Digital9+ countries met in Prague to discuss transatlantic digital cooperation
The Digital9+ countries meeting was opened with a working breakfast with representatives of business associations (called Business9+) from the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Poland and the Netherlands , led by the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic and attended by the representative of the US Embassy in Prague, Jennifer Bachus. During the meeting, representatives of Business D9+ presented a common document which served as input for the following ministerial discussion.
“I am happy to welcome the representatives of the most digitally advanced D9+ countries of the European Union to Prague. The current situation around us also shows that cooperation and sharing common values and the same approach is the right way forward. We will continue the discussion on transatlantic cooperation, resilience and the relationship between the digital agenda and people from July during our EU Council Presidency,” Deputy Prime Minister for Digitization Ivan Bartos said after the meeting.
It was agreed that strong transatlantic relations are essential to meet our most pressing strategic challenges. The establishment of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) is therefore a welcome new platform that can facilitate and foster bilateral EU-US cooperation. D9+ supports the principle of openness and the creation of global standards based on a human-centered approach. Particular emphasis was placed on the joint EU-US approach towards a responsible and sustainable digital transition. The D9+ countries strongly appreciated the agreement in principle reached between the EU and the United States on the flow of personal data. More information on the discussion can be found in the Chair’s Summary.
“I am glad that the need to help Ukraine and the fight against disinformation was highlighted in the debate. In these difficult times, it is important to cooperate with countries that share the same democratic values. I am therefore convinced that this meeting has contributed to deepening future digital cooperation in transatlantic relations. was added by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Petr Očko.
During the working lunch, Roberto Viola, Director General of the European Commission’s DG CONNECT, presented examples of the use of the European electronic identity. In the next part of the meeting, there was a presentation by Polish State Secretary Janusz Cieszynski, who shared his experience of dealing with the wave of refugees in Poland.
About the digital D9+
The informal group of Digital9+ countries was created in 2016 on the initiative of Swedish Minister Ann Linde and includes the following countries (Czech Republic, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden) who are active and progressive on the digital agenda and promote a common position and approach in European negotiations.
Media contact:
Nikola Bukajová communication and public relations Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Digitization bukajova.nikola@vlada.cz +420 720 435 754
