Today, the European Commission and the High Representative are setting out a joint vision for the EU’s external action for digital. As the digital revolution is reshaping economies and societies in a global geopolitical landscape which is more challenging than ever, the new EU International Digital Strategy shows that the EU is a stable and reliable partner, open to digital cooperation with allies and partners. While the EU will spare no effort to boost competitiveness in AI and other key technologies at home, it will also work with partners to support their own digital transition. The Strategy reaffirms the EU’s commitment to building a rules-based global digital order, in line with its fundamental values.

The Strategy has the following objectives:

• To expand international partnerships, by deepening existing Digital Partnerships and Dialogues, establishing new ones, and fostering collaboration through a new Digital Partnership Network, the EU will strengthen its tech competitiveness and security as well as that of its partners.
• To deploy an EU Tech Business Offer, by combining EU private and public sector investments to support the digital transition of partner countries, incorporating components such as AI Factories, investments in secure and trusted connectivity, Digital Public Infrastructure, cybersecurity, and more.
• To strengthen global digital governance, by promoting a rules-based global digital order, in line with the EU’s fundamental values.

The EU has maintained a longstanding cooperation on digital priorities with countries around the world, notably via Trade and Technology Councils, Digital Partnerships and several Digital and Cyber Dialogues, as well as Digital Trade Agreements. Collaboration with partner countries is also advancing, among others, under the Global Gateway and through new Security and Defence Partnerships with allies.