Throwback to the EU Digital Assembly 2022

On 21 and 22 June 2022, the EU Digital Assembly took place in Toulouse and online. The assembly is an event organised every year by the European Commission and the holder of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union to gather the European digital ecosystem and discuss important tech-related issues.

During this year’s Digital Assembly, France – which held the presidency from January until end of June – and the European Commission focused on the concept of EU sovereignty and autonomy in the digital sphere.

On 21 June, four topics were touched upon in two distinct workshops and two plenary sessions.

• The first workshop was dedicated to ´investing in digital skills in Europe` and the question of how the EU can reach the Digital Decade Targets for skills.  
• The second workshop dealt with the topic of ´better internet for kids`, during which the newly adopted European strategy for a Better Internet for Kids (BIK+) was presented to improve age-appropriate digital services and to ensure that every child is protected, empowered and respected online.
• The first plenary session focused on the future of the internet and in particular ´building metaverses that respect our rights, principles and economic situations` and ´investing in immersive technologies in Europe`.
• The second plenary round was dedicated to the topic of ´digital support for Ukraine`, in particular equipment support, in addition to the €25 million already provided by the Commission.

On 22 June, plenary sessions continued with three main panels.

• The first panel centered on ´the future of digital value chain`. Participants underlined, among others, the need to further develop the European semi-conductors industry, through the European Chips Act; to invest in digital technologies; and to develop immersive technologies in line with European values, fundamental rights and regulations. 
• The second panel tackled the issue of ´digital commons` and gathered the members of the task force on digital commons (established in February 2022 at the Building Europe's Digital Sovereignty conference), to discuss funding opportunities, the creation of a European incubator for digital commons, as well as the means or a structure to provide guidance and support to Member States.
• The third panel discussed the goals of the twin green and digital transition, among which reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, and making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, as established in the European Green Deal and the European Climate Law. 

To learn more about the outcomes of the Digital Assembly 2022, visit the dedicated website and read the official press release.

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