The Europe and Future Technologies Circle welcomed Giorgos Verdi, Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), for a discussion on digital diplomacy and Europe’s technological competitiveness. Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions and the strategic use of technological dependencies, his contribution offered a clear-eyed and pragmatic perspective.
Key takeaways
- Technology is now a geopolitical tool, not just an economic one.
- No autarky, but pragmatic technological independence, focused on critical sectors:
- space and launch capabilities
- semiconductors (especially “mainstream” chips),
- cloud computing,
- artificial intelligence.
Tailored policy tools by sector with strong public investment for capital-intensive sectors (e.g. space), market-based approaches, regulation and public procurement for cloud and AI.
Two priorities
- Better mobilisation of European capital, both public and private.
- Research and technology ecosystems as core pillars of sovereignty.
A realistic digital diplomacy, combining strategic partnerships with a stricter “Made in Europe” approach for vital functions.