The European Union released a digital strategy aimed at strengthening alliances with partners such as Japan, South Korea, Canada, and India, while notably excluding the United States from new partnership initiatives.
On Thursday, the European Commission introduced a digital strategy designed to broaden and diversify the EU’s digital alliances. The plan focuses on forming connections with “like-minded partners” including Japan, South Korea, Canada, and India. The United States was not mentioned in the new strategy.
This year, the EU signed digital trade agreements with Singapore and South Korea to facilitate cross-border data flows, though critics have raised concerns about potential risks to personal data privacy.
The strategy includes the creation of a Digital Partnership Network, intended to coordinate and strengthen the EU’s growing diplomatic digital relationships. Despite highlighting a wide array of partners, the strategy makes no reference to additional meetings with the United States under the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC). The TTC, established in 2020 during US President Donald Trump’s first term, was created to de-escalate trade and technology tensions between the EU and US.
Asked about the future of the TTC, Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen responded that trade negotiations are currently the priority, without further details. China was also not included in the new strategy, though Virkkunen indicated that digital cooperation will be discussed at the July 2025 EU-China summit.
In its regional approach, the EU is prioritizing integration with the Digital Single Market for Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans. Support will be provided to help these countries align with EU rules on digital identity, secure infrastructure, and regulatory systems, potentially paving the way for mutual recognition of digital services.
Internationally, the strategy builds on the Global Gateway initiative, adopted in 2021 as the EU’s response to China’s Belt and Road. The EU is co-financing projects such as secure submarine cables, AI factories, and digital public infrastructure in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and is promoting European tech standards and regulatory models abroad.
Looking ahead, the Commission plans to implement new digital partnerships, including agreements with countries in the Southern Neighbourhood and sub-Saharan Africa. A Tech Business Offer, combining private and public EU investments, will support digital projects in partner countries.
The first meeting of the Digital Partnership Network is also planned, bringing together EU and partner country representatives. Additionally, joint research programmes are set to launch with Japan, Canada, and South Korea, particularly in quantum technologies and semiconductors.
