Strengthening technological sovereignty, reducing strategic dependencies and creating a truly integrated Digital Single Market were at the heart of the European Union’s Telecoms Council meeting in Luxembourg, with Cyprus’ Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, presenting the outcomes of the Cyprus Presidency at its final TTE Council in that configuration, while stressing that Europe must shape its own digital future.
Speaking at a joint press conference following the meeting alongside Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Henna Virkkunen, Damianou on 9 June highlighted the Council’s agreement on a general approach for the European Business Wallet, as well as progress achieved on the Digital Networks Act and the revision of the EU’s cybersecurity framework.
According to Damianou, these initiatives form part of the broader “One Europe, One Market” roadmap, aimed at boosting the Union’s competitiveness and removing barriers that continue to fragment the Single Market. “The achievements we delivered today reflect a shared understanding that Europe must remain secure, competitive and capable of shaping its own digital future,” he said.
The Cypriot Deputy Minister noted that the Presidency had focused on connectivity, cybersecurity, satellite communications and innovation, with the objective of building a stronger European digital ecosystem. Referring specifically to the European Business Wallet, he described it as an initiative that will significantly reduce administrative burdens and facilitate cross-border business activity. “The agreement reached today preserves the ambition of the proposal while addressing the concerns and priorities of Member States, providing a solid foundation for the work ahead,” he added.
Damianou also stressed the importance of next-generation networks, describing them as a prerequisite for economic growth, innovation and Europe’s strategic autonomy, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence. He referred to “reliable, secure and resilient connectivity networks” that are “essential for Europe’s competitiveness, innovation and strategic autonomy, especially in the AI era.”
At the same time, he underlined that technological sovereignty extends beyond digital policy and is closely linked to the Union’s economy, security and geopolitical position. “Europe must be able to make sovereign choices in key digital domains while remaining open, innovative and competitive,” he said.
Damianou further emphasised the growing importance of Europe’s presence in international decision-making fora amid intensifying geopolitical competition and rapid technological developments. “As geopolitical competition intensifies and new technologies reshape the global landscape, Europe must continue to engage actively in international fora and promote its interests and values globally,” he noted.
In the same context, he highlighted the need to strengthen Europe’s capabilities in satellite communications, stressing that secure and resilient connectivity is becoming increasingly important for the Union’s economic and security resilience.
On her part, Henna Virkkunen welcomed the progress achieved under the Cyprus Presidency, noting that Europe needs common tools and a more coherent regulatory framework in order to compete effectively on the global stage. “Europe’s competitiveness depends on our ability to cut through complexity and give every business, small and large, the same tools to operate and grow across our Union,” she said.
The Executive Vice-President also focused on cybersecurity, stressing that protecting digital infrastructure is a prerequisite for the success of Europe’s digital transformation. “There is no technological sovereignty without security. Europe’s digital transformation will only succeed if citizens, businesses and public authorities can trust the systems on which they depend,” she pointed out.
Responding to questions from journalists, Damianou was asked to comment on the Franco-German initiative aimed at establishing technological sovereignty criteria. The Deputy Minister said discussions remain at an early stage and stressed that the substance lies in collective European policymaking. “These are complex matters that have accelerated significantly over the past two years. It is natural for different approaches and discussions to emerge, but the way forward will be determined through European processes and dialogue among Member States,” he said.
He further added that “we do not measure the level of interaction and coordination among Member States by what each country does alone or with others. That is not what matters,” noting that discussions on the issue will continue both within the Council and during the upcoming Irish Presidency.
Concluding his assessment of the Cyprus Presidency, Damianou expressed confidence that the progress achieved over recent months has created strong foundations for advancing negotiations under the next EU Presidency. “The foundations laid during our Presidency demonstrate what we can achieve when Member States work together with a common purpose and shared ambition,” he concluded.
(Source: CNA)
