Summit on European Digital Sovereignty FIEEC and ZVEI Call for a Strategy for Europe's Digital Sovereignty

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ZVEI Zentralverband Elektrotechnik und- Elektronikind. e.V.

FAULHABER Drive Systems

dataTec AG

Representatives of the French and German electrical and digital industries express dissatisfaction with the current debate and activism surrounding digital sovereignty in Europe. They state it is time for a paradigm shift.

At the opening of the Summit on European Digital Sovereignty in Berlin, the French and German associations of the electrical and digital industries, FIEEC and ZVEI, call for a proactive strategy for Europe's digital sovereignty. The association representatives emphasize the need for innovation, open markets, and international cooperation.

So far, the debate in Europe has been conducted too defensively, says Wolfgang Weber, Chairman of the ZVEI Executive Board. "It is time for a paradigm shift: Europe must strengthen its industrial strengths and focus on the next generation of digital technologies instead of merely catching up."

Industrial AI, Manufacturing-X, Cybersecurity in Europe

One focus must be on strengthening industrial AI and integrating it into national and European innovation strategies and funding programs. At the same time, double regulations under the AI Act should be avoided, and transition periods should be aligned with the availability of standards.

Equally important are open and secure data spaces, emphasize the two associations. They call for further promotion of sovereign data spaces like Manufacturing-X and effective protection of trade secrets. Additionally, cybersecurity must be expanded as a strategic technology field. Requirements need to be proportionate, public-private partnerships should be strengthened, and international exchange formats should be established.

Chips Act 2.0 for the Entire Microelectronics Ecosystem

Another area of action is the further development of the microelectronics ecosystem. The entire value chain – from chip design to frontend and backend manufacturing to PCB and electronics production – should be supported through a Chips Act 2.0 and national programs.

The framework conditions for a competitive industry must also be improved. This includes a regulatory pause for digital laws such as the AI Act, Data Act, GDPR, and Cyber Resilience Act to relieve companies. Competitive electricity prices and the promotion of energy-efficient technologies are also crucial.

FIEEC and ZVEI further call for greater support for industrial innovation in Europe. This includes accelerating the implementation of the Capital Markets Union to finance innovations, expanding European Digital Innovation Hubs, and strengthening public-private partnerships. In the next EU research framework program (FP10), the industry must play a central role.

"This digital summit must spark momentum," says Wolfgang Weber. "France and Germany must now once again become the driving forces of technological innovation in Europe. This requires a bold digital strategy that highlights the opportunities." (kr)