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Saatja: "Sam Ling" <[email protected]> Saaja: "Justiits- ja Digiministeerium" <[email protected]> Teema: Invitation for Minister Pakosta to deliver a keynote address | Sovereign Tech Europe | Brussels | 23 April 2026. Kuupäev: 2026-01-29 16:22 Tähelepanu! Tegemist on välisvõrgust saabunud kirjaga. Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada. Dear Team, It is my great pleasure to invite Minister Pakosta to deliver a keynote address at the inaugural Sovereign Tech Europe conference, a new policy-focused initiative from Forum Europe, taking place in Brussels on 23 April 2026. As technological sovereignty moves to the forefront of Europe’s digital agenda, the forum will bring together senior policymakers and industry leaders to help bridge the gap between political ambition and industrial reality. Our aim is to provide a platform for open and constructive dialogue on Europe’s technological future, contributing to a more independent, resilient, and globally competitive Europe. The timing is particularly significant, with the event taking place just weeks after the anticipated release of the European Commission’s Tech Sovereignty Package. Given the Minister’s role at the heart of the Estonian government, we would be honoured if she were able to join us to deliver a keynote address reflecting on Estonia’s approach to advancing its technological ambitions. Her contribution would set an important tone for the day and help ensure Estonia is prominently represented in discussions shaping Europe’s technological future, and although the keynote is currently scheduled for 09:00–09:30, we would of course be happy to remain flexible to best accommodate her availability. For ease of reference, I have attached a draft agenda along with a formal invitation. Further details on the event and Forum Europe’s wider work can also be found at https://eu-techsovereignty.com and https://forum-europe.com. I very much hope the Minister will be able to join us and look forward to your response in due course. I would, of course, be very happy to arrange a call to discuss the event in more detail should that be helpful. Please note, I have CC-d Aivar in for greater visibility. Kind regards, Sam ---- Sam Ling Programme and Content Executive Forum Europe Where people and policy meet EU Office: Rue d'Arlon 25, 1050 Brussels, Belgium Head Office (postal): 5 Sovereign Quay, Havannah Street, Cardiff CF10 5SF Phone: +44 (0) 7718 930709 (mobile) Stay informed - Receive our event updates here <https://forum-europe.com/newsletter-signup?utm_source=email_signature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_signup&utm_content=charlie_smith> . Download our digital map of the European Commission here <https://forum-europe.com/news/2024/forum-europe-welcomes-the-new-european-commissioners-of-2024-2029?utm_source=email_signature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=commissioner-map&utm_content=charlie_smith> . Web: <https://forum-europe.com/?utm_source=email_signature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=forum-europe-website&utm_content=all-employees> forum-europe.com LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/company/forum-europe/> Forum Europe X: <https://x.com/ForumEurope> @ForumEurope Registered in the UK No 05339004 Belgian VAT Reg BE0875349675 UK VAT Reg No. 855588277 This email is confidential. If you are not the intended recipient do not copy or disclose its content and contact the sender immediately. This email message has been checked for the presence of known computer viruses, and has been found to be clean. The recipient should also check this email and any attachments for viruses. Forum Europe accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. Please note: The agenda is subject to change. Confirmed speakers are indicated. Exact timings may vary. Sovereign Tech Europe ​ Shaping a Resilient, Independent, and Technologically Competitive Europe 23 April 2026 | Brussels ​ 09:00 – 09:30​ Opening Remarks and Keynote Presentations ​ Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Cyprus (tbc) Liisa-Ly Pakosta, Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Estonia (tbc) ​ 09:30 – 10:35​ Session 1: Europe’s Independence Moment – The Next Regulatory Chapter​ ​ Technological sovereignty is emerging as the defining ambition of Europe’s digital and political agenda. Yet as calls for a more united and independent Europe grow, several questions remain: what does technological sovereignty truly mean, what should it look like, and crucially, how can it be achieved? ​ This opening session will explore how Europe can translate ambition into action and in doing so, secure a more sovereign technological future. By examining the pursuit of technological independence and the practical steps required to realise it, the discussion will centre on the initiatives driving the continent’s sovereignty agenda. Panellists will consider the role of smart, coherent regulation and its alignment with Europe’s broader competitiveness goals, assessing how European regulation can reinforce, rather than restrict, innovation and growth across the digital economy. -​ Is this truly Europe’s ‘independence moment’? To what extent does Europe need technological sovereignty, and how strong is the political will to achieve it?​ -​ What does ‘tech sovereignty’ really look like, and how can regulation serve as a foundation for both Europe’s competitiveness and sovereignty agendas?​ -​ What are the current gaps, dependencies, and structural challenges across Europe’s digital and technological ecosystem? ​ Please note: The agenda is subject to change. Confirmed speakers are indicated. Exact timings may vary. -​ What role can smart regulation play in driving Europe’s sovereignty, simplification, and competitiveness agendas? What impact will the Digital Omnibus and Tech Sovereignty Package have on Europe’s digital acquis? ​ -​ Which EU initiatives, including the DMA, DSA, Chips Act, Data Act, and AI Act, are most influential in defining the sovereignty agenda? What impact would a dedicated ‘Sovereignty Fund’ have on the ambition? ​ -​ Where should the next phase of EU digital and tech policy focus to truly deliver on Europe’s sovereignty ambitions? Renate Nikolay, Deputy Director-General, DG CNECT, European Commission (tbc)​ Aura Salla, Member, European Parliament (confirmed) ​ Member State Representative (tbc)​ EU Tech Industry Representative (tbc)​ Industry Representative (tbc) 10:35 – 11:00​ Refreshment Break 11:00 – 11:45​ Thinking Point: Tech Sovereignty in a Multipolar World Europe’s pursuit of digital and technological independence comes at a pivotal geopolitical moment. Accordingly, this session will situate Europe’s sovereignty agenda within an increasingly multi-polar world, examining how the EU can reconcile its twin ambitions of autonomy and cooperation. Panellists will consider the implications of the 2025 International Digital Strategy; explore Europe’s evolving partnerships with those such as Brazil, India, South Korea, and Japan; and draw insights from parallel sovereignty initiatives emerging across other regions of the world. The discussion will also feature perspectives on the EU’s evolving relationship with the US. -​ What does a fragmenting global landscape mean for Europe’s sovereign agenda?​ -​ How can the EU’s International Digital Strategy foster meaningful global partnerships while promoting Europe’s sovereignty and core values?​ -​ In what ways can Europe’s collaboration with India, South Korea, Japan, and other like-minded partners contribute to a more balanced global technology ecosystem?​ -​ What insights can Europe draw from parallel sovereignty efforts around the world, such as India Stack or Brazil’s Tech Sovereignty agenda? Please note: The agenda is subject to change. Confirmed speakers are indicated. Exact timings may vary. -​ How does Europe’s ambition in sovereign technology further disrupt its relationship with the US? ​ Roberto Viola, Director-General, DG CNECT, European Commission (tbc) Ambassador Saurabh Kumar, Ambassador, Embassy of India to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union (tbc) Ambassador Jeonghyun Ryu, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the European Union, NATO, and the Kingdom of Belgium (tbc) Industry Representative (tbc) 11:45 – 12:50​ Session 2: Embedding Digital Sovereignty Throughout Europe’s Public ​ ​ ​ Sector ​ For Europe to pursue its goal of technological sovereignty, the public sector must play a decisive role in turning its vision into a reality. Acting both as a catalyst for change and a testing ground for innovation, governments must lead by example, embedding sovereign principles directly into their digital infrastructure and services.​ ​ With growing calls for a ‘Buy European’ mandate, the discussion will examine several key themes: the forthcoming European Public Procurement Act; the role of the Interoperable Europe Act in promoting interoperable and sovereign-by-design services; and the impact of sovereignty on the GovTech ecosystem. Panellists will also share perspectives on the many national initiatives across EU Member States to embed sovereign digital services within their public administrations.​ -​ ​How can digital and technological sovereignty be effectively operationalised across Europe’s public sector?​ -​ How can governments reduce reliance on non-European providers while maintaining interoperability, competitiveness, and value for taxpayers?​ -​ What does the growing number of government contracts going to EU companies signal for Europe’s wider sovereignty agenda?​ -​ How can public procurement and investment mechanisms encourage the growth of sovereign providers while fostering a level playing field for all actors?​ -​ In what ways can sovereign European technologies enhance service delivery and decision-making? For example, through sovereign AI systems, cloud services or secure digital infrastructure?​ Please note: The agenda is subject to change. Confirmed speakers are indicated. Exact timings may vary. Philippe Van Damme, Deputy-Director General, DG-DIGIT, European Commission (confirmed) Claus Ruhe Madsen, Minister of Economic Affairs, Transport, Employment, Technology and Tourism, Government of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany (tbc)​ Stephanie Schaer, Interministerial Director of Digital Affairs (DINUM) (tbc) EU Tech Industry Representative (tbc) Industry Representative (tbc)​ 12:50 – 13:45​ Lunch ​ ​ 13:45 – 14:00​ Afternoon Keynote Presentation ​ ​ Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, European Commission (tbc) ​ ​ 14:00 – 14:15​ Presentation: Eurostack​ ​ Cristina Caffarra, Founder and Chair, EuroStack Initiative Foundation (confirmed) ​ 14:15 – 15:15 ​Session 3: Infrastructure for Sovereignty – Powering Europe’s Digital ​ ​ ​ Future​ Europe’s sovereign ambitions depend on the development of robust, high-capacity infrastructure. From AI gigafactories and hyperscale data centres to secure connectivity networks and a reliable, affordable energy supply, these systems form the foundation of Europe’s sovereignty agenda.​ ​ Examining both the opportunities and challenges of Europe’s infrastructure rollout, panellists will explore the flagship initiatives driving this transformation. Discussions will feature commentary on the AI Continent Action Plan, alongside emerging proposals such as the Cloud and AI Development Act, the Advanced Materials Act, and the previously floated Digital Public Infrastructure concept. The session will conclude with reflections on how public and private investment can best complement each other to accelerate infrastructure deployment and strengthen Europe’s technological autonomy. -​ How critical is the deployment of resilient digital infrastructure to achieving Europe’s technological sovereignty? What are the key next steps, opportunities, and obstacles on the path forward?​ Please note: The agenda is subject to change. Confirmed speakers are indicated. Exact timings may vary. -​ How can Europe meet the rising demand for data and compute capacity? What role will the Cloud and AI Development Act have ensuring performance, security, and long-term resilience?​ -​ A key deliverable of the AI Continent Action Plan, what role will AI gigafactories and hyperscale data centres play in supporting Europe’s technological sovereignty? What additional investments and infrastructure here are required to make this vision a reality?​ -​ What impact will the Advanced Materials Act and the new Critical Raw Materials Centre (as outlined in the 2026 Commission Work Programme) have on Europe’s sovereignty agenda?​ -​ How might reforms to the EU’s Energy Union shape Europe’s ability to build and sustain secure and affordable sovereign digital infrastructure? What role might the forthcoming Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and AI in Energy play? ​ -​ How can Europe strike the right balance between public and private investment to ensure long-term infrastructure resilience? ​ -​ How can Europe ensure the effective rollout of sovereign connectivity infrastructure, and what role will the forthcoming Digital Networks Act play in achieving this?​ Kilian Gross, Director, Enabling and Emerging Technologies, DG CNECT, European Commission (tbc) Michał Kobosko, Member of the European Parliament (tbc)​ Member State Representative (tbc) ​ EU Tech Industry Representative (tbc) Industry Representative (tbc) 15:15 - 15:40 ​ Refreshment Break ​ ​ 15:40 - 17:30 ​ Session 4: AI, Data, and Cloud – Pillars of European Sovereignty Throughout the final two sessions, panellists will explore Europe’s evolving regulatory and policy ambitions across three core enablers of its sovereignty agenda: AI, Data, and Cloud. Together, these discussions will examine in focus the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping Europe’s pursuit of its ‘independence moment.’ 15:40 - 16:35​ Session 4i: Cloud – Building a Sovereign and Interoperable Service​ ​ Europe’s dependence on global hyperscalers has made cloud computing a pillar of Europe’s Please note: The agenda is subject to change. Confirmed speakers are indicated. Exact timings may vary. sovereignty agenda. The European Commission’s recent €180 million call for sovereign cloud tenders, together with the Cloud and AI Development Act, the EU Cloud Sovereignty Framework, and a wave of national initiatives, reflect a growing recognition of this imperative. Given this, this session will ask: how can Europe foster a vibrant cloud ecosystem that enables data sovereignty, innovation and global competitiveness across both public and private sectors? Panellists will explore Europe’s sovereign cloud ambitions, assess the evolving regulatory landscape shaping this agenda, and consider how to build a competitive and robust internal market for cloud services capable of underpinning Europe’s digital autonomy. -​ What are the key opportunities and obstacles in building a vibrant and competitive European cloud ecosystem that meets both public and private needs?​ -​ What role will the Cloud and AI Development Act play in balancing innovation and competitiveness across Europe’s cloud ecosystem, and how does it fit within the broader strategy for technological sovereignty?​ -​ How will the Cloud Sovereignty Framework’s ‘sovereignty benchmark’ shape the standards, certifications, and expectations for trusted cloud infrastructure in Europe?​ -​ How can Europe operationalise multi-cloud and sovereign-by-design approaches to strengthen resilience and autonomy?​ -​ What role will the EU Cloud Rulebook play in ensuring interoperability across the European cloud marketplace? ​ -​ What lessons can be drawn from previous efforts to build a federated cloud infrastructure in Europe?​ -​ In the context of European sovereignty, how should vertical sectors in Europe embrace sovereign cloud systems? ​ Thibaut Kleiner, Director, Future Networks, DG CNECT, European Commission (tbc)​ Alex Agius Saliba, Member, European Parliament (tbc)​ Member State Representative (tbc) EU Tech Industry Representative (tbc) Industry Representative (tbc) 16:35 - 17:30 ​ Session 4ii: Europe’s AI Moment – From Regulation to Realisation​ Perhaps the defining technology of the decade, artificial intelligence has become a cornerstone of Europe’s broader political and digital project. Through landmark initiatives such as the AI Act, the AI Continent Action Plan, the Chips Act and the forthcoming Cloud and AI Development Act, Please note: The agenda is subject to change. Confirmed speakers are indicated. Exact timings may vary. Europe’s ambition is clear: to build a sovereign, competitive AI ecosystem that reflects its democratic values and strengthens its global leadership. Our final session will explore how Europe is translating this ambition into action. Panellists will examine the policies shaping Europe’s AI landscape, the challenges characterising its development, and the role of AI in reinforcing the continent’s technological independence and autonomy. -​ What role will AI, and in particular sovereign AI, play within Europe’s broader technological agenda? What does it mean to build a truly ‘European AI’? ​ -​ How are landmark initiatives such as the AI Act, the AI Continent Action Plan, and the forthcoming Cloud and AI Development Act shaping Europe’s AI ecosystem?​ -​ How central is semiconductor capacity to Europe’s broader AI ambitions and technological sovereignty strategy? How might the review of the Chips Act and introduction of the Chips Act 2 influence Europe’s capacity to meet the compute demands of next-generation AI models?​ -​ In the context of European sovereignty, how can vertical sectors across Europe embrace its sovereign AI systems? How can we incentivise and encourage the use of European AI services?​ -​ What might a renewed Open Source Strategy look like, and how important could it prove? ​ Lucilla Sioli, Director, Artificial Intelligence Office, DG CNECT, European Commission (tbc)​ Dariusz Standerski, Secretary of State, Ministry of Digital Affairs, Poland (tbc)​ EU Tech Industry Representative (tbc) Industry Representative (tbc) Industry Representative (tbc) 17:30 - 17:45​ Closing Keynote Presentations Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, European Commission (tbc)​ Saatja: Sam Ling <[email protected]> Saaja: Justiits- ja Digiministeerium, Aivar Pau - JUSTDIGI Teema: Re: Invitation for Minister Pakosta to deliver a keynote address | Sovereign Tech Europe | Brussels | 23 April 2026. Tähelepanu! Tegemist on välisvõrgust saabunud kirjaga. Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada. Dear all, I trust this finds you. I am writing to follow up on my earlier correspondence inviting Minister Pakosta to deliver a keynote address at the inaugural Sovereign Tech Europe. This is a new policy conference from Forum Europe, launching in Brussels on 23 April 2026, designed to advance Europe’s broader digital and technological ambitions. Our aim is to provide a platform for open and constructive dialogue on the future of Europe’s technological landscape. In doing so, helping to shape a more independent, resilient, and globally competitive Europe. The timing is particularly significant, with the event taking place just weeks after the anticipated release of the European Commission's 'Tech Sovereignty Package.' Given Estonia's continued prominence here, we would be honoured if the Minister would deliver a keynote address. This is currently scheduled between 09:00–09:30, though we would of course be very happy to remain flexible on timings to best accommodate their availability. Her contribution would set an important tone for the day, ensuring Estonia's role in these crucial conversations. Further details on both the event and our wider work can also be found at https://eu-techsovereignty.com <https://eu-techsovereignty.com/> and https://forum-europe.com <https://forum-europe.com/> . I very much hope that she will be able to join us and I look forward to your response in due course. I would, of course, be very happy to arrange a call to discuss the event in more detail if that would be helpful. Kind regards, Sam ---- Sam Ling Production Manager Forum Europe Where people and policy meet EU Office: Rue d'Arlon 25, 1050 Brussels, Belgium Head Office (postal): 5 Sovereign Quay, Havannah Street, Cardiff CF10 5SF Phone: +44 (0) 7718 930709 (mobile) Stay informed - Receive our event updates here <https://forum-europe.com/newsletter-signup?utm_source=email_signature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_signup&utm_content=charlie_smith> . Download our digital map of the European Commission here <https://forum-europe.com/news/2024/forum-europe-welcomes-the-new-european-commissioners-of-2024-2029?utm_source=email_signature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=commissioner-map&utm_content=charlie_smith> . Web: forum-europe.com <https://forum-europe.com/?utm_source=email_signature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=forum-europe-website&utm_content=all-employees> LinkedIn: Forum Europe <https://www.linkedin.com/company/forum-europe/> X: @ForumEurope <https://x.com/ForumEurope> Registered in the UK No 05339004 Belgian VAT Reg BE0875349675 UK VAT Reg No. 855588277 This email is confidential. If you are not the intended recipient do not copy or disclose its content and contact the sender immediately. This email message has been checked for the presence of known computer viruses, and has been found to be clean. The recipient should also check this email and any attachments for viruses. Forum Europe accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. On January 29, 2026 at 4:22 PM, Sam Ling ([email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> ) wrote: Dear Team, It is my great pleasure to invite Minister Pakosta to deliver a keynote address at the inaugural Sovereign Tech Europe conference, a new policy-focused initiative from Forum Europe, taking place in Brussels on 23 April 2026. As technological sovereignty moves to the forefront of Europe’s digital agenda, the forum will bring together senior policymakers and industry leaders to help bridge the gap between political ambition and industrial reality. Our aim is to provide a platform for open and constructive dialogue on Europe’s technological future, contributing to a more independent, resilient, and globally competitive Europe. The timing is particularly significant, with the event taking place just weeks after the anticipated release of the European Commission’s Tech Sovereignty Package. Given the Minister’s role at the heart of the Estonian government, we would be honoured if she were able to join us to deliver a keynote address reflecting on Estonia’s approach to advancing its technological ambitions. Her contribution would set an important tone for the day and help ensure Estonia is prominently represented in discussions shaping Europe’s technological future, and although the keynote is currently scheduled for 09:00–09:30, we would of course be happy to remain flexible to best accommodate her availability. For ease of reference, I have attached a draft agenda along with a formal invitation. Further details on the event and Forum Europe’s wider work can also be found at https://eu-techsovereignty.com and https://forum-europe.com. I very much hope the Minister will be able to join us and look forward to your response in due course. I would, of course, be very happy to arrange a call to discuss the event in more detail should that be helpful. Please note, I have CC-d Aivar in for greater visibility. Kind regards, Sam ---- Sam Ling Programme and Content Executive Forum Europe Where people and policy meet EU Office: Rue d'Arlon 25, 1050 Brussels, Belgium Head Office (postal): 5 Sovereign Quay, Havannah Street, Cardiff CF10 5SF Phone: +44 (0) 7718 930709 (mobile) Stay informed - Receive our event updates here <https://forum-europe.com/newsletter-signup?utm_source=email_signature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_signup&utm_content=charlie_smith> . Download our digital map of the European Commission here <https://forum-europe.com/news/2024/forum-europe-welcomes-the-new-european-commissioners-of-2024-2029?utm_source=email_signature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=commissioner-map&utm_content=charlie_smith> . Web: forum-europe.com <https://forum-europe.com/?utm_source=email_signature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=forum-europe-website&utm_content=all-employees> LinkedIn: Forum Europe <https://www.linkedin.com/company/forum-europe/> X: @ForumEurope <https://x.com/ForumEurope> Registered in the UK No 05339004 Belgian VAT Reg BE0875349675 UK VAT Reg No. 855588277 This email is confidential. If you are not the intended recipient do not copy or disclose its content and contact the sender immediately. This email message has been checked for the presence of known computer viruses, and has been found to be clean. The recipient should also check this email and any attachments for viruses. Forum Europe accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. <Liisa-Ly Pakosta - 29_01 - EXT - Sovereign Tech Europe .pdf> <Liisa-Ly Pakosta - Sovereign Tech Europe .pdf> Sovereign Tech Europe ​ Shaping a Resilient, Independent, and Technologically Competitive Europe 23rd April 2026 | Brussels ​ Liisa-Ly Pakosta​ ​ Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs​ Estonia ​ 29th January 2026​ ​ Dear Minister Pakosta, ​ It is my pleasure to invite you to deliver the opening keynote at the inaugural Sovereign Tech Europe, the new digital technology policy conference from Forum Europe being held in Brussels on 23rd April 2026. ​ ​ This new forum is designed to advance Europe’s broader digital and technological ambitions. Our goal is to provide a platform for open and constructive dialogue on the future of Europe’s technological landscape. In doing so, helping to shape a more independent, resilient, and globally competitive technological landscape in Europe. In its inaugural edition, sessions will explore Europe’s evolving technology strategy and its growing sovereign agenda. Sessions will range from political ambitions and regulatory frameworks to critical infrastructure needs, funding priorities, and investment mechanisms. Dedicated panels will also address AI, data and cloud services, and the EuroStack initiative. We will also invite voices from beyond Europe to comment on Europe’s push for technological sovereignty with perspectives from nations such as India, South Korea, Brazil and Japan expected to be included. ​ Naturally, given your role at the heart of Europe’s sovereign tech revolution, we would be delighted to have you deliver a keynote address. While we have scheduled this between 09:00 and 09:30, we would be more than happy to be flexible in these timings so as to ensure your participation. Your contribution would offer real substance to what promises to be a timely and important discussion.​ ​ We deeply value your leadership in this space and look forward to the opportunity to collaborate on this important new event. With kind regards,​ ​ ​ Anne-Lise Simon​ Director, Head of Conference Production​ Forum Europe