Our global connectivity ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and some stakeholders argue policy has not kept pace. The future of connectivity in Europe is surrounded by challenging questions. A few are more pressing than others. GAEurope reframes the discussion.

Organisations of all sizes, which form our academic institutions, governments, municipalities, and the business that we patronise are undergoing digital transitions. Even at the individual level, many of us are digitising aspects of our lives and witnessing the social, economic, and environmental benefits. This makes at least a basic level of digital education practically indispensable.

EU Farmers already use digital tools, which help reduce the sector’s impact on the environment and support climate goals. The sector would further benefit from more high-quality connectivity infrastructure in rural communities and policies that protect investments in technology upgrades.

It is impossible to imagine a world without connectivity. This is an exciting moment for the digital sector and its partners in sustainable innovation. Both large and small technology companies are working towards tackling some of the globe’s most pressing issues, such as increasing food security through precision farming techniques, improving personalised health care through digital therapeutics, and responsibly enhancing AI.

Brussels - 11 October 2021 - Commission President von der Leyen calling digital “make or break” for Europe’s recovery and sovereignty in her 2021 State of the Union speech provides new political impetus to the 2030 digital objectives and targets for digital transformation. Inclusiveness is one of the key values associated with Europe’s Path to the Digital Decade.

Brussels - 20 June 2021 - Digital transformation is having a profound and irreversible impact on our lives, societies and economies at large. Through very high capacity networks, Gigabit connectivity, 5G and emerging data-driven technologies – like AI and IoT – play a crucial part in a new wave of digital services, productivity and growth. As the world becomes more closely connected and digitized, a new sense of vulnerability arises.

Brussels - 25 May 2021 - With the Digital Compass targets, the EU sets a clear course towards achieving its digital sovereignty ambition by 2030. Concrete targets on connectivity, digital skills, public services and transformation of businesses aim to enable Europe to play a leadership role in driving green & digital transition and economic recovery after the pandemic.