On Friday 22 October, Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets spoke at a meeting of the digital working group of the Conference on the Future of Europe, focusing on the free movement of data in Europe and more targeted cyber investments.
“e-Governance and e-services have been a natural part of everyday daily life in Estonia for years and this is why we consider it important to develop them beyond national borders and across the entire European Union,” Foreign Minister Liimets said. “The smart use of digital technologies allows us to create an open, transparent, inclusive, safe and responsible digital society that we can trust and where innovation can evolve,” she added.
In her statement, the foreign minister emphasised the need to find ways of ensuring the free movement of data between the different databases of the European Union to protect the interoperability of systems and guarantee the quality and security of data.
“For example, let us imagine how much easier the lives of our people would be if we could use the digital prescription issued by our GP in every European Union country. There are many other similar options for making our everyday life more convenient but we must always be aware of cyber threats and ensure the security of all data,” the foreign minister said. “The cybersecurity strategy of the European Union is a good tool for addressing these threats but we must also implement it successfully. One such option could be a cybersecurity investment assessment framework for the entire European Union,” she explained.
Liimets said the EU must consistently increase its global role in shaping a responsible, democratic and secure digital world to ensure our international position as the trailblazer of digital and cyber policy.
The Conference on the Future of Europe is an initiative launched by the European Parliament, Council of the European Union and the European Commission to invite EU citizens to participate in discussion on the future of Europe. The conference addresses nine topics: climate change and the environment; health; a stronger economy, social justice and jobs; EU in the world; values, rights, rule of law, security; digital transformation; European democracy; migration; and education, culture, youth and sport. The success of the conference depends on the active participation of citizens in discussions.
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