Digital Assembly 2021: Leading Europe's Digital Decade. Ursula von der Leyen EU debates!

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It fits well that we are holding this Digital Assembly in Portugal today. As a seafaring nation, generations of Portuguese explorers knew how to sail across uncharted waters. The monument on the bank of the “Tejo” in Lisbon reminds us of the most important ones: Prince Henry the Navigator, who discovered Madeira and the Azores; Vasco da Gama who found the sea route to India. So I think it is fair to say: in Portugal, you know well how to navigate. We are lucky to have you as Council Presidency at this point in time!

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But seriously: when you navigate, you do not only need a compass. You also need a vision. And you need a plan forward. Our Digital Compass is about all that. Like a compass with North, South, East and West, our European strategy has four cardinal points:

Digital skills, Infrastructures, Businesses, and e-Government.

To master the challenges of the digital age we must make progress on all four fronts.

First, skills: By 2030, we want, for example, 20 million IT specialists to be employed in the EU.

Second, infrastructures: By 2030, we want gigabit connectivity for all households, and 5G in all cities and villages.

Third, the digital transformation of businesses: By 2030, three out of four companies should use cloud, big data and AI.

And fourth: digital public services. By 2030, all EU citizens should have access to electronic health records.

Today is an important day for our Digital COVID Certificate. Our EU gateway goes live. More than 20 Member States have tested it successfully. It will allow to verify all certificates across the continent. Everyone who has received a COVID-19 vaccine, a negative test result, or has recovered from the virus can get the European certificate. It's for free and it must be recognised everywhere in the EU. It is a tangible example of how people benefit from digital progress in the EU.

It also matters how we're doing things. The EU certificate is a prime example of digital tools that represent our values: The EU values privacy. No personal data will be exchanged or retained. The EU is inclusive. Whoever is not vaccinated, can get a digital certificate for test or recovery. Whoever does not have a smartphone, can get it on paper. With the certificate, we want to help people to move freely in times of pandemic. This is why it will only be in place for one year. Europe is a front-runner here and can set standards at the global level.

Let me give you another example: We want to offer to Europeans a new digital identity. An identity that ensures trust and protects users online. We are about to present our proposal. It will allow everyone to control their identity online, and to interact with governments and businesses, across the EU. Nobody should be forced to give more data away, than is necessary for the purpose at hand. To book a hotel room online, no-one needs to know where I am from and who my friends are. With our proposal, we are offering an alternative to the models of big online platforms. We believe in a human-centred digital transition.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I wanted to mention these examples because they showcase our digital ambition. This is about who we want to be, as Europeans. To capture this better, we will formulate a set of digital principles.

Such as: Access for all to the Internet; a secure online space; the right to learn digital skills; algorithms that respect people; the protection of children online. These important principles will complement the legal rights that already protect Europeans online. Like the protection of personal data. Or the freedom of expression. Just three weeks ago, we launched a wide consultation on these digital principles.

We want to listen to as many views as possible. From citizens, civil society, businesses, and administrations. We then want to enshrine these principles in a solemn declaration by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission.

Europe's digital principles shall guide our actions and initiatives. I already mentioned Digital Identity. Another example is Artificial Intelligence. Just a few weeks ago, we proposed our new legal framework on AI. It is the first such framework, worldwide.

It puts the individual at the centre. And will ensure that people's safety and fundamental rights are protected. AI is yet another example of our ambition. We embrace new technologies. But we stand by our values. By setting new standards for our Single Market, and by inviting others around the globe to follow. That's why I am glad to see how more and more private companies are already using technology for the better: Europe wants to match digital progress with responsibility.