As Poland prepares to assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union in January 2025, leading technology firms, including Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia, and Vodafone, are calling on the incoming administration to position Europe as a digital leader and revitalize its global competitiveness.
With the new European Commissioners also set to take office, Poland’s six-month presidency will play a crucial role in shaping the EU’s political and economic agenda.
In advance of a scheduled meeting with Dariusz Standerski, Secretary of State at Poland’s Ministry of Digital Affairs, along with ambassadors, representatives from the Office of Electronic Communication, and senior officials from major tech firms, these companies have issued a unified appeal to the Polish EU Presidency. Their message emphasizes a need for policies that incentivize investment in Europe’s digital infrastructure and prioritize the digital transformation of industries.
This appeal follows critical reports from former Italian Prime Ministers Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi, highlighting Europe’s struggles to keep pace with the United States and China in areas like technology development and competitiveness. Letta and Draghi’s analyses underscore that without major interventions, the EU risks losing ground in research and technological infrastructure.
The tech leaders’ recommendations focus on five key policy areas essential to Europe’s digital growth and competitiveness:
Prioritize Digital Transformation in Industrial Competitiveness
Companies are urging policymakers to integrate digital transformation at the heart of Europe’s industrial strategy, emphasizing that advanced connectivity is crucial for productivity, public services, and decarbonization efforts.
Advance the Digital Single Market
A seamless Digital Single Market is essential, according to the companies, who are calling for simplified, predictable regulations that foster innovation and investment in the digital economy.
Incentivize Investment in Advanced Connectivity
Infrastructure like 5G and fiber networks will be critical to Europe’s digital goals and net-zero ambitions. The companies advocate for policies that encourage investment in these areas, including spectrum pricing reforms and a new Digital Networks Act to modernize Europe’s regulatory framework.
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Build Trust and Strengthen Partnerships
A balanced policy framework is vital to foster trust while enabling companies to grow responsibly in Europe. The tech leaders emphasize the importance of transatlantic cooperation and policies that support business growth and innovation.
Prepare for Quantum and AI Advancements
Finally, the companies stress the need for early-stage investments in quantum technology and AI. They advocate for resilient supply chains and enhanced R&D to ensure the EU is prepared for quantum-safe cybersecurity standards.
As the EU looks to a new chapter under Poland’s leadership, industry leaders anticipate meaningful collaborations to help Europe regain its edge. Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia, and Vodafone expressed their eagerness to work closely with the Polish EU Presidency to drive this ambitious digital agenda forward.
