Polish EU Presidency must grasp opportunity to drive digital competitiveness

Leading technology companies are urging the incoming Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union to enable them to grasp Europe’s digitalisation opportunity and spearhead its return to competitiveness on the global stage.

Poland’s six-month presidency starts in January 2025 as the new European Commissioners take office. It will play a significant role in shaping the political agenda and setting the priority focus areas for the next European Commission mandate.

Ahead of a meeting between Secretary of State at the Ministry of Digital Affairs, Dariusz Standerski, ambassadors, Office of Electronic Communication, and senior representatives from Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia and Vodafone, the companies urged the incoming presidency to drive a renewed approach to incentivise investments in the digital sector.

Political momentum is gathering following reports by former Italian prime ministers Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi advocating for changes to improve the EU’s faltering competitiveness. The reports warn that the EU is falling behind the US and China on multiple counts.

Areas highlighted for critical intervention include research investment, the deployment of digital infrastructure including 5G and fibre networks, and the development of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia and Vodafone today reiterated calls for policymakers to focus on the following key areas to increase the EU’s competitiveness through technology.

Put digital transformation front and centre of Europe’s industrial competitiveness strategy

Promote green and digital transformation across all industry sectors, SMEs and public services to drive productivity, improve services and accelerate decarbonization. This twin transitions, powered by advanced, trusted connectivity will be key to sharpening Europe´s competitive edge and supporting its technology leadership.

Accelerate the development of a true Digital Single Market

Focus on making existing regulations work for the digital economy and prioritise an investment and innovation first approach to regulation with a focus on simplification, predictability and effective implementation.

Incentivise investment in advanced connectivity

Advanced connectivity infrastructure such as 5G and fibre will be critical to underpinning Europe’s digital transformation and delivering on its net zero ambitions. Competition and regulatory policy reform should focus on incentivizing investment by enabling scale and reinforcing EU wide best practice on spectrum pricing and licensing. A modernized fit for purpose regulatory framework through the development of a new Digital Networks Act must be prioritized.

Build policies that foster trust and thriving partnerships

The policy framework must balance robust laws with an environment that builds trust and allows companies to scale responsibly and thrive in Europe including through trade, recruitment, and research. Cooperation between long standing trusted partners, including transatlantic cooperation, is essential to supporting a positive business environment.

Ensure Europe is ready to reap the benefits of quantum and AI

Policymakers should prepare for the quantum era by promoting early-stage experimentation in industrial application and deployment, encouraging resilient supply chains, and incentivising private sector investment in Europe. Policymakers should also focus on preparing critical infrastructure for migration to quantum-safe standards as part of their cybersecurity policy planning – areas that deserve particular and increased R&D support.

At the dawn of a new European Commission, the Polish EU Presidency has a unique opportunity to accelerate Europe’s progress in these areas. Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia and Vodafone look forward to collaborating with Poland on this exciting journey.