Digital Assembly 2023: A Digital, Open, and Secure Europe

The 2023 edition of the Digital Assembly is taking place on 15 and 16 June in Stockholm. It is co-hosted by the European Commission and the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with opening messages by Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for Internal Market and Erik Slottner, Swedish Minister for Public Administration.

It brings together policy makers, industry leaders, academia, and civil society from Europe and beyond. At a key moment in determining our digital future they will discuss, engage, and reflect on the best way forward for a digital, open, and secure Europe.

Plenary Sessions

The Digital Assembly convenes five plenary sessions. These sessions address the delivery of the Digital Decade, the single market for data, and quantum technologies on the first day. On the second day of the Digital Assembly the focus of the plenary sessions will be on scaling EU cybersecurity and ICT sectors, and the secure European Digital Identity wallet.

The first plenary session of the 2023 Digital Assembly marks a step forward in investment as well as a key deliverable in the progress and of the European Union’s first overarching strategy for our digital transformation, the Digital Decade Policy Programme. The session will also provide for an overview of a submission and comprehensive expressions of interest towards a new instrument for a swift, flexible set up and operation of large-scale infrastructure projects in which the Member States can invest together: the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (EDIC). The EDICs will focus on critical areas and gaps that need national, EU, and private investment, and facilitate implementation of important multi-country projects.  This will complement Member States’ national plans to achieve the 2030 targets set by the Digital Decade Policy Programme.

European Blockchain Partnership and European Blockchain Services Infrastructure Consortium-EDIC was notified to the Commission, whereas in key areas such as language technologies, Innovative Massive Public Administration inter-Connected Transformation Services, European Cybersecurity Skills Academy, Networked Local Digital Twins Towards CitiVerse, Mobility and Logistics Data, Copyright Infrastructure and Genome comprehensive expressions of interest to set up EDIC were received by the Commission.

This session is very timely, as the latest Eurobarometer shows that four out of five Europeans believe that digital technologies are becoming more important in their daily lives and that Europe should take more action to ensure a successful digital transformation.

The second plenary session will facilitate a discussion on the status of Europe's data economy, including discussion on encouraging competition and innovation with industry professionals sharing knowledge and insights. The role of the Data Governance Act adopted in 2022 and the proposed Data Act, will also be underlined with respect to the need for having a long-term predictable framework.

The progress achievement and innovation of European quantum technologies is highlighted in the third plenary session. There will be a particular focus on how quantum technologies will soon have a real, everyday impact. It will include a live demonstration of European quantum technology at work, as well as contributions from leading European researchers.

The potential for growth in European ICT and cybersecurity sectors will be addressed in the fourth plenary session, particularly in the context of the importance of interaction and cooperation between the public sector, the private sector, and academia to tackle the challenges ahead. The session will also discuss which measures are needed to increase the cybersecurity skills in the work force and to boost the number of cybersecurity experts.

The fifth plenary session will discuss the benefits of the proposed European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet). The Wallet could make it possible for individuals and businesses to securely authenticate themselves to access public and private digital services, from opening bank accounts, filing tax returns, to renting a car.

Breakout sessions

The 2023 Digital Assembly also sees six breakout sessions to give participants an opportunity to have more in-depth discussions on important topics. They include:

• Cyber resilience where the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC), together with representatives from National Coordination Centres (NCCs), industry, and academia, will discuss how to lead the way to strengthened capabilities and increased competitiveness in cybersecurity research and innovation within the EU.
• Enhancing secure global digital connectivity, with a particular focus on Artic connectivity and connecting the EU with partners in the Indo-Pacific.
• The Digital Europe Programme, where the breakout session will provide information on the benefits of the Digital Europe Programme and on the application process. Previous successful Digital Europe Programme-funded projects will also be showcased.
• The digitalisation of the public sector, where inspiring success stories from Member States will be presented, to accelerate the digital transition of different levels of public services across the EU.
• General Purpose AI in Europe, where the session will focus on ongoing and future efforts to develop general purpose AI systems in Europe that are trustworthy, human-centric and in line with European values.
• Supporting companies in their digital transition, where the work of the European Digital Innovation Hubs will be showcased. The Hubs help small and medium enterprises achieve their full potential by supporting their digital transformation.

Side events

This year’s Digital Assembly facilitates three side events to allow participants to exchange best practice and discuss common opportunities and challenges in dedicated areas.  They include a session on Digital Rights and Principles and the creation of a digital rights community. A Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition workshop will focus on how to accelerate the upskilling of the workforce and SMEs’ management with the advanced digital skills they need. The European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC) will also facilitate an info day, where they share information on important European calls and financing opportunities as regards cybersecurity.

More information

European Commission Digital Assembly 2023

Swedish Presidency’s Digital Assembly 2023 website

Live streaming of 2023 Digital Assembly Day 1

Live streaming of 2023 Digital Assembly Day 2