements24. Among others, these set high-standard digital trade rules that ensure a secure and

safe online environment for consumers, bring transparency, predictability and legal certainty

for companies, and prevent or remove unjustified barriers to digital trade including for cross-

12 With the U.S. and India 13 With Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Canada 14 With Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Australia and the Western Balkans 15 India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Brazil, United States, Ukraine and the United Kingdom 16 With partners such as Tunisia, Egypt or Jordan 17 Nineteen countries are currently associated to Horizon Europe – listed here. In addition, Switzerland, the

Republic of Korea and Egypt are expected to become associated in 2025, whereas association negotiations are

progressing with Japan 18 Countries associated to DEP are listed here 19 Communication new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, COM(2023) 691 20 See more information on the Growth Facility for Moldova 21 Ukraine Facility - European Commission 22 For example, following the transposition of the relevant EU acquis, Ukraine and Moldova are on their path to

be granted mutual internal market treatment for roaming 23 Free Trade Agreements with comprehensive digital trade chapters have been concluded with the United

Kingdom, New Zealand and Chile, and are ongoing with India, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia 24 Signature of the EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement took place on 7 May 2025. Negotiations for the Digital

Trade Agreement with Korea were concluded March 2025. Rules on cross-border data flows with Japan,

complementing the EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement, entered into force in July 2024.

4

border data flows. Furthermore, the Commission liaises with other leading regulators and

enforcers, building new networks on digital services and AI.

The Global Gateway strategy offers the opportunity to advance partnerships, policy dialogues,

and investments with countries around the world, including through the EU-Latin America and

Caribbean Digital Alliance25, the administrative arrangement with Smart Africa26, the Team

Europe Central Asia initiative27, and Digital Economy Packages with partners in Africa, Asia

and Latin America28, including with Least Developed Countries. The Clean Trade and

Investment Partnerships29 allow the EU to address the links between digital issues, trade and

clean tech.

There is a growing appetite across the world for digital cooperation with the EU, and the current

global landscape calls for new, deeper, and more flexible forms of cooperation to nurture

mutually beneficial partnerships, which recognise the advances made by many of our partners

across the digital arena, from digitising government services to facilitating electronic payments,

from supporting citizens’ rights to developing local resilience. The EU will keep seeking

cooperation – not only with long-time like-minded partners, but with any country with which

we share common objectives.

Faced with the need to accelerate its digital transformation in a more challenging geopolitical

context, the EU will therefore scale its global network of partners in four directions:

1) Deepening its existing Digital Partnerships and Dialogues, to advance cooperation in

key areas, such as research and innovation, industrial and policy cooperation on

emerging tech, transparency and resilience of global supply chains, security and

sustainability of digital infrastructure, AI deployment and innovation, with a focus on

mutual economic benefits and enhancing economic security. The EU will propose a

more significant integration of additional priorities into these partnerships, such as

cybersecurity, research security, sensitive technology protection, and aspects related to

dual-use technologies. It will continue engaging in advanced regulatory cooperation.

Deepening the Digital Partnerships and Dialogues will also involve providing an

enhanced role for businesses from the EU and partner countries, stimulating business-

to-business and business-to-government cooperation and focusing on investment

opportunities.

2) Broadening the existing cooperation network, with the establishment of new Digital

Partnerships and Dialogues and expanding the network of digital trade agreements.

Priority partners will be determined building on the EU’s priorities and existing bilateral

and regional cooperation at EU and Member State level. Under the Global Gateway, the

EU will work to increase European investments in partner countries, linking the EU

with centres of digital growth and contributing to the EU’s economic security.

3) Connecting these partnerships to operate as a network. As the network of partnerships

expands, so does the opportunity to work together in pursuit of shared interests.

Likewise, cooperation is increasingly necessary as we face common challenges.

25 https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/policies/global-gateway/eu-latin-america-and-caribbean-

digital-alliance_en 26 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/eu-and-africa-strengthen-cooperation-digital-transformation 27 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/pl/ip_22_6963 28 Since 2022 the EU has launched Digital Economy Packages in Nigeria, Colombia, the Democratic Republic

of Congo, Kenya and the Philippines. 29 https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/clean-industrial-deal_en

5

Cooperation could take the form of regular technical exchanges on common issues (e.g.

emerging tech, secure and trusted connectivity, standardisation or regulatory

cooperation), the preparation of joint projects (e.g. research and innovation cooperation,

interoperability pilots, joint projects in third countries), and the organisation of a

network, involving high-level representatives from EU partners, the EU and EU

Member States.

4) Strengthening Security & Defence Partnerships30 as regards digital issues, given the

increasing importance of advanced digital infrastructure and technologies. Leveraging

investment into dual use advanced technological capabilities and promoting the EU

security and defence tech industry as a central partner and driver of innovation in AI,

quantum and other emerging technologies are among the priorities in this area.

The EU sees the development of AI as fundamental for the future of humanity. It cannot be

reduced to the quest for supremacy among advanced AI powers. In response, the EU will

continue to promote its open and collaborative model of developing trustworthy AI, which is

based on participation of researchers and the private sector in ‘AI Factories’. In this regard,

cooperation with like-minded partners and allies which share our respect for the rule of law and

fundamental and democratic values, will be crucial.

Examples of forthcoming actions:

• Preparation of potential new Digital Partnerships and Dialogues, in a Team Europe

approach, ensuring close cooperation with Member States, industry, stakeholders and

partner countries, including in the context of the EU cooperation with neighbourhood

countries.

• Establishment of a Digital Partnership Network, involving the EU’s partners, the EU and

its Member States.

• Close cooperation to promote synergies between Digital Partnerships and the technology-

related issues of the EU’s Security and Defence Partnerships.

• Expansion of the network of Digital Trade Agreements and continuation of negotiations

of Free Trade Agreements including on digital trade.

3. THE EU TECH BUSINESS OFFER

To engage with a broader set of trusted partners, the EU will develop an integrated Tech

Business Offer. Such a comprehensive Offer will support the deployment of secure and trusted

connectivity, Digital Public Infrastructure, AI and software solutions, and beyond. The

objective will be to tailor and combine technology components in a modular approach –

balancing the interests of partner countries and the EU, in order to create a package of mutual

benefits. This will be complemented with capacity-building and measures to bridge the global

talent gap, coordinating training efforts on digital skills with international partners. The EU will

actively promote digital solutions enabling more energy- and resource-efficient manufacturing,

services and other applications.

The Tech Business Offer will be managed jointly by the EU and its Member States in a ‘Tech

Team Europe’ approach, closely involving EU companies31, EU Development Finance

30 The EU has secured such partnerships with the United Kingdom, Norway, Moldova, South Korea, Japan,

Albania and North Macedonia. 31 Including through the Global Gateway Business Advisory Group

6

Institutions and Export Credit Agencies, with a strong facilitator role by the D4D Hub32 and

the EU4Digital33 umbrella initiative. The Offer will build on existing external financing tools

and investments by the private sector. It will be essential to coordinate investments through the

different programmes, between public and private sector and to continue improving the

business environment. This will be done in close cooperation with EU Delegations and national

Embassies, for example via the Informal Digital Hubs, which the EU has established in a

number of partner countries34 to promote Team Europe cooperation. In countries with which

strategic partnerships have been concluded or are being negotiated, the Offer will be integrated

in the existing or negotiated partnership framework.

4. PRIORITY AREAS OF COOPERATION WITH PARTNER COUNTRIES

Cooperation with partner countries will cover the following areas:

Secure and trusted digital infrastructure

The security and resilience of digital networks and infrastructures are essential to enable

developments in critical sectors such as energy, transport, finance and health. While the EU has

already demonstrated leadership in this area, work will continue, by drawing on instruments

such as the 5G Toolbox35, to assist partner countries who are equally concerned about the need

to build their digital economy on secure foundations. In line with the recent Communication to

strengthen the security and resilience of submarine cables36, this approach could be extended

to submarine cables and other critical digital infrastructure. This could be the subject of an

annual conference to deepen technical contacts and understanding on opportunities and security

requirements for future routes, partnerships, and financing, feeding into the Global Gateway

process.

The EU will promote the deployment of secure digital connectivity and sustainable

infrastructure worldwide – in particular secure and trusted 5G networks, submarine and

terrestrial cables, satellite connectivity, Internet infrastructure, supercomputers and data

centres. The EU will also work to support its partners’ resilience through diversification and

integration of networks, including through satellite connectivity and other forms of non-

terrestrial networks. The EU will seek to develop a network of secure37 submarine and terrestrial

communication cables connecting the EU with partner countries, as well as sovereign and

resilient space connectivity. This should support the EU’s role as an international hub capable

of hosting data and computing capacities in a resilient and reliable space, tapping the

opportunities of the data economy, and attracting investments in sustainable data centres,

computing and AI capacities. In cooperation with partner countries, the EU will actively seek

to support digital solutions enabling more energy- and resource-efficient manufacturing,

32 The Digital for Development (D4D) Hub is a platform that aims to strengthen digital cooperation and

coordination between the European Union and its Member States and partners in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin

America and the Caribbean, and EU neighbouring countries. 33 The EU4Digital umbrella initiative pools together EU funded programmes aimed at extending the benefits of

the Digital Single Market to the Eastern Partnership countries and to the Western Balkans. 34 Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Colombia, Brazil. 35 Cybersecurity of 5G networks - EU Toolbox of risk mitigating measures 36 Joint Communication on EU Action Plan on Cable Security, JOIN(2025) 9 final 37 In line with the Commission Recommendation on Secure and Resilient Submarine Cable Infrastructures, C

(2024) 1181, and the Joint Communication to strengthen the security and resilience of submarine cables,

JOIN(2025) 9.

7

services and other applications, reducing the carbon footprint as well as facilitating climate

adaptation and resilience.

Examples of forthcoming actions in the field of secure connectivity:

• Arctic connectivity is a strategic priority for the EU. The EU will work with partners

to boost support for projects that advance new submarine cable routes in the region,

by making use of the Connecting Europe Facility to catalyse public and private

investments.

• A key element of Global Gateway investment in the digital sector is a network of

strategic submarine communication cable infrastructure projects to provide secure

and resilient links between the EU and partner countries. Investments include:

1) BELLA, the first transatlantic optical fibre cable between the EU and Latin

America and the Caribbean, which connects Latin-American research institutes,

provides fast access to Earth Observation data from the Copernicus component of

the EU’s Space Programme. It will be further extended across Central America

and the Caribbean and will support the growth of High-Performance Computing

in the region.

2) The MEDUSA submarine cable, supported by the European Commission and

EIB Global, will provide high-speed connectivity between the northern and

southern shores of the Mediterranean and will be extended to West Africa.

3) Blue-Raman consists of a planned 11,700km secure submarine cable system

connecting Europe to India, with landings in the Middle East and Eastern Africa,

along the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). With its strong

connectivity dimension linking Europe and India via the Gulf region, it will

facilitate the exchange of data and increase cooperation with partner countries.

• The EU’s Black Sea strategy recognises the Black Sea as a key gateway linking

Europe to the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond. To increase connectivity

and trade with the Eastern Partnership region, the EU will support targeted

investments in digital infrastructure, with the development of Black Sea digital links

aiming at creating secure, high-capacity internet connection, when conditions allow.

• The Central Asia Team Europe Initiative will provide enhanced secure

connectivity, primarily to unserved and underserved areas in Central Asia, via

satellite provided by the EU private sector.

• IRIS², the new secure satellite-based connectivity component of the EU’s Space

programme, will provide global coverage when the entire constellation will have been

deployed. At an early stage, it will set up pilot projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.

• The EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Team Europe Initiative under the

Global Gateway includes a digital component promoting the expansion of the

Copernicus mirror site in the Philippines to further countries in ASEAN, including

Indonesia and Thailand.

Emerging technologies

• Artificial Intelligence: As outlined in the AI Continent Action Plan38, the EU will continue

to engage bilaterally, regionally and multilaterally with trusted partners to attract

38 Communication on an AI Action Plan, COM(2025)165

8

investments in the EU, support the establishment of a global level playing field for

trustworthy AI, and to promote the good governance of AI globally. The EU will also act

decisively to establish itself as a frontrunner in applying AI to science for its own

competitiveness and to attract top scientists to Choose Europe39. The EU will further seek

cooperation with trusted partners, notably on innovation-related aspects of AI, such as the

deployment of AI Factories outside the EU and their connection to the network of EU AI

Factories. Such cooperation will also include providing access to AI models and algorithms,

in particular on projects relating to AI for the Public Good (e.g. tackling climate change and

supporting clean transition, improving healthcare or agriculture). This cooperation will also

leverage EU public and commercial satellite data and services to enhance AI-driven

solutions for global challenges, such as environmental monitoring and disaster response.

Given the dual-use nature of some AI applications, the EU will continue to work on the role

of Artificial Intelligence in the Common Foreign & Security Policy (CFSP) and Common

Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), working with Member States to ensure that the EU’s

CFSP and CSDP are able to profit from the technological advances of AI.

• 5G/6G: The EU is the global innovation leader in advanced connectivity, such as 5G and

fixed network solutions. The objective to reach common standards for the next generation

sustainable by design (6G) requires cooperation with like-minded countries, starting with

research and innovation cooperation and standardization. The main challenge is the

development and choice of 6G technologies, notably Radio Access Network technologies,

including integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. EU industry can lead 6G

development in line with EU standards notably on cybersecurity, interoperability and

compliance with legal access standards and will benefit from cooperation with countries

having complementary strengths in the value chain, including microelectronics, devices,

cloud or AI.

• Semiconductors: Geopolitical uncertainty and the growing complexity of semiconductor

supply chains demand a tailored, country-specific approach, ensuring that the EU partners

with global leaders of the semiconductor ecosystem while safeguarding its own

technological, economic and security interests. The EU will continue engaging with

countries where collaboration in areas like pre-competitive research and development and

supply chain resilience is mutually beneficial. In line with the Economic Security strategy40,

the EU will also defend its economic security interests, including through bilateral, regional

and multilateral engagement, encouraging information sharing to prevent supply chain

disruptions, mitigating risks, and attracting global talents to address the skills gap in the

European semiconductor ecosystem.

• Quantum technologies: Advancing common standards and applications in quantum

technologies demands robust international collaboration, particularly in research and

innovation. The EU will strengthen ties with countries that offer complementary strengths

in the quantum technology value chain, including computing, sensing, communication,

post-quantum safe encryption, and related fields on a reciprocal basis. The EU remains

attentive to the role of quantum technologies in the future security landscape and maintains

regular contact with NATO and other relevant partners in the field. The EU will join forces

with partner countries on concrete applications of quantum technologies in sectoral policies,

for example to develop new materials.

Examples of forthcoming actions in the field of emerging technologies:

39 Choose Europe: advance your research career in the EU 40 Communication on a European Economic Security Strategy, COM(2023) 20 final

9

• The EU will implement joint research and innovation projects in Quantum technologies

with Japan, the Republic of Korea and Canada.

• As part of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council, the EU and India are working

on developing a dedicated programme that will facilitate talent exchanges and foster

semiconductor skills among students and young professionals.

• In the context of the EU-LAC Digital Alliance, the EU will establish a robust partnership

to federate High Performance Computing resources in Latin America and the Caribbean

and to enhance their interoperability and integration with the European HPC ecosystem.

• The EU will follow up on the commitments of the EU-African Union Ministerial Meeting

(May 2025), to work together to develop regional innovation ecosystems, establishment of

AI strategies and digital governance frameworks.

• The EU will support the deployment of AI Factories in trusted partner countries, supporting

them with developing their compute infrastructure while also securely connecting them to

the EU and its AI Factories ecosystem.

• The EU will work with Member States to outline areas where Artificial Intelligence can

support the implementation of the Common Foreign & Security Policy and Common

Security and Defence Policy.

• The EU will continue to support defence innovation through the EU Defence Innovation

Scheme (EUDIS) and will explore ways to enhance collaboration with Ukraine in this

domain.

• The EU will, in close dialogue with trusted partners such as Norway and Ukraine, explore

new ways for supporting synergies with the Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI).

Cybersecurity

In today’s hyper-connected world and evolving geopolitical landscape, cyber threats from state

and non-state actors do not stop at the borders. A cyber-attack or incident in one country can

cripple businesses and infrastructure worldwide, and our citizens and businesses rely on digital

products and solutions from third countries. Strengthening cybersecurity and cyber defence,

including the capacity to detect, prepare for and response to cybersecurity threats and incidents,

and enhancing information sharing on cyber threats with international partners to improve

response time and resilience, is a direct investment in the EU’s own security. Nowhere is this

truer than in the EU’s neighbourhood, where the EU is fully committed to supporting

enlargement countries to ramp up their cybersecurity and cyber defence capabilities.

The EU also has the tools to lead at a global scale on cybersecurity. With the Cyber Resilience

Act41, the EU is setting a new standard for secure-by-design products. As countries worldwide

seek to secure their supply chains, the EU’s expertise in product security offers a powerful

foundation for international partnerships. In a similar vein, as the EU’s global partners are

investing into securing their critical infrastructures, market opportunities arise in areas where

the EU has strong European industrial leadership such as cryptography and highly secure digital

products.

With its strong impact on businesses and hospitals, ransomware remains a global scourge, one

that no single country can combat alone. In line with the ProtectEU Strategy, the EU will push

for stronger international cooperation to take down the infrastructure that ransom groups rely

41 Regulation (EU)2024 2847

10

on, break their financial lifelines, ensure more efficient sanctions against perpetrators and

facilitators, and bring the cybercriminals to justice.

As part of these efforts, the EU will also promote enhanced cyber resilience in sectors

increasingly reliant on digital technologies, such as transport and smart mobility, where secure

infrastructure, data and services are essential to ensure operational continuity and public trust.

Recent efforts have ensured that candidate countries that are associated to the Digital Europe

Programme would be able to access the EU-level Cybersecurity Reserve established by the

Cyber Solidarity Act42. In addition, the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, ENISA,

will continue cybersecurity cooperation with relevant third countries, including capacity

building in candidate and Neighbourhood countries.

Examples of forthcoming actions in the field of cybersecurity:

• The EU will work with relevant partners to explore the potential for mutual recognition

agreements regarding the Cyber Resilience Act and respective frameworks of the partners

to facilitate compliance with product cybersecurity requirements.

• The EU will continue cooperating with partner countries to enhance global cyber resilience

and contribute to a free, open, safe and secure cyberspace. Firmly anchored in the Global

Gateway strategy, cybersecurity and cyber capacity-building support will focus on

securing critical infrastructures, and strengthening cyber ecosystems, including through the

development and implementation of relevant regulatory and policy frameworks, as well as

cyber hygiene and literacy.

• At the UN and within regional security bodies, the EU will continue to promote responsible

state behaviour in cyberspace, based on the UN General Assembly-endorsed framework.

This includes upholding international law, adhering to globally accepted norms of state

conduct in peacetime, developing confidence-building measures, and supporting states in

building the capacity to implement these framework elements.

• The EU will reinforce its attribution of cyber-attacks to malicious actors, including state-

based actors, and continue to develop the associated sanctions mechanisms.

Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI)

Together with its partners, the EU will also better protect citizens from Foreign Information

Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) campaigns or other societal risks stemming from online

platforms. To do so, ensuring algorithmic transparency in how content is recommended and

moderated is essential to enhance accountability and public trust.

This is also relevant for candidate, potential candidate and neighbourhood countries, in view of

their specific vulnerabilities to disinformation and foreign interference and will in turn allow to

strengthen our mutual resilience, including democratic resilience.

Examples of forthcoming actions in the field of FIMI:

• Following an expansion of its work on attributing cyber-attacks to defined actors, the EU

will expand the attribution of incidents of FIMI.

42 Regulation (EU)2021 694

11

Digital identities and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

The EU’s experience in developing open-source digital identity wallets and secure and data

protection compliant Digital Public Infrastructure offers significant value beyond EU borders.

International cooperation and mutual recognition arrangements with key partners can simplify

cross-border business for companies and facilitate citizens’ mobility. The EU will notably

continue to pursue cooperation with third countries (such as Ukraine, Moldova, the Western

Balkans, Japan, India, Egypt) to achieve seamless cross-border usage of trust services. It will

also promote the European Interoperability Framework43 to help partner countries with

fostering administrative modernisation and cross-border digital integration, including aligning

with EU standards and practices. The EU will continue to promote the use of common

specifications and open standards to ensure interoperability, transparency, and reuse.44

Examples of forthcoming actions in the field of secure Digital Public Infrastructure:

• The EU will support the development of trust services and digital identity solutions

(based on the EU Digital Identity Wallet specifications), putting them at the core of an

interoperable and scalable suite of digital building blocks and solutions, including open-

source ones, to support the digital transformation of public administrations and businesses

of partner countries. The EU will also continue its work with Ukraine, Moldova and the

Western Balkans, to prepare for their gradual integration with the EU Digital Identity

Wallet.

• The EU will be cooperating with countries such as India, Egypt, Uruguay and Brazil in the

area of e-signatures and DPI interoperability, with the view of creating benefits for

businesses and citizens both in the EU and in partner countries.

• The EU will support an interoperability-by-default approach, based on the European

Interoperability Framework, to facilitate seamless exchange of data across borders.

• The EU will continue to work with key international partners (Japan, India, Singapore,

Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia) to promote the EU model for eInvoicing, based on the

European eInvoicing standard and interoperable technical specifications.

Online platforms

The EU’s Digital Services Act45 protects democracy, free speech, privacy, the safety and

security of children online, and provides a secure framework for the sale of legally compliant

goods. The Digital Markets Act46 and EU competition policy promote the contestability of

digital markets, a level playing field and fair competition between digital players. These acts

complement the protection provided in the digital environment by the GDPR47 and consumer

protection laws.

The protection and empowerment of minors online is a global priority. Under the Digital

Services Act, all online platforms have to ensure a high level of privacy, safety, and security of

43 Part of the Communication on a European Interoperability Framework – Implementation Strategy, COM(2017)

134 44 A relevant example is the Data Catalogue Vocabulary Application Profile, which has become a de facto

standard, which facilitates harmonised metadata descriptions and seamless data sharing across borders. 45 Regulation (EU)2022 2065 and amending Directive(2000) 31 EC (Digital Services Act) (OJ L 277,

27.10.2022). 46 Regulation (EU)2020 1828 47 Regulation (EU) 2016/679

12

minors, on their service. In addition, the largest online platforms must annually assess and

mitigate any systemic risks that their services pose – including for the respect of the rights of

the child and the protection of minors more generally. The Digital Services Act is supported

and complemented by the Better Internet for Kids Strategy (BIK+). In particular, the EU co-

funds the network of hotlines in Member States to tackle the dissemination of child sexual abuse

material online. Global cooperation is ensured via the INHOPE network with 55 hotlines

operating worldwide.

Strong and consistent consumer protection across online marketplaces is another priority the

EU shares with many of its international partners and a key issue addressed by the Digital

Services Act, as well as consumer protection and product safety frameworks. Under the Digital

Services Act all online marketplaces are required to meet strong standards for safety,

transparency and accountability to ensure that illegal and unsafe products cannot be sold to EU

consumers through their services. The 2025 Communication on e-commerce48 complements

this by setting out new actions to address challenges linked to the surge of unsafe, counterfeit

and otherwise illicit products sold through online platforms. The EU will prioritise cooperation

with partner countries and in multilateral fora to find joint solutions to common risks to

consumer safety stemming from online marketplaces.

Examples of forthcoming actions in the field of online platforms:

• The EU will continue to promote its regulatory approach and its underlying principles

bilaterally and multilaterally and share its experience in implementing them.

• The EU will organise regional events with international organisations, third-country

legislators, regulators and civil society to promote freedom of expression and safety

online.

5. GLOBAL DIGITAL GOVERNANCE

To advance its goals in the digital domain, the EU will continue to pursue a multilateral and

multi-stakeholder approach and ensure meaningful participation of relevant stakeholders

including civil society, academia and the private sector, building on the strong existing ties with

partner countries.

The EU’s Digital Partnerships and Dialogues allow for coordination ahead of discussion in

multilateral and regional fora, building strong coalitions in pursuit of shared objectives in key

international fora and organisations, such as the United Nations, G7, G20, OECD and the

Council of Europe, as well as global Internet Governance institutions. In particular, with G7

partners, the EU will continue to promote the development and uptake of Economic Security

Standards – including when relevant for digital technologies – taking into account various

criteria such as transparency, diversification of supply, security, sustainability, trustworthiness

and reliability.

The Global Digital Compact (GDC) of the United Nations was adopted by consensus as the

first comprehensive framework for global digital governance. It sets out the objectives,

principles, commitments and actions to develop an open, free and secure digital future for all.

The EU will remain actively involved in the GDC implementation work to defend its

48 A comprehensive EU toolbox for safe and sustainable e-commerce, COM(2025) 37 final

13

achievements, while ensuring non-duplication of efforts and maximizing synergies with the

existing global digital architecture, including the Internet Governance framework.

In addition to these processes, the EU will focus on standardisation as a key tool to advance

its goals. The EU has strengths to rely on, including a strong research and innovation base,

world-leading tech companies and many innovative SMEs and start-ups that need to be

encouraged to take part in international standards setting. By leveraging on the EU

standardisation system to increase its influence in international standards setting for key digital

technologies, the EU aims to strengthen the competitiveness of its industry, foster digital and

tech sovereignty, and protect and promote its fundamental values and interests while pursuing

international cooperation in standard setting. The EU acknowledges the important role of the

ITU in the context of global standardisation.

The EU will also continue to defend a rules-based, equitable allocation of radiofrequencies

under the global framework of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU),

acknowledging that the radio spectrum is a scarce natural resource that underpins all wireless

digital applications.

Multilateral cooperation is also crucial to address the digital aspects of other sectors, including

the energy sector due to the rapidly increasing energy demand of AI. The EU is engaged in

international energy initiatives, like the Clean Energy Ministerial, which develop

collaborative approaches to meet these challenges.

As digital technologies continue to evolve rapidly, global Internet Governance must adapt to

new geopolitical challenges, such as fragmentation risks, increased misuse of digital tools for

practices such as Internet shutdowns and censorship and widening digital divides. Moreover,

the transition towards Web 4.0 – driven by core technologies like artificial intelligence,

extended and virtual reality, blockchain, and quantum computing – introduces new governance

complexities that require updated, effective, and inclusive multi-stakeholder frameworks. The

EU will continue to shape the inclusive multi-stakeholder approach to Internet Governance and

is committed continuously to improve its effectiveness, opposing initiatives for state-controlled

Internet architectures that could fragment and undermine the openness and security that have

characterised the Internet since the Tunis Agenda49.

The EU will continue to proactively defend the general availability and integrity of the Internet

as a global, interoperable network of networks, reflecting the importance of the multi-

stakeholder model of internet governance, for example in the upcoming editions of the Internet

Governance Forum (IGF) and World Summit on the Information Society 20-year review

(WSIS+20) negotiations. The EU acknowledges the central role of ICANN in managing the

foundations of the Internet architecture.

Examples of forthcoming actions in the field of global digital governance:

• The EU will work to ensure proper follow-up and review of the implementation of the

Global Digital Compact (GDC) commitments.

• The EU will work as Team Europe to ensure a suitable outcome to the World Summit on

the Information Society (WSIS+20) Review negotiations.

49 Tunis agenda for the Information Society, 18 November 2005

14

• The EU will support an international extension and broadening of the Open Internet Stack,

referring to the foundational structure of protocols that enable communication and

information sharing on the Internet, to address the needs of partner countries, including

enhancing trust and security.

6. A COMPETITIVE AND SECURE EUROPE, OPEN FOR BUSINESS, CONNECTED TO THE WORLD

In a volatile world, the EU is a consistent, predictable and reliable partner. In the context of

complex tech value chains, no country or region can advance on the digital and AI revolution

alone. The EU’s internal and external efforts on digital policy are closely intertwined and

mutually-reinforcing. That is why the EU is not only boosting its own digital sector, from AI

Factories to defence tech, but is also concluding substantial partnerships that bring visible

benefits for the EU’s citizens and businesses and for our partners.

As a champion of multilateral solutions to global challenges, the EU is a steadfast supporter of

the UN, G7, G20, OECD and other bodies that enable us to tackle together the defining

challenges of our time.

The EU is ready to join forces for new, deeper, and flexible forms of cooperation nurturing

mutually beneficial partnerships, to reinforce Europe’s competitiveness and security. The EU

will continue to engage constructively based on respect for the international rules-based order.

EN EN

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

HIGH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNION FOR

FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND SECURITY POLICY

Brussels, 5.6.2025

JOIN(2025) 140 final

ANNEX

ANNEX

to the

Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the Council

An International Digital Strategy for the European Union

1

ANNEX

ONGOING AND PLANNED ACTIONS

OBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION PARTNER COUNTRY /

REGION / MULTILATERAL

INDICATIVE

TIMELINE

1. Secure connectivity

Support to Arctic

connectivity

Arctic connectivity is of strategic importance for the EU. It will help reduce data

latency and facilitate trusted data flows between the EU, Greenland, Canada, the US

and Japan, providing an alternative cable route and enhancing cable security and

resilience between the EU and its partners. The EU will work with its partners to

boost support for projects that advance new submarine cable routes in the region, by

making use of the Connecting Europe Facility to catalyse public and private

investments.

Japan, US, Canada,

Greenland

2025-2030

Promote secure

connectivity in

enlargement countries

Promote the alignment with the EU 5G Cybersecurity Toolbox and support to

adopting a legislative framework that would allow for and lead to imposing

exclusions and/or restrictions on high-risk suppliers.

Enlargement countries Continuous

Promote secure

connectivity in Global

Gateway partner countries

Promote secure and trusted connectivity, including 5G, submarine cable and space

connectivity, in line with the EU 5G Cybersecurity Toolbox and the 2025 EU Action

Plan on Cable Security, through diplomatic outreach, technical assistance and

financial support under the Global Gateway.

Global Continuous

National and regional 5G

implementation guidelines

and development of the

LAC Connectivity

Toolbox

These guidelines will address security, infrastructure challenges, and priority use

cases in various Latin America and Caribbean national contexts. Another key focus

will be the development of the LAC Connectivity Toolbox, which shall provide

practical tools, best practices, and guidance for addressing cross-border connectivity,

secure and resilient infrastructure, and meaningful connectivity challenges. This

includes co-developing actionable recommendations, providing technical support,

and fostering bi-regional coordination for 5G deployment.

Latin America and

Caribbean countries

Ongoing under

the EU-LAC

Digital Alliance

– until Q4 2027

2

OBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION PARTNER COUNTRY /

REGION / MULTILATERAL

INDICATIVE

TIMELINE

Annual conference on

secure connectivity

Possibly establish an annual conference on secure connectivity, hosted in Brussels, to

deepen technical contacts and understanding on opportunities and security

requirements for future routes, partnerships, and financing, feeding into the Global

Gateway process.

Global Annual

2. Emerging technologies

Artificial Intelligence

Cooperation on AI safety The EU AI Office has signed an administrative arrangement on cooperation on AI

safety with Singapore, and bilateral exchanges have started with other AI Safety

Institutes – Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom and Australia. Cooperation

arrangements with partner countries, to be pursued further e.g. including topics such

as boosting innovation and AI uptake and cooperation on AI for public good (Japan),

AI safety (India and Canada) and governance and regulatory aspects (Australia).

The EU AI Office will continue to deepen the cooperation on AI safety in the

Network of AI Safety Institutes, in particular, addressing the safety of general-

purpose AI models through information exchanges and best practices, joint testing

and evaluations, development of tools and benchmarks, as well as research into AI

safety.

Japan, the Republic of

Korea, India, Australia,

Canada, the US, the United

Kingdom, Ukraine, Moldova

Western Balkans, Africa,

Latin America and the

Caribbean

Continuous

Global Partnership on AI

and OECD

The EU is a founding member of the Global Partnership on AI and continues to

engage in this initiative after it formed an integrated partnership with the OECD

Working Party on Artificial Intelligence Governance (AIGO). The AI Office holds

one of the Vice-Chair posts in the OECD AIGO. In addition, the AI Office is

involved in all the AI-related working groups of the OECD and actively contributing

to this work.

Multilateral Continuous

G7 and G20 The EU will continue to engage actively in the AI discussions in G7 and G20. This

includes the Hiroshima AI Process and its reporting framework as well as the

Hiroshima Friends Group, a voluntary framework of countries supporting the spirit of

the Hiroshima AI Process towards achieving safe, secure and trustworthy AI.

Multilateral Continuous

3

OBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION PARTNER COUNTRY /

REGION / MULTILATERAL

INDICATIVE

TIMELINE

Moreover, the EU will continue to explore the possibility of G7 guidelines on AI in

Science.

One of the G20 South African Presidency priorities is Artificial Intelligence and

Innovation for Sustainable Development, which is a priority in Africa, Asia and LAC

countries.

Clean Energy Ministerial The Republic of Korea, host of the 16th Clean Energy Ministerial meeting 2025,

made “AI & Energy” one of its priority themes. The EC will actively engage with the

ministerial programme and explore international collaboration in the field of

digitalisation and AI in the energy sector.

Multilateral Continuous

Research cooperation

under Horizon Europe

The association of a number of non-EU partner countries to Horizon Europe will

support research cooperation in AI and AI-based applied research.

Associated Countries to

Horizon Europe

Continuous

AI for Public Good As part of the AI for the Public Good initiative, the EU supports the deployment of

AI solutions for the public good, including Generative AI, technology transfer and

capacity building, with partner countries in Africa and Latin America and the

Caribbean (building on EU-LAC Alliance). The EU also supports scientific

cooperation and development of AI-based Local Digital Twins underpinning urban

reconstruction in Ukraine.

Africa, Latin-America and

Caribbean, Asia-Pacific

Ukraine

Continuous

AI Hub for Sustainable

Development and AI

collaboration with Smart

Africa

The AI Hub for Sustainable Development is co-designed by the Ministry of

Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) and the UNDP, aiming at strengthening local

AI ecosystems in partnership with African countries.

Smart Africa has launched the Africa AI Council and the EU is structuring its

collaboration with Smart Africa under the Global Gateway strategy, building on the

administrative arrangement between the European Commission and Smart Africa and

following a Team Europe approach.

Africa Continuous

GovTech4all Development and piloting of AI solutions in the public sector for enhancing decision

making, service delivery and internal administrative tasks. The goal is to support and

EU and EU candidate and

potential candidate countries

Q4 2025/2026

4

OBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION PARTNER COUNTRY /

REGION / MULTILATERAL

INDICATIVE

TIMELINE

accompany the goals of the Interoperable Europe Act, as well as wider policy goals

of public sector innovation and start-up growth in Europe.

5G/6G

6G research and

innovation aligned 2026

call

Research and innovation cooperation on 6G AI powered RAN. One project from

Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking mirroring one project from Japan

and the Republic of Korea.

Japan and the Republic of

Korea

Project running

2027-2030

6G research and

innovation aligned call

6G research and innovation cooperation focused on physical layers, advanced

antennas and AI RAN.

Taiwan Potential aligned

call in 2026 or

cooperation

between existing

projects

5G testbed To support the development of 5G use cases, the EU is partnering with Costa Rica on

a 5G testbed, with Nokia and Ericsson expected to provide the equipment.

Costa Rica Continuous

Semiconductors

Joint research and

innovation projects in the

field of semiconductors

Research and innovation projects in semiconductors, jointly funded by the European

Commission and Japan and the Republic of Korea. With the Republic of Korea,

projects aim at advancing heterogeneous integration of chips as well as neuromorphic

computing technologies. With Japan calls are planned for 2026 on per- and

polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) replacement, heterogeneous integration and

chiplets, and devices and processes beyond 2 nanometres.

Japan, Republic of Korea Continuous

Early warning mechanism

on supply chain & public

subsidies

Joint early warning mechanism, between the European Commission and the US and

Japan respectively, aimed at identifying supply chain disruptions, and transparency

mechanism on public subsidies provided to the semiconductor sector.

US, Japan Continuous

5

OBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION PARTNER COUNTRY /

REGION / MULTILATERAL

INDICATIVE

TIMELINE

Attracting talent and

skilled workforce

As part of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council, EU and India committed to

developing a dedicated programme that will facilitate talent exchanges and foster

semiconductor skills among students and young professionals.

India Continuous

G7 semiconductor Point

of Contact group

The G7 Point of Contact (PoC) group on semiconductors is dedicated to facilitating

information exchange and sharing best practises among G7 members, on issues

impacting the semiconductor industry, including pre-competitive industrial research

& development priorities, sustainable manufacturing, the effect of non-market

policies and practices, and crisis coordination channels.

Multilateral Continuous

World Semiconductor

Council – Government /

Authorities Meeting on

Semiconductors (GAMS)

The Government/Authorities Meeting on Semiconductor (GAMS) has a unique

setting where Governments and Industry Associations representing together 95% of

world’s semiconductors production (EU, US, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and

China), meet to respond to common challenges facing the industry. The European

Commission is representing the EU.

Multilateral Continuous

Quantum and High-Performance Computing

EU-Japan Quantum

Computing Collaboration

Joint research and innovation projects focusing on hybrid Quantum-HPC algorithms

and optimizing applications in areas of mutual interest such as biomedical and

environmental sciences. It aligns with the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking's objectives to

support the EU-Japan Digital Partnership.

Japan Continuous

(2026-2029)

EU-Canada Quantum

Research Initiatives

Establish collaborative projects in quantum computing, sensing, and communication,

leveraging Canada's National Quantum Strategy and existing research hubs.

Canada Continuous

(2023-2026)

EU-Republic of Korea

Quantum Technology

Calls

Coordinate calls for joint projects in quantum computing, sensing and

communication, enhancing research and innovation collaboration and aligning with

the strategic priorities of Republic of Korea in quantum technology development.

Republic of Korea 2027-2030

G7 Quantum Technology

Working Group

Under Canada's G7 presidency, establish a working group to enhance information

sharing on quantum developments and promote common standards.

Multilateral Ongoing

6

OBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION PARTNER COUNTRY /

REGION / MULTILATERAL

INDICATIVE

TIMELINE

EU-LAC Supercomputing

Network

Establish a robust partnership to federate High Performance Computing resources in

Latin America and the Caribbean and to enhance their interoperability and integration

with the European HPC ecosystem.

Latin America and the

Caribbean

Possible kick-off

at the CELAC-

EU Summit

2025

3. Cybersecurity

Advance cyber dialogues

with partner countries

The EU has Cyber Dialogues with the US, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Japan, India,

the Republic of Korea and Brazil. Cybersecurity is also discussed in the Digital

Partnerships with Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Canada and the Digital

Dialogues with Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Australia and the Western Balkans.

US, Ukraine, United Kingdom,

Japan, India, Republic of

Korea, Brazil, Singapore,

Canada, Mexico, Argentina,

Australia, Moldova, Western

Balkans

Continuous

Mutual recognition

agreements (MRA)

regarding product

cybersecurity

The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) sets out requirements for the cybersecurity of

products with digital elements in the internal market. The EU will work with relevant

partners to explore the potential for mutual recognition agreements regarding the CRA

and respective frameworks of the partners to facilitate compliance with product

cybersecurity requirements.

Bilateral discussions By the time of

CRA application

(end 2027)

Extension of the EU’s

Cyber-Reserve to Ukraine

and the Republic of

Moldova

Amendments to the Association Agreements related to the participation of Ukraine and

the Republic of Moldova in the Digital Europe programme will pave the way for

extending the EU’s Cyber-Reserve to both countries.

Enlargement countries Continuous

Engagement in the G7

Cybersecurity Working

Group

The Commission represents the EU in the G7 Cybersecurity Working Group. Among

other topics, the Commission will pursue cooperation on healthcare cybersecurity, in

line with the European action plan on the cybersecurity of hospitals and healthcare

providers (COM(2025) 10 final).

Multilateral Continuous

Advancing the UN

Framework of Responsible

At the UN and within regional security bodies, the EU will continue to promote

responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, based on the UN General Assembly-

endorsed framework. This includes upholding international law, adhering to globally

Multilateral

Continuous

7

OBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION PARTNER COUNTRY /

REGION / MULTILATERAL

INDICATIVE

TIMELINE

State Behaviour in

Cyberspace

accepted norms of state conduct in peacetime, developing confidence-building

measures, and supporting states in building the capacity to implement these framework

elements.

Engagement in the

Counter Ransomware

Initiative

The Commission represents the EU in the International Counter Ransomware Initiative

(CRI). The EU will continue its active participation in CRI. Moreover, the European

action plan on the cybersecurity of hospitals and healthcare providers commits to

advancing cooperation in the CRI.

Multilateral Continuous

Cyber capacity-building The EU is carrying out external cyber capacity-building projects with partner countries

across the world. The EU will continue these initiatives, by prioritising activities

addressing cybercrime and building cyber resilience, including support for building

strategic frameworks, developing incident management capabilities and enhancing

expertise through trainings.

Global Continuous

LAC4

LAC4 is the regional hub for cybersecurity education and training in Latin America and

the Caribbean. LAC4’s objective is to provide cybersecurity and cybercrime expertise

to support digital transformation and collaboration in Latin American and Caribbean to

counter cyber threats.

Latin America and the

Caribbean

Continuous

EU-LAC Cybersecurity

Community of Practice

(CoP)

Under the EU-LAC Digital Alliance, a Community of Practice (CoP) of cybersecurity

experts and practitioners will be established to encourage the exchange of best practices

on cybersecurity between both regions. Future activities may include institutionalising

mechanisms to swiftly mobilise cybersecurity experts in case of cyber-attacks and

emergencies and capacity-building.

Latin America and the

Caribbean

Continuous (until

Q4 2027)

4. Digital identities and Digital Public Infrastructure

Mutual recognition of

electronic signatures and

other trust services

Advance towards mutual recognition of electronic signatures and other trust services

with third countries in order to create a global trust framework. This includes

developing a set of tools and services implementing trust anchors for the global

recognition of trust services and digital identities, and dropping digital barriers by

reusing and replicating the European Trust Services infrastructure in their territory.

Ukraine, Moldova, Western

Balkans, Egypt, India, Brazil,

Japan, Uruguay, members of

the Central America

Integration System (SICA)

Continuous

(2025-2027)

8

OBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION PARTNER COUNTRY /

REGION / MULTILATERAL

INDICATIVE

TIMELINE

(Costa Rica, El Salvador,

Guatemala, Honduras,

Nicaragua and Panama)

Promote cooperation on

Digital Public

Infrastructures on the basis

of the EU eID wallet

Promote cooperation on Digital Public Infrastructures by supporting the creation of a

scalable suite of open-source digital building blocks and solutions around EU wallets.

In addition, demonstrate interoperability between the EU eID Wallet and similar

initiatives in third countries on the basis of practical use-cases.

Japan, India, Singapore

Multilateral

Continuous

(2025-2027)

Prepare onboarding of

digital public services in

scope of the Single Digital

Gateway

Cooperate with EU accession countries to prepare onboarding and development of

interoperable solutions for online administrative procedures and the Once-Only

Technical System in scope of the Single Digital Gateway. Those services facilitate

access of business and citizens to do business, work and live in EU countries.

Western Balkans, Moldova,

Ukraine

Continuous

(2025-2030)

Standardisation of digital

identity solutions

The Architecture and Reference Framework for the European Digital Identity Wallets

aims to set a global example for trusted and secure identification at a high level of

assurance. Cooperation between the EU and like-minded countries on the development

of common identity standards on the basis of the EU model shall be pursued, including

in international organisations.

Japan, India, Canada

Multilateral

Continuous

(2025-2030)

Global Digital Health

Certification Network

(GDHCN)

The Global Digital Health Certification Network is an initiative aimed at creating a

standardized, interoperable framework for digital health credentials and certifications.

This network, created by the European Commission to fight against COVID-19 and

later on taken up by WHO is intended to facilitate the secure and efficient exchange of

health-related information across borders (e.g. COVID-19 certificates, Digital

International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis/Yellow Booklet, Vaccination

Card, International Patient Summary), promoting global health security and improving

healthcare delivery.

Global Continuous

(2025-2028)

5. Online platforms and integrity of the information ecosystem

9

OBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION PARTNER COUNTRY /

REGION / MULTILATERAL

INDICATIVE

TIMELINE

DSA/DMA alignment

support for EU accession

countries

Support alignment of EU accession countries with EU DSA and DMA. Moldova, Ukraine, Western

Balkans

Continuous

(2025-2027)

Marketplaces and e-

commerce

Raise EU key concerns (closed market for digital services, illegal goods on Chinese

marketplaces) and possible areas of closer cooperation (data sharing on illegal Chinese

sellers), in line with the EU-China Administrative Arrangement on product safety

cooperation and an Action Plan on Safety of Products Sold Online.

China Continuous

(2025-2027)

Global human rights-based

implementation of online

platform laws

Promote universal principles underpinning the DSA and DMA in global instruments

(including OHCHR guidance on UN Cybercrime Convention).

UN, OHCHR, UNESCO,

OECD

Continuous

(2025-2027)

Regional human rights-

based implementation of

online platform laws

Prioritise regional engagement on human rights-based implementation of online

platform laws, organised in cooperation with the UN (where possible), to bring together

policymakers, regulators and civil society.

ASEAN, LAC, countries

under the CEFTA

Continuous

(2025-2027)

EU election observation

missions (EOM) social

media observation

EU EOMs integrate observation and of social media behaviour during electoral

processes in their overall assessment of electoral integrity.

Global Continuous

Advance partnerships to

bolster resilience against

FIMI

Promote resilience and technological awareness on FIMI attacks; expose and increase

costs to perpetrators.

Global Continuous

6. Internet Governance

Promote an inclusive

multi-stakeholder

governance model for the

Future Internet

In the negotiations for the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20)

Review, the EU aims at enhancing inclusivity, notably from partner countries and youth

communities. This includes upholding an open, human-centric Internet based on human

rights, enhance multi-stakeholder Governance, and bridge the new digital divides by

Multilateral Q4 2025

10

OBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION PARTNER COUNTRY /

REGION / MULTILATERAL

INDICATIVE

TIMELINE

establishing an operational connection with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

and the Global Digital Compact (GDC).

The EU will also engage youth in shaping the future of Internet Governance by

integrating their perspective into the forthcoming annual Youth Policy Dialogue on

digital, fostering informed participation, strengthening digital civic responsibility, and

equipping young leaders with the tools to uphold an open, secure, and inclusive

Internet.

Work towards an Open,

Free and Sustainable

Internet

The EU will support accountability, comprehensive monitoring and promotion of

internet freedom worldwide while strengthening the openness and sustainability of the

internet infrastructure and empowering civil society organisations (CSOs) to hold their

own governments accountable. This includes addressing internet shutdowns via

diplomatic channels and promote policies that maintain an open and interconnected

internet.

Global Continuous

Improving the security,

resilience and openness of

the Internet

Implement a multi-stakeholder strategy for the comprehensive deployment of Internet

standards across the EU Internet infrastructure.

Charting the EU Influence in Web 4.0: Conduct an extensive mapping of potential

EU contributions to improved or new networking protocols and solutions required

and enabled by impacts of core technologies like AI, extended reality (XR) / virtual

reality (VR), blockchain, and quantum computing that are currently shaping the Web

4.0.

Global 2026-2030

Promote the Open Internet

Stack

The EU will support an international extension and broadening of the Open Internet

Stack, referring to the foundational structure of protocols that enable communication

and information sharing on the internet, to address the needs of partner countries,

including enhancing trust, reducing costs, avoiding vendor lock-in, supporting

customizability and integration, and upholding values such as privacy, security, and

data protection.

Global Continuous