EU Archives | Digital Watch Observatory

EU strikes deal to streamline cross-border GDPR enforcement

The EU Council and European Parliament have reached a political agreement to strengthen cross-border enforcement of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The new regulation, once adopted, will simplify and speed up how national data protection authorities cooperate on cases involving data processing across EU borders.

That move seeks to protect citizens’ rights better and make enforcement more efficient. Key improvements include harmonising the criteria for assessing complaints, regardless of where in the EU they’re filed, and ensuring both complainants and companies under investigation are given the right to be heard throughout the process. The regulation introduces deadlines to avoid drawn-out investigations — 15 months for complex cases (with a possible 12-month extension) and 12 months for simpler ones.

The agreement also creates an ‘early resolution’ option to settle straightforward complaints without triggering lengthy cross-border procedures. It adds a simplified cooperation track for less contentious cases and encourages authorities to share key case information early to build consensus more quickly among EU partners.

The deal now awaits formal approval from both institutions. Once passed, the new rules will enter into force, marking a significant evolution in how the GDPR is enforced across Europe.

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Nvidia’s sovereign AI vision gains EU support

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s call for ‘sovereign AI’ is gaining traction among European leaders who want more control over their data and digital future. He argues that nations must develop AI rooted in their own language, culture and infrastructure.

During a recent European tour, Huang unveiled major partnerships and investments European cities, citing the region’s over-reliance on US tech firms. European officials echoed his concerns, with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supporting national AI initiatives.

The EU plans to build four AI gigafactories, aiming to reduce dependence on US cloud giants and strengthen regional innovation. Nvidia has committed to providing chips for these projects, while startups like Mistral are working to become local leaders in AI development.

Despite enthusiasm, high energy costs and limited resources may hinder Europe’s progress. Industry voices warn that without sustained investment, the region could struggle to match the spending power of US hyperscalers.

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Czechia bids to host major EU AI computing centre

Czechia is positioning itself to host one of the European Union’s planned AI ‘gigafactories’—large-scale computing centres designed to strengthen Europe’s AI capabilities and reduce dependence on global powers like the United States.

Jan Kavalírek, the Czech government’s AI envoy, confirmed to the Czech News Agency that talks with a private investor are progressing well and potential locations have already been identified.

While the application for the EU funding is not yet final, Kavalírek said, ‘We are very close.’ The EU has allocated around €20 billion for these AI infrastructure projects, with significant contributions also expected from private sources.

Germany and Denmark are also vying to host similar facilities. If successful, the bid made by Czechia could transform the country into a key AI infrastructure hub for Europe, offering powerful computational resources for sectors such as public administration, healthcare, and finance.

Lukáš Benzl, director of the Czech Association of Artificial Intelligence, described the initiative as a potential ‘motor for the AI economy’ across the continent.

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Meta and TikTok contest the EU’s compliance charges

Meta and TikTok have taken their fight against an the EU supervisory fee to Europe’s second-highest court, arguing that the charges are disproportionate and based on flawed calculations.

The fee, introduced under the Digital Services Act (DSA), requires major online platforms to pay 0.05% of their annual global net income to cover the European Commission’s oversight costs.

Meta questioned the Commission’s methodology, claiming the levy was based on the entire group’s revenue instead of the specific EU-based subsidiary.

The company’s lawyer told judges it still lacked clarity on how the fee was calculated, describing the process as opaque and inconsistent with the spirit of the law.

TikTok also criticised the charge, alleging inaccurate and discriminatory data inflated its payment.

Its legal team argued that user numbers were double-counted when people switched between devices. The Commission had wrongly calculated fees based on group profits rather than platform-specific earnings.

The Commission defended its approach, saying group resources should bear the cost when consolidated accounts are used. A ruling is expected from the General Court sometime next year.

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Europe’s new digital diplomacy: From principles to power

In a decisive geopolitical shift, the European Union has unveiled its 2025 International Digital Strategy, signalling a turn from a values-first diplomacy to a focus on security and competitiveness. As Jovan Kurbalija explains in his blog post titled ‘EU Digital Diplomacy: Geopolitical shift from focus on values to economic security‘, the EU is no longer simply exporting its regulatory ideals — often referred to as the ‘Brussels effect’ — but is now positioning digital technology as central to its economic and geopolitical resilience.

The strategy places special emphasis on building secure digital infrastructure, such as submarine cables and AI factories, and deepening digital partnerships across continents. Unlike the 2023 Council Conclusions, which promoted a human-centric, rights-based approach to digital transformation, the 2025 Strategy prioritises tech sovereignty, resilient supply chains, and strategic defence-linked innovations.

Human rights, privacy, and inclusivity still appear, but mainly in supporting roles to broader goals of power and resilience. The EU’s new path reflects a realpolitik understanding that its survival in the global tech race depends on alliances, capability-building, and a nimble response to the rapid evolution of AI and cyber threats.

In practice, this means more digital engagement with key partners like India, Japan, and South Korea and coordinated global investments through the ‘Tech Team Europe’ initiative. The strategy introduces new structures like a Digital Partnership Network while downplaying once-central instruments like the AI Act.

With China largely sidelined and relations with the US in ‘wait and see’ mode, the EU seems intent on building an independent but interconnected digital path, reaching out to the Global South with a pragmatic offer of secure digital infrastructure and public-private investments.

Why does it matter?

Yet, major questions linger: how will these ambitious plans be implemented, who will lead them, and can the EU maintain coherence between its internal democratic values and this outward-facing strategic assertiveness? As Kurbalija notes, the success of this new digital doctrine will hinge on whether the EU can fuse its soft power legacy with the hard power realities of a turbulent tech-driven world.

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Growing push in Europe to regulate children’s social media use

Several European countries, led by Denmark, France, and Greece, are intensifying efforts to shield children from the potentially harmful effects of social media. With Denmark taking over the EU Council presidency from July, its Digital Minister, Caroline Stage Olsen, has made clear that her country will push for a ban on social media for children under 15.

Olsen criticises current platforms for failing to remove illegal content and relying on addictive features that encourage prolonged use. She also warned that platforms prioritise profit and data harvesting over the well-being of young users.

That initiative builds on growing concern across the EU about the mental and physical toll social media may take on children, including the spread of dangerous content, disinformation, cyberbullying, and unrealistic body image standards. France, for instance, has already passed legislation requiring parental consent for users under 15 and is pressing platforms to verify users’ ages more rigorously.

While the European Commission has issued draft guidelines to improve online safety for minors, such as making children’s accounts private by default, some countries are calling for tougher enforcement under the EU’s Digital Services Act. Despite these moves, there is currently no consensus across the EU for an outright ban.

Cultural differences and practical hurdles, like implementing consistent age verification, remain significant challenges. Still, proposals are underway to introduce a unified age of digital adulthood and a continent-wide age verification application, possibly even embedded into devices, to limit access by minors.

Olsen and her allies remain adamant, planning to dedicate the October summit of the EU digital ministers entirely to the issue of child online safety. They are also looking to future legislation, like the Digital Fairness Act, to enforce stricter consumer protection standards that explicitly account for minors. Meanwhile, age verification and parental controls are seen as crucial first steps toward limiting children’s exposure to addictive and damaging online environments.

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China proposes rare earth export relief for EU

China has proposed creating a ‘green channel’ for rare earth exports to the EU, aiming to ease the impact of its recent restrictions. These materials, vital to electric vehicles and household appliances, have been under stricter export controls since April.

During recent talks, Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič warned Chinese officials that the curbs had caused major disruptions across Europe, describing the situation as alarming. While some progress in licence approvals has been noted, businesses argue it remains inadequate.

The talks come as both sides prepare for a high-stakes EU-China summit and continue negotiations over tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

Brussels has imposed duties of up to 35.3%, citing unfair subsidies, while Beijing is pushing for a deal involving minimum pricing to avoid the tariffs.

China’s commerce ministry confirmed the discussions are in their final stage but acknowledged that more work is needed to reach a resolution.

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Schools in the EU start adapting to the AI Act

European schools are taking their first concrete steps to integrate AI in line with the EU AI Act, with educators and experts urging a measured, strategic approach to compliance.

At a recent conference on AI in education, school leaders and policymakers explored how to align AI adoption with the incoming regulations.

With key provisions of the EU AI Act already in effect and full enforcement coming by August 2026, the pressure is on schools to ensure their use of AI is transparent, fair, and accountable. The law classifies AI tools by risk level, with those used to evaluate or monitor students subject to stricter oversight.

Matthew Wemyss, author of ‘AI in Education: An EU AI Act Guide,’ laid out a framework for compliance: assess current AI use, scrutinise the impact on students, and demand clear documentation from vendors.

Wemyss stressed that schools remain responsible as deployers, even when using third-party tools, and should appoint governance leads who understand both technical and ethical aspects.

Education consultant Philippa Wraithmell warned schools not to confuse action with strategy. She advocated starting small, prioritising staff confidence, and ensuring every tool aligns with learning goals, data safety, and teacher readiness.

Al Kingsley MBE emphasised the role of strong governance structures and parental transparency, urging school boards to improve their digital literacy to lead effectively.

The conference highlighted a unifying theme: meaningful AI integration in schools requires intentional leadership, community involvement, and long-term planning. With the right mindset, schools can use AI not just to automate, but to enhance learning outcomes responsibly.

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DW Weekly #215 – Japan is boosting its cyberdefence, NATO shifts digital priorities, EU’s International Digital Strategy

30 May – 6 June 2025

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Dear readers,

Amid heightened cybersecurity tensions in East Asia, exemplified by China’s recent accusations against Taiwan for alleged cyberattacks and bounty offers targeting Taiwanese hackers, Japan is taking proactive steps to strengthen its cyberdefence capabilities. In May, the Japanese parliament approved a cyberdefence law, empowering authorities to monitor international communications through domestic infrastructure and neutralise overseas servers preemptively if they’re suspected of initiating cyberattacks. To complement these legislative measures, Japan is also formulating a comprehensive new cybersecurity strategy by the end of 2025, which will prioritise advanced encryption, proactive threat detection, and enhanced resilience of critical national infrastructure.

Cybersecurity policy strengthening is frequent these days, not only in Asia but also across the EU, as the UK and NATO bring important shifts in their cyberdefence strategies. The UK Ministry of Defence recently announced the establishment of a new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command aimed at integrating defensive cyber operations with offensive cyber and electronic warfare capabilities. Concurrently, NATO is considering formally incorporating cybersecurity into its defence spending guidelines, potentially including cyber capabilities within the alliance’s new 5% GDP target for defence expenditures.

Related to state security, another notable military development from the past week is the announcement that Chinese scientists have created the world’s first AI-based system capable of distinguishing real nuclear warheads from decoys, marking a significant breakthrough in arms control verification.

Cryptocurrencies continue to reshape Europe’s financial landscape, prompting varying responses from institutions across the continent. While the EU is actively advancing its ambitions for a digital euro, viewing it as a strategic tool to enhance the eurozone’s global currency influence and financial sovereignty, the Bank of Italy has expressed scepticism about current regulatory efforts. Specifically, Italy’s central bank criticised the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, pointing out its limited impact on boosting crypto adoption or effectively addressing consumer protection and market stability concerns.

The EU continues its legal battle with tech companies that do not comply with its digital market policies. Namely, the European Commission has imposed a €329 million fine on Berlin-based Delivery Hero and its Spanish subsidiary, Glovo, for participating in what it described as ‘a cartel’ in the online food delivery market.

A content policy correction initiative from France: TikTok has globally banned the hashtag ‘SkinnyTok’ after pressure from the French government, which accused the platform of promoting harmful eating habits among young users.

EU’s International Digital Strategy

On 5 June 2025, the European Commission and the High Representative unveiled a new International Digital Strategy for the EU, aiming to enhance the EU’s global tech competitiveness and security amid a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The strategy emphasises deepening existing Digital Partnerships and Dialogues, establishing new ones, and creating a Digital Partnership Network to foster collaboration on emerging technologies like AI, 5G/6G, semiconductors, and quantum computing, while promoting secure connectivity through initiatives like the Global Gateway. It also introduces an EU Tech Business Offer, a modular approach to combine technology solutions with capacity-building, supporting trusted partners in building secure digital infrastructure, such as submarine cables and AI Factories.

Prioritising cybersecurity, the EU plans to strengthen defences against cyber threats and Foreign Information Manipulation (FIMI) by enhancing resilience and promoting algorithmic transparency on online platforms. The strategy reaffirms the EU’s commitment to shaping global digital governance by advocating for human-centric standards in forums like the UN and G7, ensuring the digital transformation aligns with democratic values and fundamental rights.

Last week in Geneva

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In Geneva, the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), convened by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), is currently taking place from 2 to 13 June 2025 at the Palais des Nations and ILO headquarters, where delegates are deliberating on pressing global labour issues.

On 5 June, the Giga Research Lab, in collaboration with Giga and the Geneva Innovation Movement, hosted a high-level event titled Bridging the Digital Divide: Cross-Sector Insights for Scaling School Connectivity. Held on Giga premises, the event welcomed invited guests for an exchange of ideas on expanding digital access in education.

On the same day, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) held a webinar to launch the fourth edition of the landmark report, Greening Digital Companies: Monitoring Emissions and Climate Commitments 2025.

For the main updates, reflections and events, consult the RADAR, the READING CORNER and the UPCOMING EVENTS section below.

DW Team

RADAR

Highlights from the week of 30 May – 6 June 2025

EU launches global digital strategy

As the global race for digital dominance accelerates, the European Union is stepping forward with a bold strategy that blends technological ambition with a commitment to democratic values and international…

AI copyright clash stalls UK data bill

Peers warn the UK’s creative sector could suffer if AI firms are allowed to use copyrighted content without consent or fair compensation.

Colt, Honeywell and Nokia to trial quantum cryptography in space

Space-based cryptography aims to secure sensitive data from quantum threats.

NVIDIA unveils world’s largest quantum research supercomputer

New centre aims to accelerate real-world use of quantum computing.

enter new era computing with large quantum computer generative ai

Netherlands unveils open-architecture quantum computer

The open-architecture Tuna-5 showcases how academic labs and startups can build a functional quantum machine with interoperable components from the local supply chain.

Czech justice minister quits over bitcoin scandal

Opposition seeks answers in emergency parliament session on 5 June.

Vodafone fined €45 million in Germany over data privacy violations

Vodafone is facing one of the largest privacy-related fines in Germany’s telecom sector, revealing deep concerns over how personal data is handled behind the scenes.

Crypto-friendly legislation advances in California

The lawmakers have approved a bill allowing crypto payments for state services under a pilot programme.

Meta Clinton Clean Energy Center Illinois Constellation nuclear energy AI

Meta inks 20-year nuclear deal to power AI expansion

Meta’s AI infrastructure plans include $65 billion in spending for 2025.

amazon india beverly hills polo club Lifestyle equities trademark lawsuit

Amazon invests $10 billion in AI data centres

However, an expert warned that Amazon’s investment shows how costly AI infrastructure has become, pushing out smaller developers.

nord quantique qubit quantum computers photons multimode encoding

Nord Quantique says fewer qubits needed for fault tolerance

Quantum computers may need fewer qubits, thanks to new photon-based encoding.

View all updates

READING CORNER

Cognitive offloading and the future of the mind in the AI age

The rise of AI is transforming work and education, but raises questions about its impact on critical thinking and cognitive independence.

UPCOMING EVENTS

9 Jun 2025 – 10 Jun 2025

Informal interactive WSIS stakeholder consultation on the review of implementation of the outcomes of the WSIS+20

The consultation, organised by the the President of the General Assembly, aims to gather input from all relevant WSIS stakeholders on the preparatory process for the review of the implementation…

9 Jun 2025 – 12 Jun 2025

ICANN 83

The event will focus on ongoing policy development, community outreach, and collaboration among global stakeholders.

10 Jun 2025, 14:00h – 15:00h

Final Brief on the WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025

The session aims to foster open dialogue, encourage active stakeholder engagement, and support continued progress toward the WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025

12 June 2025 – 13 June 2025

Digital Democracy for All (D4ALL): Capacity Building Programme for Armenia – Diplo Event

Digital Democracy for All (D4ALL): Capacity Building Programme for Armenia The Digital Democracy for All (DD4ALL) project is a collaborative initiative

23 Jun 2025 – 27 Jun 2025

Internet Governance Forum 2025

The Government of Norway will host the 20th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Lillestrøm from 23 to 27 June 2025.

23 June 2025 – 27 June 2025

Diplo/GIP at IGF 2025 – Diplo Event

Diplo/GIP at IGF 2025 The 20th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) will be hosted by the Government of Norway, in Lillestrøm, from 23 to 27 June.

24 Jun 2025 – 27 Jun 2025

Global Forum on the Ethics of AI 2025

Thailand will host the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence from 24 to 27 June 2025.

EU launches global digital strategy

The European Union has launched a sweeping international digital strategy to bolster its global tech leadership and secure a human-centric digital transformation. With the digital and AI revolution reshaping economies and societies worldwide, the EU is positioning itself as a reliable partner in building resilient, open, and secure digital ecosystems.

The strategy prioritises collaboration with international partners to scale digital infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity, and support emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors while promoting democratic values and human rights in digital governance. The EU will deepen and expand its global network of Digital Partnerships and Dialogues to remain competitive and secure in a fast-changing geopolitical landscape.

These collaborations focus on research, industrial innovation, regulatory cooperation, and secure supply chains, while engaging countries across Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the EU’s own neighbourhood. The strategy also leverages trade instruments and investment frameworks such as the Global Gateway to support secure 5G and 6G networks, submarine cables, and digital public infrastructure, helping partner countries improve connectivity, resilience, and sustainability.

🌐 Digital power is geopolitical power – and Europe is ready to lead.

We’ve launched the EU’s International Digital Strategy: a new plan to boost global cooperation while staying competitive in AI and key technologies.

Our vision is rooted in partnership and shared values. 👇… pic.twitter.com/RYulRafhIO
— European Commission (@EU_Commission) June 5, 2025

To enhance global digital governance, the EU is pushing for international standards that uphold privacy, security, and openness, and opposing efforts to fragment the internet. It supports inclusive multilateralism, working through institutions like the UN, G7, and OECD to shape rules for the digital age.

With initiatives ranging from AI safety cooperation and e-signature mutual recognition to safeguarding children online and combating disinformation, the EU aims to set the benchmark for ethical and secure digital transformation. At the heart of this vision is the EU Tech Business Offer—a modular, cross-border platform combining technology, capacity-building, and financing.

Through Team Europe and partnerships with industry, the EU seeks to bridge the digital divide, export trusted digital solutions, and foster an interconnected world aligned with European democratic principles. The strategy underscores that in today’s interconnected world, the EU’s prosperity and security hinge on shaping a digital future that is competitive, inclusive, and values-driven.

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