The move comes as the EU accelerates its strategic autonomy agenda amid global tech competition, critical dependencies and geopolitical pressure.
Decoding the news: The Declaration defines digital sovereignty as the European Union’s ability to act autonomously in the digital world, regulating infrastructure, data and technologies according to its own laws, values and security interests—avoiding undue dependence on external actors while remaining open to cooperation with international partners that share European principles.
Yes, but… The risk? The push for digital sovereignty strengthens European autonomy more on the rhetorical level than the operational one, complicating transatlantic coordination at a time when greater convergence on strategic technologies is needed.
What Italy says. Italian Innovation Undersecretary Alessio Butti says that with the signature of this Declaration, “strongly supported by the Italian government,” Europe is clearly stating that “digital sovereignty does not mean closing itself off from the world,” but equipping itself with the tools needed to “choose its technological solutions autonomously, protect its most sensitive data and strengthen critical infrastructure.”
- “As shown by its recent role in promoting the Digital Commons EDIC, Italy is fully committed to this path.”
Key areas of the Declaration. The document emphasises that digital sovereignty is not a form of protectionism or isolation, but rather a common European approach aimed at enhancing the ability to make independent technological choices.
- Data sovereignty: protecting sensitive data from external interference and extra-EU regulations.
- Tools mentioned:
- European Digital Identity Wallet, the “once only” principle, common data spaces, and regulatory sandboxes.
- Strategic technologies:
- High-Performance Computing and semiconductors
- Next-generation communication networks and satellite infrastructure
- Quantum technologies and cybersecurity
- Cloud and artificial intelligence
- Open source: recognised as a strategic asset, provided it meets high cybersecurity standards and can be complemented with reliable proprietary technologies.
The big picture: The Declaration rejects protectionist approaches: digital sovereignty is framed as a means to greater decision-making autonomy, not isolation.
- The text highlights the need for:
- a favourable investment climate
- transparent and predictable rules
- support for European competitiveness
The human factor. The Declaration also stresses that digital sovereignty depends not only on technology and infrastructure, but on people.
- Digital sovereignty also requires:
- education and digital skills
- media and digital literacy
- research and talent attraction
The document warns against disinformation, deepfakes and cyberattacks, describing the protection of democracy and public trust as a priority.
