At Commons Network, we believe that Europe needs digital infrastructures that strengthen our democratic values, not undermine them. That’s why we are part of the Democratic Tech Alliance, a coalition of policymakers, civil society and industry representatives working to create a values-based tech ecosystem for European society, individual citizens and businesses alike.
The current technology ecosystem dominated by several Big Tech companies is shaping our public sphere, economies and directly impacting democratic processes in the EU and its Member States. To enhance democratic resilience under the proposed European Democracy Shield, the tech infrastructures on which our digital lives play out are an important factor.
That is the focus of our upcoming event: “Fostering Democratic Resilience: Industrial Strategy for Public Digital Infrastructure.” During a two-hour public event in the European Parliament, we will discuss the importance of Public Digital Infrastructure, the various proposals on this, also in relation to the proposed MFF, the competitiveness fund and upcoming Procurement Directive revision. Commons Network’s Wouter de Iongh will deliver the introductory talk together with Sebasiano Toffaletti (Digital SME).
The discussion will feed into a white paper by Democratic Tech Alliance with concrete actions to be undertaken by the European Commission in this regards. With the support of the MEPs in the alliance will present those ideas to Commission EVP Virkunnen and or the DG Connect leadership.
Date: September 2nd, from 12.00-14.00
Location: European Parliament, Room ASP 5E2 (online option available)
Would you like to register for the live event? Send an email to gerardrinse.oosterwijk@europarl.europa.eu