The Baltic States and Germany are spearheading efforts to transform Europe into a global digital technology hub. In a strategic move to foster innovation, they have proposed amendments to European Union (EU) legislation. Key among these proposals is the creation of a unified digital market and the implementation of supportive measures to achieve this ambitious goal.
In November 2023, the ministers from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Germany came together to form the Innovation Club. This initiative was driven by Germany’s Minister for Digitalization and Transport, Volker Wissing. The club aims to consolidate efforts and expertise from these nations to bolster Europe’s standing in the digital realm.
“Our goal is to turn Europe into a global leader in digitalization and to create a favorable environment for innovative digital solutions and breakthrough technologies. The Innovation Club is taking the lead, and experts from our countries are providing specific proposals on how to enhance the continent’s competitiveness in key digitalization areas. Lithuania, along with other club members, has accumulated significant experience in implementing advanced digital technologies, which are crucial for the growth of our economies,” stated Lithuania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Aušrinė Armonaitė, during a recent press conference.
Volker Wissing emphasized the urgency and competitiveness of the digital landscape. “We are facing strong competition. Only the fastest economies with the best legal systems will be able to take advantage of the benefits of digital technologies and thus ensure their prosperity.”
Wissing further elaborated on the strategic focus of the Innovation Club. “In Europe, especially in the continent’s digital technology sector, priority must be given to a free market that fosters innovation. This means less state intervention, less isolation, and more freedom for European businesses. The goal of the Innovation Club is to remove market barriers and excessive regulatory requirements imposed on businesses. We want to increase data availability and promote the creation of common standards. The state should focus mainly on creating competitive conditions and expanding broadband internet access.”
The proposals put forth by the Innovation Club are set to be submitted to the European Commission, marking a significant step towards realizing their vision of a digitally unified and competitive Europe.
