NEWS
What does the future of digital ecosystems look like – and what does the European Union have to offer in shaping it? These were key questions during the EU International Digital Strategy Exchange, a dialogue hosted by the European University Institute and the Global Initiative on the Future of the Internet. The event brought together academics, civil society organisations, and policy advisors to share their thoughts on the EU’s next steps in digital development.
Sharing RNW’s Perspective
Policy advisor Giovana Fleck presented on behalf of RNW Media. She responded to key questions and made a case reflecting RNW’s core values: keeping human rights at the heart of Europe’s digital plans and civil society must play a bigger role in shaping those plans.
What is the EU International Digital Strategy?
The EU wants to lead the way in building a digital society that is open, fair, and green through mechanisms such as the EU Digital Diplomacy and the Global Getaway. In essence, the digital pillar of the Global Gateway serves as a key instrument for implementing the external dimension of the EU’s International Digital Strategy. It provides a concrete mechanism for the EU to project its digital ambitions and values onto the global stage through targeted investments and partnerships. This strategy is a top priority for the European Parliament. It aims to create more opportunities for people and businesses while ensuring that technology is safe, democratic, and supports sustainability.
Some key goals include:
- Helping people build digital skills
- Making fast, reliable internet more accessible
- Protecting personal data and preventing cyber-attacks
- Ensuring AI systems are used in fair and transparent ways
The updated strategy is still being developed.
RNW’s Role in the Conversation
In Fleck’s remarks she responded to two key questions: How can the EU show global leadership in digital governance? And how can it make its tech offer relevant and impactful?
She stressed that the EU’s strength lies in its values – like democracy, human rights and freedom of expression. To lead by example, the EU must work closely with civil society, journalists, and researchers. To do this work effectively, there should also be proper funding and long-term support.
Tech4Peace
Fleck also shared insights from RNW Media’s global work, showing how community-based media and collaboration with civil society creates real impact. She referenced the example of partner Tech4Peace, an independent media organisation focused on Iraq in the MENA region. Registered as a NGO in Iraq and a company in the Netherlands, Tech4Peace played a pivotal role in fact-checking, digital security, and digital rights advocacy since its establishment in 2016. The organisation’s mission is to combat misinformation, promote media literacy, and enhance digital security for local communities, marginalized groups, and youth. However, it has faced significant financial challenges following the reduction of US international aid, which previously accounted for 80% of its funding.
Tech4Peace, like other newsrooms and digital media organisations, struggle to access European funding due to bureaucratic barriers and delayed financial support. The opportunity for a European Tech Offer encompass flexible and accessible streams of funding for stakeholders helping foster healthier information ecosystems.
Freedom Online Coalition’s Blueprint
Freedom Online Coalition’s Blueprint on Information Integrity, was mentioned as an example which shows the value of supporting local voices and trusted media to strengthen digital spaces. This includes advocating for transparency and accountability of online platforms (as outlined in the Digital Services Act), promoting algorithmic transparency, supporting media and information literacy initiatives, and actively combating digital information manipulation, such as disinformation and hate speech.
Why Dialogue Matters
At RNW Media, we believe digital media can help build open, inclusive societies. Based in the Netherlands and working with partners across the Global Majority, we see the importance of strong partnerships with civil society and inclusive digital governance.
That’s why we’re joining these conversations. Dialogue with various stakeholders helps to provide more input on experiences, opportunities, and challenges. These ideas can help to ensure the EU’s Tech Offer truly reflects the real needs of people – especially underrepresented groups – and keeps human rights at its core.