Europe’s sustainable and technological development

In recent years, we have seen the European Union investing in technological development and sustainability, shaping a future where innovation is compatible with environmental responsibility. The EU budget plays an important role in achieving this and in exploiting technology, providing significant resources for the greater good.

The Commission set the 2024 budget at €189.39 billion in commitments and €142.63 billion in total payments. The draft budget directs funds where they can help address the challenges and needs of EU Member States. A certain amount will also be allocated to the Digital Europe program and to shaping the Union’s digital future, as well as to environmental actions aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change. The digital sector is vital to ensuring a sustainable future and accelerating economic recovery by boosting investment in various sectors.

On the occasion of Europe’s Digital Program, Cisco has created 10 key technology policies that can make a significant contribution to sustainable growth, leveraging artificial intelligence and connectivity.

Let’s take a look at Cisco’s proposals for empowering Europe’s future.

• AI compliance regulations. It is considered particularly important to adopt regulations that are globally compatible and promote cooperation on risk mitigation through forums.
• Enhancing artificial intelligence skills. It is considered necessary to develop digital skills and to ensure that citizens of the Member States make proper use of artificial intelligence.
• Removal-recycling of old digital devices. The modernization of digital devices can help to enhance the security of the infrastructure and avoid risks.
• Establish security regulations. Establishing strict safety rules can mitigate economic and social risks for individuals and companies.
• Agreement between the EU and the US on government data. With the agreement between these two, the rights and data of citizens would be protected and would reduce tensions in Europe regarding the cloud.
• Strengthening networks through strategic connectivity. A connectivity strategy can play an important role in the development of networks and cross-border service provision through investment.
• Provision of long-range Wi-Fi. Allocating the upper 6 GHz band to Wi-Fi would meet the growing demand for wireless devices and Europe would be one step closer to achieving gigabit connectivity.
• Facilitate the eco-friendly transition through digital innovations. EU policies on industry, digital technology, energy, and the environment need to be coordinated to promote a robust green single market.
• Promote free trade and eco-friendly exchange of goods and services. This will remove barriers to the adoption of sustainable technology and the EU will work with trading partners to promote a circular digital sector.
• Partnerships for economic innovation. Working with like-minded countries and the private sector to implement global standards will unleash the potential of advanced technologies and build confidence and resilience.