Amsterdam D eclaration As the European Union stands at a crucial juncture in shaping its digital future, the D9+ calls for increasing the EU's digital competitiveness and tech sovereignty in an open manner . Welcoming the Commission’s ambitious Competiti veness Compass , the D9+ calls for a coherent and forward-looking European strategic approach to technology with a strong human-centric and rights oriented digital component . This strateg ic approach should bridge between the different existing initiatives , while encompassing the relevant policy goals from the Digital Decade . The D9+ countries are committed to refining and advancing the trajectory of European digital policies to boost the next wave of frontier technologies . The Presidents ’ political guidelines provide t he new Commission with an ambitious agenda in the digital domain. T he Competitiveness Compass, which is based on the findings of t he Draghi report , emphasise s the transformative potential of digitalisation for Europe’s economic growth, social cohesion, and global competitiveness. It underscores the need for robust , primarily private , investments in digital technology and infrastructure, greater public-private partnerships, and a unified approach in order to harness and accelerate the development of emerging technologies such as AI and quantum technologies within the Union. In Amsterdam, we, the D9+ ministers, discussed three aspects of EU digital policy and innovation: first, the rapid scientific and commercial development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the EU and the benefits of its deployment in both the private and public sectors; second, the need to foster the development of a large, open, competitive, collaborative, and intero perable European connectivity, cloud-edge and AI ecosystem, as a prerequisite to unlock the potential of European digital innovation; and finally, the need for a reviewed digital rulebook that is fit for purpose, deregulated where possible, avoids unnecessary red tape and does not hinder the development and use of technology by innovative European companies. In the light of our discussions, we, the D9+ countries, recognise the importance of deepening digital cooperation among Member States and call for a cohesive and forward-looking European strate gic approach to technology with a strong digital component aimed at increasing the EU's tech sovereignty in an open manner. The urgent need for private invest ments in European digital technology Digitalisation plays a crucial role when it comes to accelerating efforts to improve Europe’s economic and geopolitical outlook. The EU’s competitiveness will increasingly depend on the digitalisation of the economy in and across different sectors and on building strengths in advanced technologies, which will drive investment, job and wealth creation. A strong and competitive position in digital technology not only benefits our overall prosperity, but also enables us to meet societal challenges and ensures our security and resilience. In a rapidly changing world order, characterised by a global race for technological dominance, digital competitiveness and tech sovereignty in an open manner are crucial enabler s of economic and geoeconomic strength . All this is essential for Europe's competitiveness, economic security and its stature as a geopolitical actor. As it is vital to remain at the forefront of technological development, t he EU needs to invest substantially and consistently in digital technologies . Since public funding has its limits, it is important to reduce barriers for private investment s in European digital technology and explore what other actions are needed to unlock sufficient capital to support the EU digital investment agenda . In t he EU we should increase focus on improving conditions for growth in sectors and technologies that will shape and underlie tomorrow’s industries. We must take a strategic, long-term, pragmatic and integral view on digital technology and take a whole - of - stack approach . This should be done in cooperation with the business sector and investors , researchers and international partners . The D9+ welcomes the Competitiveness Compass and will work with the European Commission in taking forward proposals regarding the digital realm to create the right preconditions for growth to support the EU’s digital ambitions. To increase Europe’s digital competitiveness and tech sovereignty in an open manner, we, the D9+ ministers: Call for a European strategic approach to technology with a strong digital component , with an emphasis on increasing investment opportunities rather than introducing new legal obligations . This strateg ic approach should be aimed at a prioritised set of key technologies that have the most impact on the EU’s competitiveness and security , building towards technological leadership on select key technologies by 2035 . Propose to include key digital technologies in the strateg ic approach , for example AI, semiconductors and quantum technology, while also acknowledging the importance of fundamental enablers in the digital domain, such as networking technologies, cloud technology , cybersecurity and the availability of data . These technologies do not stand alone, but are inextricably linked, which requires stimulating synergies. Stress the need to create optimal conditions for growth, innovation and investment, by removing barriers and ensuring a fully functioning S ingle M arket, simplifying EU rules and procedures, deepening the capital markets union to ease access to finance and especially venture capital. Also, innovation ecosystems need to be strengthened and connected across Member State borders , driven by public-private partnerships and geared to achieving the necessary scale. Support the Commission in its aim of simpl ifying and creating more synergies between the different European and n ational funding programmes. Emphasise the importance of the European Investment Bank substantially increasing its investment volumes in venture capital and focusing more on impact investments , of which the digital domain is an important area . Emphasise the importance of the combined purchasing power that the EU and national governments have , which can be used to strengthen the EU’s position in the digital domain . P ublic procurement should be effectively used to bolster the development of critical digital technologies, while safeguarding competition and ensuring flexibility for national needs . Support finding innovative ways to mobilise private capital. An example could be promoting more attractive investment and savings possibilities in all EU-member states, including (the creation of) savings and investment accounts based on best practices. Emphasi s e the need to strategically project European interests and priorities internationally and build cooperation with likeminded partners, including on technology regulation and coordination of R&D efforts, while strengthening supply chains and dismantling barriers to trade on technology products. --- [PM NAMES & TITLES SIGNATORIES ]
Saatja: "D9plus" <
[email protected]>
Saaja: "'Jack Hamande (BOSA)'" <
[email protected]>, "'Frank Leyman (BOSA)'" <
[email protected]>,
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected], "Evelin Tõnisson", "Silver Tammik", "Sandra Särav",
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected], "carlos.saura" <
[email protected]>,
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected], "'Philippe Schmit'" <
[email protected]>
Teema: D9+ 2025 Amsterdam update: Final Declaration, HoD list & Reminders
Kuupäev: 2025-03-17 19:37
Tähelepanu! Tegemist on välisvõrgust saabunud kirjaga.
Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada.
Dear colleagues,
With one week until the D9+ Ministerial meeting in Amsterdam on 26-27 March,
please find below an update on the preparations.
Head of Delegations to the D9+ Ministerial meeting
We are happy to share the overview of confirmed Head of Delegations to the
D9+ ministerial meeting in Amsterdam and that all delegations will join
(parts) of the informal program on 26 March. Please see the overview below:
* Belgium: Frank Leyman, Head International Relations BOSA
* Czech Republic: Marian Jurečka, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs
* Denmark: Caroline Stage Olsen, Minister for Digital Affairs
* Estland: Liisa-Ly Pakosta, Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs
* Finland: Maija Lönnqvist, Deputy DG Innovation Policy
* Ireland: Niamh Smyth, Minister of State for Trade, Promotion, AI and
Digital Transformation
* Luxembourg: Elisabeth Margue, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for
Media and Connectivity
* Poland: Dariusz Standerski, Secretary of State, Ministry of Digital
Affairs
* Portugal: Margarida Balseiro Lopes, Minister for Youth and Modernization
* Slovenia: Ksenija Klampfer, Minister of Digital Transformation of the
Republic of Slovenia
* Spain: Oscar Lopez Águada, Minister for Digital Transformation and Civil
Service
* Sweden: Erik Slottner, Minister for Public Administration
* European Commission: Roberto Viola, DG CONNECT
D9+ Amsterdam Declaration for final approval
Thank you for your input during the second and final round of comments on
the D9+ declaration. We have done our absolute best to incorporate all your
comments and suggestions, but sometimes a balance had to be struck. Please
see attached the final version of the D9+ Declaration, which we now submit
for final approval within the D9+ group. The document will not be physically
signed but we will include the name of the signee with their country name.
We kindly ask you to confirm in writing by Monday 24 March 12.00 whether
your Member State can sign the declaration. Please include the name and
official title of the signee in your confirmation.
Additional information regarding the sessions
Please find attached an updated programme, the duration of the first session
has been extended to 60 minutes to ensure sufficient time for a meaningful
and in-depth discussion.
Reminder communication possibilities
The D9+ Amsterdam team will ensure that the group photo and general event
imagery are made available at the end of the day for use by all attending
member states. Additionally, we are exploring the possibility of recording
short statements (one minute max) during the event of the Heads of
Delegation. Delegations should prepare their statements in advance with
their spokespersons to ensure a smooth and efficient recording process
on-site. Please let us know if your Head of Delegation is interested in a
recorded statement by our communications team.
Reminder preluding events on 26 March in Amsterdam.
* In the afternoon of the 26th the B9+ Dutch business federation VNO-NCW and
parties from the digital ecosystem invite you to a thought provoking event
on ‘How to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in the digital domain’, with
renown speakers from a.o. the business community, European Commission and
national government, followed by drinks and finger food. You can register
<https://www.vno-ncw.nl/agenda-overzicht/registration-form-event-250326>
through this link.
* In the morning of the 26th the Dutch Start-Up Association (DSA), on behalf
of the European startup ecosystem, invites you to enter The PanacEUm: The
first of its kind policy accelerator for Europe's competitiveness. For those
arriving the day before, the DSA invites you to join a VIP networking
gathering that evening, ominously named “Eve of Disruption”, which will
include drinks & bites for your convenience and a special introductory
program. You can register
<https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/d9-amsterdam-side-events-tickets-1259361115999>
through this link.
Contact
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via
<mailto:
[email protected]>
[email protected].
Looking forward to welcoming you in Amsterdam!
Kind regards,
The D9+ Amsterdam team
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Amsterdam D eclaration As the European Union stands at a crucial juncture in shaping its digital future, the D9+ calls for increasing the EU's digital competitiveness and tech sovereignty in an open manner . Welcoming the Commission’s ambitious Competiti veness Compass , the D9+ calls for a coherent and forward-looking European strategic approach to technology strategy with a strong human-centric and rights oriented digital component . This strateg y ic a pproach should bridge between the different existing initiatives , while encompassing the relevant policy goals from the Digital Decade . The D9+ countries are committed to refining and advancing the trajectory of European digital policies to boost the next wave of frontier technologies . The Presidents ’ political guidelines provide t he new Commission with an ambitious agenda in the digital domain. T he Competitiveness Compass, which is based on the findings of t he Draghi report , which emphasise s the transformative potential of digitalisation for Europe’s economic growth, social cohesion, and global competitiveness. It underscores the need for robust , primarily private , investments in digital technology and infrastructure, greater public-private partnerships, and a unified approach in order to harness and accelerate the development of emerging technologies such as AI and quantum technologies within the Union. In Amsterdam, we, the D9+ ministers, discussed three aspects of EU digital policy and innovation: first, the rapid scientific and commercial development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the EU and the benefits of its deployment in both the private and public sectors; second, the need to foster the development of a large, open, competitive, collaborative, and intero perable European connectivity, cloud-edge and AI ecosystem, as a prerequisite to unlock the potential of European digital innovation; and finally, the need for a reviewed digital rulebook that is fit for purpose, deregulated where p ossible, avoids unnecessary red tape and does not hinder the development and use of technology by innovative European companies. In the light of our discussions, we, the D9+ countries, recognise the importance of deepening digital cooperation among Member States and call for a cohesive and forward-looking European technology strategy strate gic approach to techno logy with a strong digital component aimed at increasing the EU's tech sovereignty in an open manner. The urgent need to for private invest ments in European digital technology Digitalisation plays a crucial role when it comes to accelerating efforts to improve Europe’s economic and geopolitical outlook. The EU’s competitiveness will increasingly depend on the digitalisation of the economy in and across different sectors and on building strengths in advanced technologies, which will drive investment, job and wealth creation. A strong and competitive position in digital technology not only benefits our overall prosperity, but also enables us to meet societal challenges and ensures our security and resilience. In a rapidly changing world order, characterised by a global race for technological dominance, digital competitiveness and tech sovereignty in an open manner is are a crucial enabler s of economic and geoeconomic strength . All this is essential for Europe's competitiveness, economic security and its stature as a geopolitical actor. As it is vital to remain at the forefront of technological development, t he EU needs to invest substantially and consistently in digital technologies . Since public funding has its limits, it is important to reduce barriers for private investment s in European digital technology and explore what other actions are needed to unlock sufficient capital to support the EU digital investment agenda . In t he EU we should increase focus on improving conditions for growth in sectors and technologies that will shape and underlie tomorrow’s industries. We must take a strategic, long-term, prag matic and integral view on digital technology and take a whole - of - stack approach . This should be done in cooperation with the business sector and investors , researchers and international partners . The D9+ welcomes the proposals in the Competitiveness Compass and will work with the European Commission in taking forward the proposals regarding the digital realm and to create the right preconditions for growth to support the EU’s digital ambitions. To increase Europe’s digital competitiveness and tech sovereignty in an open manner, we, the D9+ ministers: Call s for establishment of a European strategic approach to technology strategy with a strong digital component , with an emphasis on increasing investment opportunities rather than introducing new legal obligations . This strateg ic approach y should be aimed at a prioritised set of key technologies that have the most impact on the EU’s competitiveness and security , building towards technological leadership on select key technologies in by 2035 . Propose to include key digital technologies in the strateg ic approach y , for example AI, semiconductors and quantum technology, while also acknowledging the importance of fundamental enablers in the digital domain, such as networking technologies, cloud technology , cybersecurity and the availability of data . These technologies do not stand alone, but are inextricably linked, which requires stimulating synergies. Stress the need to create optimal conditions for growth, innovation and investment, by removing barriers and ensuring a fully functioning S ingle M arket, simplifying EU rules and procedures, deepening the capital markets union to ease access to finance and especially venture capital. Also, innovation ecosystems need to be strengthened and connected across Member State borders , driven by public-private partnerships and geared to achieving the necessary scale. Support the Commission in its aim of simpl ifying and creating more synergies between the different European and n ational funding programmes. Emphasise the importance of the European Investment Bank substantially increasing its investment volumes in venture capital and focusing more on impact investments , including of which in the digital domain is an important area . Emphasise the importance of the combined buying purc hasing power that the EU and national governments have , which can be used to strengthen the EU’s position in the digital domain . P ublic procurement should be effectively used to bolster the development of critical digital technologies, while safeguarding competition and ensuring flexibility for national needs . Support finding innovative ways to mobilise private capital. An example could be promoting more attractive investment and savings possibilities in all EU-member states, including (the creation of) savings and investment accounts based on best practices. the creation of EU-wide simple, low-cost retail investment products, labels, EU or national investment accounts (building on national best practices), or any other feasible instrument which lower the barrier for European citizens to invest in European assets, including promising digital products and services. Emphasi s z e the need to strategically project European interests and priorities internationally and build cooperation with likeminded partners, including on technology regulation and coordination of R&D efforts, while strengthening supply chains and dismantling barriers to trade on technology products. --- [PM NAMES & TITLES SIGNATORIES ]
D9+ | Ministry of Economic A airs
Concept Programme
D9+ Ministerial meeting
2025 Amsterdam
26-27 MARCH 2025
D9+ | Ministry of Economic A airs
Wednesday 26 March 2025
Special informal Head of Delegation kick-off | HoD + 1
16.45 Gather in the lobby of Hotel Apollo
17.00 – 22.00 Special informal Head of Delegation kick-off
Boat tour through the canals of Amsterdam
Drinks & dinner
Thursday 27 March 2025
D9+ Ministerial meeting | HoD + 2
Location: H’ART museum, Amsterdam
08.40 – 09.00 Registration
09.00 – 10.00 Opening D9+ Ministerial meeting Amsterdam 2025
Welcome and opening remarks
Dirk Beljaarts, Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs
Keynote
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President for Technological Sovereignty,
Security, and Democracy of the European Commission
Summary remarks regarding the B9+
Focco Vijselaar, The Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers
10.00 – 10.05 A ‘family photo’ of the D9+ Heads of Delegations
10.05 – 10.30 Coffee break
10.30 – 11.30 Session I – A comprehensive investment agenda for digital tech
Short presentations on the European investment landscape on how to make
better use of funding opportunities for digital technologies by Robert de
Groot, Vice President at European Investment Bank and effective
mobilisation of private capital by Anke Huiskes, Managing Partner at NP
Hard Ventures. Afterwards each HoD gets the opportunity to make a
statement of max 2 min.
11.30 – 12.15 Session II - Towards a strong and competitive European connectivity
ecosystem
Reflection on four dilemmas regarding the future of connectivity. Each HoD
gets the opportunity to deliver a short statement on the seperate dilemmas.
We hope this format can lead to a fruitful discussion.
D9+ | Ministry of Economic a airs
12.15 – 13.45 Lunch break – separate lunch for Head of Delegations only
13.45 – 14.30 Session III - The role of the digital government in enhancing the EU’s
competitiveness
Short introduction by Zsolt Szabó, Dutch Minister for Digitalisation and
Kingdom Relations. Afterwards each HoD gets the opportunity to make a
statement of max 3 min.
14.30 – 15.15 Session IV - Bridging the innovation gap and making AI thrive in Europe
Short presentation by Fabrizio Del Maffeo, CEO at Axelera AI, on AI adoption
and infrastructure to boost the European AI ecosystem. Afterwards each
HoD gets the opportunity to make a statement of max 2 min.
15.15 – 15.30 Concluding remarks
15.30 – 16.15 Informal cocktail reception