Key take-aways from Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union speech

Today [16 September], the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, gave her first State of the Union speech before the European Parliament. After developing her points on climate change, she stated that this decade must be Europe’s Digital Decade. “Europe must now lead the way on digital – or it will have to follow the way of others, who are setting these standards for us.” In her views, Europe must adhere to clear principles: the right to privacy and connectivity, freedom of speech, free flow of data and cybersecurity.

In total, 20% of NextGenerationEU [the recovery fund with a budget of 750 billion euros] will be spent on digital. In addition, the industry strategy (published at the beginning of this year) and the competition policy will be updated next year.

Please find below the key points on the digital part of her speech.

Data

Ursula von der Leyen focused on industrial data, presented as a huge opportunity for Europe to develop its data economy. At the moment, 80% of industrial data is still collected and never used. Ursula von der Leyen underlined that Europe needs to secure this data for Europe and make it widely accessible. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the common data spaces (e.g. for energy and healthcare). Universities, companies and researchers will be able to access these spaces to innovate.

Cloud

A European cloud will be built as part of NextGenerationEU, based on GaiaX.

Artificial intelligence

Next year, the Commission will propose a law to ensure that algorithms are not black boxes and that there are rules if something goes wrong.

European e-identity

Ursula von der Leyen lamented the lack of control over personal data, especially when users are asked to create a new digital identity or to easily long on via a big platform. She underlined that “we have no idea what happens to our data in reality”.

Therefore, the Commission will propose a secure European e-identity that can be used anywhere in Europe and where data is under the user’s control.

Infrastructure

Ursula von der Leyen mentioned the need to develop connectivity, especially in rural areas. Investments through NextGenerationEU will be made in secure connectivity, 5G, 6G and fiber.

In addition, 8 billion euros will be invested in the next generation of supercomputers, described as “cutting-edge technology made in Europe”.

Ursula von der Leyen also wants Europe to develop its own “next-generation microprocessor that will allow us to use the increasing data volumes energy-efficient and securely”.

If you have any questions on these issues, do not hesitate to contact Camille Dornier, Policy Manager: camille.dornier@eurosmart.com