Countries

Luxembourg, a small yet influential country in the heart of Europe, has developed a robust framework for internet governance, reflecting its commitment to fostering a secure, innovative, and inclusive digital environment. Here are some unique aspects of Luxembourg’s approach to internet governance:

Strategic Vision and Policy Framework

Luxembourg has a forward-thinking digital strategy that integrates internet governance within its broader economic and social development plans. The ‘Digital Luxembourg’ initiative is a cornerstone, emphasising innovation, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion. This holistic approach ensures that internet governance is not only about regulation but also about enabling digital transformation across various sectors.

Data Privacy and Security

Luxembourg places a high priority on data privacy and security, aligning with stringent European Union regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The country hosts numerous data centers, including those of international financial institutions, due to its reputation for robust data protection laws and secure infrastructure. Luxembourg’s regulatory framework is designed to protect users’ data rights while fostering trust in digital services.

Multistakeholder Approach

Luxembourg actively promotes a multistakeholder model of internet governance, engaging various actors such as government bodies, private sector companies, civil society, and academic institutions. This inclusive approach ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in the decision-making process, fostering a more balanced and representative internet governance structure.

Innovation and Technology Hub

Luxembourg is recognised as an innovation and technology hub, attracting startups and tech companies from around the world. The government supports digital innovation through various funding schemes, incubators, and accelerators. This focus on innovation is reflected in its internet governance policies, which aim to create a conducive environment for technological advancements while maintaining regulatory oversight.

International Collaboration

Luxembourg actively participates in international forums and collaborates with other countries and organisations on internet governance issues. It is a member of several international bodies, including the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and the European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG). Through these platforms, Luxembourg contributes to shaping global internet policies and standards.

Digital Inclusion and Literacy

Luxembourg emphasises digital inclusion and literacy, ensuring that all citizens have access to digital technologies and the skills needed to use them effectively. Initiatives such as “Digital Inclusion Luxembourg” focus on bridging the digital divide, providing training and resources to underserved communities. This commitment to digital inclusion is a key aspect of Luxembourg’s internet governance strategy.

Luxembourg’s digital strategies are a comprehensive and evolving framework designed to enhance the country’s digital infrastructure, skills, and innovation capabilities. Luxembourg’s digital strategies represent a well-rounded approach to embracing digital transformation, focusing on infrastructure, skills, innovation, and regulatory excellence. For further details, you can explore the official Digital Luxembourg website and the Government of Luxembourg’s Digital Decade dossier.

Digital Luxembourg Initiative

Launched in 2014, the Digital Luxembourg initiative aims to strengthen the country’s digitalization through three main missions: enabling new projects, supporting existing initiatives, and disseminating information on tech developments. The initiative focuses on developing digital skills, improving the digital ecosystem, enhancing infrastructure, and formulating robust data policies. This collaboration-based approach involves over 60 stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

Digital Luxembourg transitioned to ‘Innovative Initiatives‘ to reflect a shift in priorities and to adapt to Luxembourg’s changing needs. This platform focuses on digital skills, data policy, connectivity, and new technologies. It supports public-private partnerships and government initiatives aimed at driving digital progress and positive transformation​.

Digital Decade Strategic Roadmap

As part of the EU’s broader digital decade strategy, Luxembourg is preparing its national strategic roadmap until 2030. This roadmap involves extensive stakeholder consultation to ensure that both private and public sector needs are met. The strategy emphasises key areas such as digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital skills development to maintain and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the digital economy.

5G Strategy and Digital Skills Development

Luxembourg’s 5G strategy and initiatives to develop digital skills are integral to its digital transformation. The country has launched various projects to enhance digital literacy and re-skill its workforce, ensuring that citizens and businesses can leverage emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and web development. These efforts are crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the fast-evolving digital landscape​.

Luxembourg’s Digital Governance Strategy

The country has prioritised the digitalization of its public sector through the ‘Stratégie de Gouvernance Électronique 2021-2025,’ a comprehensive plan by the Ministry of Digitalization. This strategy focuses on enhancing the quality and accessibility of online public services in Luxembourg. It aims to create an inclusive, transparent, and efficient digital government that meets the needs of all citizens and businesses. By fostering a data-driven economy and enhancing public trust in digital services, the strategy seeks to ensure that Luxembourg’s digital governance remains robust and forward-looking.

The cybersecurity landscape in Luxembourg is characterised by a robust and comprehensive approach, reflecting the country’s commitment to maintaining a secure digital environment. This commitment is evident through various initiatives, regulatory frameworks, and strategic collaborations. Here are the key elements of Luxembourg’s cybersecurity landscape:

Luxembourg has established several key initiatives and strategies to enhance its cybersecurity posture. The Cybersecurity Competence Center Luxembourg (C3) serves as a national hub for cybersecurity expertise, offering training, consulting, and certification services to businesses and government entities. Additionally, the National Cybersecurity Strategy (2021-2025) outlines the country’s approach to addressing emerging cyber threats, promoting a secure digital economy, and ensuring the protection of critical infrastructures.

Luxembourg has implemented stringent regulatory measures to safeguard its digital landscape. The National Commission for Data Protection (CNPD) oversees the enforcement of data protection laws, including compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Additionally, the country adheres to the European Union’s Network and Information Systems (NIS) Directive, which mandates rigorous cybersecurity requirements for operators of essential services and digital service providers.

Collaboration between the public and private sectors is a cornerstone of Luxembourg’s cybersecurity strategy. The Luxembourg House of Cybersecurity facilitates cooperation among various stakeholders, including businesses, government agencies, and academic institutions. This collaborative approach helps to share threat intelligence, best practices, and resources to enhance collective cybersecurity resilience.

Luxembourg places a strong emphasis on developing cybersecurity skills and awareness. The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) and the University of Luxembourg offer specialised programs and research opportunities in cybersecurity. Moreover, initiatives like the Cybersecurity Week Luxembourg provide platforms for industry professionals to network, learn, and stay updated on the latest cybersecurity trends and challenges.

Luxembourg actively participates in international cybersecurity efforts, aligning its policies with global standards and frameworks. The country is a member of various international organisations, including the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE). These affiliations enable Luxembourg to contribute to and benefit from collective cybersecurity initiatives and knowledge-sharing at the international level.

Luxembourg’s AI landscape is characterized by strong government support, a vibrant research community, and a commitment to ethical AI development.

Luxembourg has outlined a national AI strategy aimed at leveraging AI to drive economic growth and improve public services. This strategy focuses on fostering innovation, ensuring ethical AI development, and integrating AI across various sectors. Under the Digital Luxembourg initiative, AI is a critical focus area. This initiative promotes AI adoption through public-private partnerships, funding for research projects, and support for startups specializing in AI technologies.

Research and development play a pivotal role in Luxembourg’s AI landscape. The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) collaborates with industry partners to develop AI solutions that address real-world challenges, particularly in sectors like finance, healthcare, and logistics​. The University of Luxembourg, through its Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability, and Trust (SnT), conducts cutting-edge research in AI, cybersecurity, and data science, offering specialized programs and fostering innovation​.

Support for startups and innovation is another cornerstone of Luxembourg’s AI ecosystem. Luxinnovation, the national innovation agency, supports AI startups through funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, helping new ventures navigate the regulatory landscape and connect with potential investors and partners​​. The House of Startups provides resources and support for AI startups, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth, offering co-working spaces, accelerator programs, and access to a network of industry experts.

The country actively participates in EU-wide AI initiatives, contributing to the development of a cohesive European AI strategy and engaging in Horizon Europe projects and collaborations with other member states on AI research and innovation. Global partnerships with tech leaders and research institutions ensure that Luxembourg’s AI ecosystem benefits from the latest developments and best practices in the field​.

The Netherlands boasts a robust digital infrastructure characterized by reliable internet connectivity and extensive mobile device penetration. The government actively supports digital advancements, advocating for the growth of e-commerce and spearheading digital transformation strategies. Investments are targeted at cutting-edge fields such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and life sciences, reflecting a broad commitment to technological innovation.

In the realm of data protection, the Netherlands is particularly stringent. It adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) through its own GDPR Implementation Act. The country’s constitution guarantees privacy rights under articles 10, 11, and 13, which safeguard personal privacy, bodily inviolacy, and the confidentiality of communications, respectively. The Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens) oversees these regulations, with the possibility of appeals being handled by District Courts of First Instance or the Administrative Jurisdiction Division of the Council of State.

Internet governance debate in the Netherlands is managed through a collaborative approach involving multiple stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector companies, and non-profit organisations. This approach is coordinated under the Netherlands Internet Governance Forum (NL IGF), which was established in 2011. The NL IGF is a consortium that includes the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, SIDN (the .nl domain registry), and ECP | Platform for the Information Society. This forum aims to enhance the visibility of internet governance issues within the Netherlands and elevate them on both national and political agendas.

The NL IGF focuses on a wide array of Internet-related themes, such as cybercrime, privacy, accessibility, human rights, and the implications of emerging technologies like the Internet of Things and cloud computing. It fosters an open, multistakeholder dialogue on these issues, aiming to develop balanced and widely supported internet policies. This setup reflects the global Internet Governance Forum’s (IGF) model, which operates under the auspices of the UN.

Dutch internet governance also involves engaging with international bodies and contributing to global discussions on internet governance through participation in events like the annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

The Netherlands has adopted several digital strategies in recent years to guide its digital transformation process.

• The Netherlands National Technology Strategy – The strategy identifies ten strategic technologies that have the potential to solve societal challenges, bolster national security, and influence the future of work and income levels in the Netherlands. These technologies have been selected for their potential to establish a distinct Dutch position globally and to make a significant positive impact through collaboration between the Dutch academic community and the business sector.
• The Netherlands Digital Economy Strategy outlines the main opportunities and risks of digitalization. The strategy emphasises the importance of digital solutions that benefit everyone, drive growth and support competitiveness and productivity, digital development that focuses on security, responsibility, and ethics, collaboration between the public and private sectors, public data as a common good, and shaping digital development globally.
• The Dutch Digitalisation Strategy 2.0 focuses on establishing strong foundations in areas like privacy, cybersecurity, digital literacy, and fair competition. Over the past year, the strategy has initiated various actions, including expanding the Netherlands’ role as a testing ground for new technologies, enhancing digital education, and promoting responsible technology use among children.

Cybersecurity in the Netherlands is a top priority for the government, with a strong focus on collaboration between public and private organizations. 

• Establishing a National Cyber Security Center (NCSC), which officially started to function on 12 January 2012. The task of the NCSC is to define the measures and instruments required for implementing the NCCS and serving as a centre of expertise. The NCSC is part of the organization of the National Coordinator Fighting Terrorism and Security of the Department of Security and Justice. Fighting Cybercrime is an essential aspect of the NCSS.
• The Netherlands has adopted a National Cybersecurity Agenda, which outlines seven strategic ambitions to enhance the country’s digital capabilities and protect against cyber threats. These ambitions include having strong digital capabilities to detect, mitigate, and respond decisively to cyber threats; contributing to international peace and security in the digital domain; being at the forefront of digitally secure hardware and software; having resilient digital processes and a robust infrastructure; having successful barriers against cybercrime; leading the way in the field of cybersecurity knowledge development; and having an integrated and strong public-private approach to cybersecurity
• The Netherlands has adopted the Cybersecurity Strategy 2022-2028, which aims to secure a digitally safe environment that allows the country to safely exploit digital opportunities while protecting security and public values. This strategy involves strengthening the digital security system, enhancing laws and regulations, and improving insight into threats to boost resilience​.
• The Netherlands also has an international Cyber Strategy 2023-2028 that extends the Netherlands’ cybersecurity focus beyond its borders, aiming to contribute to a secure, open, and free global cyber domain
• The Netherlands has ratified CoE Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention)

The country has released a nationwide AI strategy that aims to capitalize on societal and economic opportunities, create the right conditions for education and skills development, and strengthen the foundations for ethical, legal, and transparency aspects of AI. The plan also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and the need for a robust AI infrastructure, with a particular focus on promoting public and private sector collaboration. This comprehensive strategy aims to position the Netherlands as a leader in responsible and sustainable AI development. The government also supports the establishment of an AI Competence Centre and invests in AI research through the Dutch Research Council.

A notable aspect of the Netherlands’ AI policy framework includes the participation in the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), which promotes the responsible development and use of AI while respecting human rights and fostering economic growth​​. Additionally, the country places a strong emphasis on creating legal and ethical frameworks for AI, as seen in initiatives like the Amsterdam AI register, which enhances transparency in how AI and algorithms are employed in public administration​​.

Internet governance in Denmark focuses on digitalization, cybersecurity, and e-government initiatives to ensure a secure and efficient digital landscape. Denmark emphasizes collaborative efforts domestically and internationally to defend against cyber threats and espionage, protect critical ICT infrastructure, and enhance digital skills among citizens and businesses. The country promotes responsible, democratic, and safe technology development through initiatives like the Tech for Democracy, and Tech Diplomacy.

Denmark was the first country to appoint an ambassador for tech diplomacy back in 2017. The first tech ambassador set up an office in Silicon Valley in 2017, to be close to the big players in the tech sector, eager to start a more focused and intensive dialogue with companies like Google and Facebook.

Denmark’s stakeholders are active participants in various internet governance forums and initiatives at the regional and global levels. Danish stakeholders also participate in the European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG) events, which bring together stakeholders from the region to discuss digital policy-related issues and challenges. At the global level, Denmark is a member of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

Denmark also has a national internet governance initiative called Danish IGF, which was established as a bottom-up, multistakeholder platform for discussing internet-related public policy issues within the country.

Denmark has implemented several digital strategies aimed at harnessing the power of technology to drive economic growth, enhance public services, promote innovation, and ensure digital inclusion.

• National Strategy for Digitalisation (2022-2026) Launched in May 2022, this strategy is based on the recommendations from the Danish Government Digitisation Partnership, aiming to integrate digital technologies into Danish society effectively. It emphasizes broad collaboration across public, private, and civil society sectors and is anchored around nine visions, including strengthened cyber and information security, coherent services for individuals and businesses, and acceleration of the green transition through digital solutions​.
• Digital Growth Strategy 2025 is an initiative launched by the Danish government in collaboration with various stakeholders. The strategy aims to foster the digital transformation processes on a national level and cultivate a highly skilled talent pool of professionals. It consists of 6 pillars and 38 concrete initiatives designed to enhance Denmark’s position as a leading country in digital transformation and digital skills. 

Denmark has taken several steps to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities and resilience in recent years. Some of these steps are:

• The National Cyber Crime Centre (NC3) was established under the Danish National Police in 2014. NC3 increases and strengthens the work of the district police on investigative, preventive and research areas related to cybercrime in terms of enhanced qualifications and greater capacity, as well as considerable investments in technology.
• Cyber Centre at the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET), has a special Cyber Centre that specifically addresses intelligence and investigation tasks relating to cyber threats affecting national security.
• Centre for Cyber ​​Security (CFCS), was established in 2012 as part of the Defence Intelligence Service. CFCS is the national IT security authority, Network Security Service and National Centre of Excellence within cybersecurity.
• Denmark has two national response teams (CSIRTs): The Danish Computer Emergency Response Team for Research and Educational Institutions DKCERT, which was established in 2009; and The Danish Government Computer Emergency Response Team: Danish GovCERT. Since July 2016, a new notification system has been in place for companies and authorities reporting cyber incidents.
• The National Strategy for Cyber and Information Security 2022-2024 was adopted in 2022 and focuses on ensuring secure ICT operations in government as well as empowering citizens and businesses to navigate the digital realm securely.
• Denmark has ratified CoE Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention).

In 2019, Denmark launched its National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, aimed at maximizing AI’s potential while adhering to ethical standards and frameworks. The strategy’s goal is to establish Denmark as a forefront runner in the ethical utilisation of AI, fostering innovation and mitigating the risks linked with AI technology. It emphasises the significance of research, development, and educational efforts in AI to strengthen the nation’s economy and enhance public services.

The strategy highlights the critical need for education and training in AI, calling upon the Danish government to establish a vocational adult education and training advisory group. This group’s mission is to assess the labour market’s competency requirements in response to technological and digital advancements, including AI. It will explore the necessity for new initiatives, such as launching new educational programs, conducting analyses, and initiating development projects to meet these evolving needs.

Denmark and its stakeholders are also actively involved in international collaboration on AI research. For example, researchers from Aalborg University are collaborating with researchers from the US and Australia to develop algorithms that can manage systems associated with great uncertainty, with funding from the Independent Research Fund Denmark.

Notable AI companies in Denmark include Tradeshift, a business commerce platform that uses AI for payments and procurement tasks, and Creative Force, an end-to-end creative operations workflow platform that leverages AI to improve communication and collaboration in e-commerce content production. The Danish AI startup landscape has seen significant growth, with two-thirds of the identified AI startups being founded in the past four years. Many of these startups are centred in Copenhagen, where universities with significant AI activities and investors are concentrated.

The AI market size is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2030) of 16.80%, resulting in a market volume of USD 7.59 bn by 2030.

Slovenia’s approach to internet governance focuses on ensuring a secure, inclusive, and efficient digital environment. This effort is characterized by the integration of various stakeholders, the implementation of comprehensive strategies, and active participation in international forums.

Key Regulatory Bodies

1. Agency for Communication Networks and Services (AKOS): AKOS is the primary regulator for telecommunications, ensuring compliance with both national and EU regulations. It promotes competition, safeguards consumer rights, and oversees the development of internet infrastructure.
2. Information Commissioner: This office is responsible for data protection and access to public information, ensuring adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and national privacy laws.
3. Ministry of Digital Transformation: This ministry leads the formulation and implementation of digital policies. The Ministry monitors and analyses the state of digital transformation and the information society at the national level. It is responsible for the areas of the information society, electronic communications, digital inclusion, digital competencies, the data economy, management of information and communication systems, and the provision of electronic public administration services. 

Slovenian stakeholders are active participants in various internet governance forums and initiatives at the regional and global levels. Slovenian stakeholders participate in the annual South Eastern European Dialogue on Internet Governance (SEE+) and Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG) events, which bring together stakeholders from the region to discuss digital policy-related issues and challenges. At the global level, Slovenia is a member of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). Slovenia also has a national internet governance initiative called SloIGF.

Slovenia has adopted several digital strategies in recent years to guide its digital transformation process.

• Slovenia’s Strategy for the digital transformation of the economy covers the period from 2021 to 2030 and focuses on advanced digital technologies. The strategy addresses three main or priority areas. The first presents the advanced digital technologies that enable the digital transformation of the economy in the first place, the second focuses on an effective ecosystem for a competitive economy, and the third focuses on an open and sustainable society as the basis for the growth of the digital economy.
• The Digital Slovenia 2030 Strategy is a comprehensive document with specific, measurable indicators across various thematic areas, aiming to promote the development and use of AI by 2025 and enhance digital public services. The strategy aims to promote the use of advanced digital technologies, such as AI, the internet of things, big data, blockchain, high-performance computing, quantum computing, and 5G technologies, to drive economic growth and competitiveness. Slovenia’s progress in digitalization is monitored through the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), where significant advancements have been made in enterprises’ integration of digital technologies.

Slovenia has been proactive in enhancing its cybersecurity measures through various initiatives and strategies. 

• Slovenia implemented its Cyber Security Strategy in 2016 to ensure a high level of cybersecurity. The strategy covers various strategic topics, such as cybercrime, citizen awareness, critical information infrastructure protection, international cooperation, and incident response capability
• In 2009, the Computer Investigation Centre was established within the Criminal Police Directorate. In addition, six police departments for computer investigation are operating on a regional level within all major police directorates in the country. Also, the National Investigating Bureau employs computer forensic experts. As regards the State Prosecution Office, there are no separate departments for the prosecution of cybercrime, but some state prosecutors are specialised (or are specialising) in this area.
• The main contact point for reporting network security incidents involving systems and networks located in Slovenia is SI-CERT, Slovenian Computer Emergency Response Team. It is operating in the scope of the Academic and Research Network of Slovenia (ARNES).
• In 2020, The Government Information Security Office was established. The office is the national authority responsible for information security, aiming to enhance resilience against cyber threats affecting individuals, businesses, government, and society. GISO coordinates the national information security system at a strategic level, focusing on essential service providers in sectors like energy, healthcare, transport, and more, as well as digital service providers and state administration authorities.
• In Slovenia, also Safer Internet Centre SAFE.SI is active. This national project is aimed at promoting and ensuring a better and safer internet and mobile phone use for children, teenagers, parents and teachers. It is co-financed by the European Union. Part of it is a hotline for reporting hate speech and child sexual abuse images on the internet, called Spletno oko (Online Eye).
• Slovenia has approved the NIS2 directive, which aims to significantly contribute to strengthening EU cybersecurity.
• Slovenia has ratified CoE Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention)

There is a significant focus on AI in Slovenia, with the government adopting its National AI programme. Slovenia has a rich history in AI research, with institutions like the Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI) leading in AI research and innovation. The International Research Center on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI) in Slovenia is pioneering unique AI solutions globally, focusing on human-driven purposes and societal benefits.

The Slovenian Artificial Intelligence Society (SLAIS) has played a crucial role in advancing AI research and technology transfer in the country since its establishment in 1992. SLAIS collaborates with universities, research institutes, and industrial organisations to promote both theoretical and applied AI research. Notably, several SLAIS members have received prestigious awards for their contributions to the field of AI in Europe.

Belgium’s digital governance is characterised by a decentralised structure, with responsibilities divided among federal, regional, and community governments. The Directorate-General for Simplification and Digitalisation (part of the Federal Public Service BOSA) plays a crucial role in coordinating digital initiatives across different government levels. Each region—Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels-Capital—has its own ministerial responsibilities for digital transformation, ensuring that local needs are addressed. The Data Protection Authority (DPA), established in 2018, oversees compliance with data protection laws.

Digital Economy and Innovation

Belgium’s digital governance framework supports the growth of a robust digital economy. The government has introduced several initiatives to foster innovation and support digital startups:

• Digital Innovation Hubs: These hubs provide resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities for tech startups and SMEs, helping them develop and scale their digital solutions.
• Tax Incentives and Grants: Belgium offers various financial incentives, such as R&D tax credits and innovation grants, to encourage investment in digital technologies and innovation.

Data Governance and Privacy

Belgium places a strong emphasis on data governance and privacy, adhering to stringent regulations to protect citizens’ data. Key aspects include:

• GDPR Compliance: As an EU member state, Belgium fully complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring robust data protection standards and rights for individuals.
• National Data Strategy: Belgium’s National Data Strategy outlines the framework for data governance, promoting data sharing and reuse while ensuring privacy and security. This strategy aims to leverage data as a key asset for economic growth and public service improvement.
• Open Data Initiatives: The government promotes open data initiatives, making public sector data accessible to citizens and businesses. This fosters transparency, innovation, and the development of data-driven solutions.

Digital Skills and Education

To support the digital transformation, Belgium places a strong emphasis on developing digital skills across the population. The government has launched various programs to enhance digital literacy and prepare the workforce for the demands of the digital economy:

• Digital Skills Fund: This fund supports projects that promote digital skills training and education, targeting both the general population and specific groups, such as students and job seekers.
• STEM Education: Belgium has integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education into its curriculum to equip students with essential skills for the digital age.

International Collaboration and Standards

Belgium actively participates in international digital governance initiatives and aligns its policies with European Union standards. The country collaborates with other EU member states on projects related to digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and innovation:

• Digital Single Market: Belgium contributes to the EU’s Digital Single Market strategy, which aims to remove digital barriers and create a unified online market across Europe.
• Cross-border Digital Services: Belgium is involved in cross-border digital services projects, facilitating seamless digital interactions between citizens and businesses across EU countries.

Belgium has established itself as a progressive country in terms of digital governance, underpinned by comprehensive strategic frameworks and policy initiatives. Central to this effort is the Digital Belgium Plan, which outlines the country’s vision for digital transformation across various sectors.

Digital Belgium: Launched in 2015, this action plan outlines the country’s long-term digital vision, focusing on five pillars: digital economy, infrastructure, skills, trust, and public authorities. It aims to position Belgium among the top digital nations in Europe by enhancing e-government services and digital infrastructure.

Regional Strategies: Each region has tailored its digital strategies. For instance, Digital Wallonia (2019-2024) aims to leverage digital technologies for socio-economic opportunities, while Vlaanderen Radicaal Digitaal II focuses on comprehensive digital transformation initiatives in Flanders.

#SmartNation: This federal strategy, initiated in 2021, aligns with the European Digital Decade Policy and aims to enhance Belgium’s digital capabilities across various sectors.

E-Government Services: Belgium has made notable progress in e-government services, with usage rates surpassing the EU average. As of 2022, approximately 74% of citizens utilised e-government services, reflecting a growing acceptance of digital interactions with public authorities. The government is continuously working to streamline these services, making them more user-friendly and efficient.

The federal government, along with regional and local authorities, has implemented numerous e-government initiatives. Key examples include:

• MyBelgium Portal: This central online portal provides citizens with access to a wide range of government services, such as tax filings, social security information, and administrative procedures.
• e-ID: Belgium’s electronic identity card allows citizens to securely access online services and sign documents digitally.
• Digital Public Services Act: This legislation mandates the digitalisation of public services, ensuring that citizens and businesses can interact with government agencies online.

Belgium’s approach to cybersecurity is anchored in its National Cybersecurity Strategy, which outlines the country’s vision and actions to ensure a secure digital environment. The strategy focuses on protecting critical infrastructure, enhancing cyber resilience, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders. The key pillars of the strategy include:

1. Governance and Coordination: Establishing a clear governance framework and coordinating efforts across different levels of government, private sector, and civil society.
2. Risk Management and Resilience: Implementing robust risk management practices to identify, assess, and mitigate cyber threats. Enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure and services to withstand cyber attacks.
3. Incident Response and Recovery: Developing effective mechanisms for incident detection, response, and recovery. This includes establishing a national Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and incident reporting frameworks.
4. Capacity Building and Awareness: Promoting cybersecurity awareness and education among citizens, businesses, and public institutions. Providing training and resources to build cybersecurity capacity.
5. International Cooperation: Engaging in international collaboration to address cross-border cyber threats and contribute to global cybersecurity efforts.

Key Institutions and Agencies

Several institutions and agencies play crucial roles in Belgium’s cybersecurity landscape:

• Centre for Cyber Security Belgium (CCB): The CCB is the central authority for cybersecurity in Belgium. It coordinates national cybersecurity efforts, develops policies and strategies, and serves as the national point of contact for international cooperation.
• Federal Cyber Emergency Team (CERT.be): Operated by the CCB, CERT.be is responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity incidents. It provides support to both public and private sectors in handling cyber threats.
• Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT): BIPT regulates the telecommunications sector and ensures the security and integrity of communication networks and services.
• National Crisis Centre: The National Crisis Centre coordinates responses to large-scale cyber incidents that have a significant impact on national security and public safety.

Cybersecurity Initiatives and Programs

Belgium has implemented various initiatives and programs to enhance cybersecurity across different sectors:

• Cybersecurity Act: The Cybersecurity Act provides the legal framework for the protection of network and information systems. It sets out requirements for operators of essential services and digital service providers to implement security measures and report incidents.
• Belgian Cybersecurity Coalition: This public-private partnership brings together stakeholders from government, academia, and industry to collaborate on cybersecurity initiatives. The coalition focuses on sharing best practices, conducting joint research, and raising awareness.
• Awareness Campaigns: The CCB and other organisations run regular cybersecurity awareness campaigns targeting various audiences, including citizens, businesses, and public institutions. These campaigns aim to educate people about common cyber threats and promote safe online behaviors.

International Collaboration

Belgium actively participates in international cybersecurity efforts, recognising the global nature of cyber threats:

• European Union: Belgium collaborates closely with EU institutions and member states on cybersecurity initiatives. This includes participating in the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre and implementing EU directives and regulations.
• NATO: As a NATO member, Belgium contributes to the alliance’s cybersecurity capabilities. This includes participation in NATO cyber defense exercises and initiatives.
• Global Organisations: Belgium engages with global organisations, such as the United Nations and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), to shape international cybersecurity policies and standards.

Belgium’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) is structured around a national strategy aimed at fostering innovation, ensuring ethical standards, and promoting economic growth. The strategy emphasises a multidisciplinary approach, integrating efforts from various sectors to harness the potential of AI. Key components of Belgium’s AI strategy include:

1. Research and innovation: Supporting cutting-edge research and development (R&D) in AI technologies. This includes funding academic research, establishing innovation hubs, and encouraging collaborations between universities and industry.
2. Education and skills: Enhancing AI-related education and training programs to build a skilled workforce. This involves updating curricula, providing specialised training, and promoting lifelong learning in AI and data science.
3. Ethics and regulation: Developing frameworks to ensure that AI technologies are used ethically and responsibly. This includes adhering to European Union (EU) guidelines, promoting transparency, and safeguarding privacy and data protection.
4. Infrastructure and data: Investing in digital infrastructure and facilitating access to high-quality data. This includes developing cloud computing capabilities, improving data-sharing mechanisms, and ensuring robust cybersecurity measures.
5. Public sector and society: Leveraging AI to improve public services and societal well-being. This includes implementing AI solutions in healthcare, transportation, and public administration, as well as promoting AI literacy among the general public.

Key Institutions and Initiatives

Several institutions and initiatives are central to the development and deployment of AI in Belgium:

• AI 4 Belgium: A key initiative, AI 4 Belgium is a community-driven organisation that brings together stakeholders from academia, industry, and government. It aims to create a vibrant AI ecosystem by promoting collaboration, sharing best practices, and driving innovation.
• Flemish AI Plan: Launched by the government of Flanders, this plan focuses on investing in AI research, supporting startups, and integrating AI into public services. The Flemish government has committed substantial funding to AI projects and initiatives.
• Wallonia AI Strategy: The Walloon region has its own AI strategy, which emphasises R&D, support for businesses, and the development of AI skills. The strategy also includes measures to ensure ethical AI development and deployment.
• Digital Wallonia: This initiative promotes digital transformation in Wallonia, with AI being a key focus area. It supports AI startups, fosters public-private partnerships, and encourages digital innovation.
• National Research Fund (FWO and FNRS): These organisations provide funding for AI research projects, supporting both fundamental and applied research across various disciplines.

AI Research and Innovation

Belgium is home to numerous research institutions and innovation hubs that drive AI advancements:

• imec: A leading R&D hub for nanoelectronics and digital technologies, imec conducts pioneering research in AI and collaborates with global tech companies to develop innovative AI solutions.
• KU Leuven: This prestigious university is a leader in AI research, with dedicated centers such as the KU Leuven Institute for Artificial Intelligence. It focuses on areas like machine learning, robotics, and natural language processing.
• Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain): UCLouvain is another key player in AI research, with strong expertise in AI ethics, data science, and computational intelligence.
• VUB AI Lab: The AI lab at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is known for its interdisciplinary research, covering topics such as autonomous systems, AI ethics, and human-computer interaction.