Countries

Portugal

Internet governance in Portugal involves the development and implementation of policies, standards, and practices that regulate the internet infrastructure, digital services, and online activities within the country. This process relies on a multistakeholder approach that includes government bodies, private sector entities, civil society organisations, and academic institutions, all working towards the common goal of ensuring a secure, inclusive, and innovative digital environment.

A key institution in this realm is the National Regulatory Authority (ANACOM). ANACOM is responsible for overseeing electronic communications and postal services in Portugal. It ensures compliance with both national and European Union regulations, promotes competition, and protects consumer rights. ANACOM’s functions include spectrum management, monitoring the quality of service provided by telecom operators, initiating cybersecurity measures, and fostering innovation within the telecommunications sector.

The Ministry of Economy and Digital Transition is also pivotal in shaping and implementing digital policies in Portugal. This ministry spearheads several initiatives aimed at promoting digital transformation across various sectors.

At the global connectivity level, Portugal serves as a critical submarine cable nexus. Roughly 25 % of the world’s submarine fibre-optic cables pass through its exclusive economic zone, making it the only European country directly connected to all continents. Leading cables such as EllaLink provide direct, low-latency links between Sines and Fortaleza, Brazil, and are complemented by Google’s Equiano and the expansive 2Africa system. Innovative SMART cable initiatives, including the Atlantic CAM and pilots like EllaLink GeoLab, integrate ocean sensing with telecommunications infrastructure, enhancing Portugal’s role in marine science and environmental monitoring.

Portugal ranks highly on the Democratic Economy and Society Index (DESI), particularly in connectivity and public services, though it continues to seek improvements in basic digital skills, SME digital adoption, cloud, AI, and data analytics uptake. National initiatives such as INCoDe 2030 and the AI Portugal 2030 strategy are closing skill gaps and advancing the country’s AI and digital literacy capacities.

Consult Portugal’s AI and digital strategies and regulations

Follow Portugal’s digital submarine cables

Lithuania

Over the past two decades, Lithuania has rapidly advanced its digital infrastructure and services. In 2003, the country launched the ‘Electronic Government Gateway’ (www.epaslaugos.lt), providing citizens with access to over 700 e-government services by the end of 2004. This platform has been continually updated to meet evolving technological capabilities and user needs. The nation ranks 10th in the European Union’s Digital Economy and Society Index (DES 2023I) for the effectiveness of digital services for citizens and 6th for businesses. Notably, Lithuania is the 2nd best in the EU for using pre-filled forms with digital services. In the European Commission’s E-Government Benchmark for 2023, Lithuania came in 7th place.

Consult Lithuania’s AI and digital strategies and regulations

Follow Lithuania’s digital submarine cables

Netherlands

The Netherlands boasts a robust digital infrastructure characterised 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, AI, and life sciences, reflecting a broad commitment to technological innovation.

The Netherlands has been a pioneer in enshrining net neutrality into law. In June 2011, it became the first European country to legislate that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must treat all internet traffic equally, prohibiting the blocking or throttling of specific services or applications. This legislation was a response to ISPs’ attempts to charge extra fees for services like VoIP and messaging apps. The Dutch law also explicitly banned practices like zero-rating, where certain services are exempted from data caps, to ensure a level playing field for all online services. Although the EU’s Open Internet Regulation came into effect in 2016, the Netherlands has maintained its stricter provisions, with the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) actively enforcing these rules to uphold an open and non-discriminatory internet.

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).

Consult the Netherlands’ AI and digital strategies and regulations

Follow Netherlands’ digital submarine cables

Luxembourg

The country benefits from near-universal internet access, a highly developed fibre-optic network, and one of the earliest and most extensive 5G deployments in Europe. The Ultra-High-Speed Broadband Strategy aims to provide 1 Gbps coverage nationwide, including in rural areas, while POST Luxembourg leads the deployment of AI-powered software-defined access networks. The country hosts multiple Tier III and IV data centres and operates MeluXina, a national high-performance computing facility, which supports research, AI training, and simulations.

Luxembourg’s government places strong emphasis on digital public services, with its electronic governance strategy targeting full digitalisation of administrative procedures. The ‘once-only’ principle, interoperability between government systems, and inclusion measures are core pillars of its approach, managed by the Ministry for Digitalisation and the CTIE. As of 2024, over 90 percent of public services are available online. In terms of regulation, Luxembourg adheres to the EU framework on digital services and markets, while also shaping national strategies for emerging technologies, including AI, quantum computing, and secure data governance.

The country’s cybersecurity architecture is guided by the National Cybersecurity Strategy IV, which focuses on strengthening infrastructure resilience, building digital trust, and supporting the secure digital economy. Key players such as GOVCERT, CIRCL, and MILCERT coordinate responses to cyber threats across sectors. Luxembourg also engages in international cyber exercises and collaborates with EU, NATO, and Benelux partners. The private sector is involved through platforms like SECURITYMADEIN.LU, and research institutions participate in threat intelligence sharing.

Data protection is overseen by the CNPD, which enforces the GDPR and national data protection law. Luxembourg is known for pioneering GDPR certification mechanisms, such as the GDPR-CARPA framework, and has been involved in notable enforcement actions, including the upheld fine against Amazon. The CNPD provides guidance on AI regulation and coordinates with EU-level bodies to monitor emerging risks.

Consult Luxembourg’s AI and digital strategies and regulations

Follow Luxembourg’s digital infrastructure

Slovenia

Slovenia has been actively working on digitalising its society and economy, focusing on harnessing the social and economic potential of ICT and the internet for digital growth. Slovenia has also been committed to building a digital economy and society, strongly emphasising internet governance and access, e-government, and digital skills development. The country has been among the top in Europe in terms of internet connectivity and penetration. 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

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.
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.
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.

Consult Slovenia’s AI and digital strategies and regulations

Follow Slovenia’s digital submarine cables

Denmark

Over the past two decades, Denmark has prioritised digital transformation, resulting in a highly connected society. The country’s digital infrastructure boasts 98% 5G coverage and 95% of households connected to Very High-Capacity Networks (VHCNs), placing it at the forefront of the EU’s Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) rankings internet governance in Denmark focuses on digitalization, cybersecurity, and e-government initiatives to ensure a secure and efficient digital landscape. Denmark emphasises 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 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.

Consult Denmark’s AI and digital strategies and regulations

Follow Denmark’s digital submarine cables

Belgium

The country has made notable progress in digitalization, ranking 6th in the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) as of 2023. This ranking reflects Belgium’s strengths in connectivity, where it stands 3rd, and the integration of digital technologies by businesses, where it ranks 5th.

Internet governance

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.

Digital strategies

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.

Cybersecurity

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:

Governance and Coordination: Establishing a clear governance framework and coordinating efforts across different levels of government, private sector, and civil society.
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.
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.
Capacity Building and Awareness: Promoting cybersecurity awareness and education among citizens, businesses, and public institutions. Providing training and resources to build cybersecurity capacity.
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.

AI strategies and policies

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Cyprus

Internet governance in Cyprus involves a combination of national regulatory frameworks, international guidelines, and cooperation with global bodies like the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The governance structure ensures the internet is reliable, secure, and accessible for all users in Cyprus, balancing public interests with technological advancements.

Consult Cyprus’s digital strategies and regulations

Follow Cyprus’s digital submarine cables

Spain

Spain follows a framework of internet governance aligned with the European Union’s regulations, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which enforces strict rules on privacy and data protection. The National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) is the regulatory body that oversees telecommunications and digital infrastructure, ensuring a competitive and fair market. The country also participates in global internet governance discussions, such as at ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) and Internet Governance Forum (IGF). Spain has a high internet penetration rate, with 95% of the population having access to the internet in 2023. This places Spain among the top countries in Europe for internet access, particularly in urban areas.

Consult Spain’s AI and digital strategies and regulations

Follow Spain’s digital submarine cables

Austria

Austria excels in digital governance, particularly with its eGovernment services. In the 2023 eGovernment Benchmark, Austria ranks significantly above the EU average, particularly in areas like user-centricity, transparency, and key technological enablers. The country is known for pioneering digital services like the ‘eAusweise‘ mobile app (which includes proof of age and digital driving licenses), making administrative tasks more accessible and streamlined for citizens and businesses. With an internet penetration rate of above 96% in 2024, Austria is well ahead of many countries, reflecting its strong digital infrastructure. The widespread availability of broadband and the country’s investments in high-speed internet through initiatives like the ‘Broadband Austria 2030’ program also help maintain this high level of connectivity.