(European Council on Foreign Relations, 2022-05-17) Ringhof, Julian; Torreblanca Payá, José Ignacio
Summary
Battles in the digital space have taken centre stage in today’s global power struggles. The EU cannot stay aside.
To become a geopolitical actor, the EU needs to learn to play global technology politics and should adopt an ambitious digital diplomacy strategy.
A digital diplomacy strategy will enable the EU to better defend its values, enhance its security, and foster digital markets at home and worldwide.
To counter Chinese and Russian influence in the technology realm, the EU should build digital alliances with like-minded countries. The EU needs to seek greater convergence with the US and other Western allies, and offer the global south an attractive alternative path to digital development.
For the European External Action Service and the European Commission to succeed in this task, the concurrence of the EU institutions, the member states, and a variety of private stakeholders is essential.
