The Future of EU’s Digital Decade: A Look at Open Strategic Autonomy in the Cloud and Beyond

As the EU Digital Decade reaches a critical juncture, member states are striving to balance reducing dependency on external actors with fostering cooperation and innovation. The digital landscape is rapidly evolving, and cyber threats are increasing in both frequency and sophistication. Thus, it is vital for the EU to strike the right balance between autonomy and openness to ensure its security.

The EU aims to develop its cloud infrastructure and enhance its AI policies, not only to mitigate risks but also to maximize the potential of these technologies. However, achieving these goals has proven challenging due to uneven resource distribution among member states, the dominance of foreign tech giants, and insufficient investment in research and development, which hampers progress.

This report aims, first, to analyse the conditions that have shaped the EU's technological landscape, with a particular focus on the perspectives of Central and Eastern European countries regarding strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty. It then explores the concept of open strategic autonomy, with an emphasis on its digital dimensions. The report also examines the advantages of cloud infrastructure and AI-enhanced security for cybersecurity, as well as the broader Transatlantic relationship. In its conclusion, the report assesses the actions taken by the EU to date and provides recommendations for fostering a secure digital environment while promoting effective cooperation and development.

Read the full report below.