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<\/a> hosted by the European University Institute<\/a> and the Global Initiative on the Future of the Internet<\/a>. The event brought together academics, civil society organisations, and policy advisors to share their thoughts on the EU\u2019s next steps in digital development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sharing RNW\u2019s Perspective <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nPolicy advisor Giovana Fleck presented on behalf of RNW Media. She responded to key questions and made a case reflecting RNW\u2019s core values: keeping human rights at the heart of Europe\u2019s digital plans and civil society must play a bigger role in shaping those plans.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is the EU International Digital Strategy? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe 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<\/a> and the Global Getaway<\/a>. 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSome key goals<\/a> include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Helping people build digital skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Making fast, reliable internet more accessible <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Protecting personal data and preventing cyber-attacks <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ensuring AI systems are used in fair and transparent ways <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The updated strategy is still being developed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
RNW\u2019s Role in the Conversation<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn Fleck\u2019s 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? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She stressed that the EU\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rnw.media\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/karla-rivera-kTSEh4dQ9Yo-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTech4Peace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fleck also shared insights from RNW Media\u2019s global work, showing how community-based media and collaboration with civil society creates real impact. She referenced the example of partner Tech4Peace<\/a>, 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\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nTech4Peace, 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freedom Online Coalition’s Blueprint<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a> and the Global Getaway<\/a>. 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some key goals<\/a> include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The updated strategy is still being developed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Fleck\u2019s 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? <\/p>\n\n\n\n She stressed that the EU\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fleck also shared insights from RNW Media\u2019s global work, showing how community-based media and collaboration with civil society creates real impact. She referenced the example of partner Tech4Peace<\/a>, 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\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
RNW\u2019s Role in the Conversation<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTech4Peace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Freedom Online Coalition’s Blueprint<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n