Strategic Autonomy in a Globally Interdependent World: What’s Next for Europe?
Strategic autonomy has entered the EU vocabulary in 2013 as a security and defence issue. Rapidly changing world balance and political changes in traditionally friendly countries forced the EU to expand strategic autonomy to new sectors. Nevertheless, member states still tend to view it in different terms, in part due to countries pursuing different development strategies and working independently from one another.
The current pandemic fully revealed the importance of digital technologies, which have taken centre stage in discussions on strategic autonomy.
Technologic rivalry among global players only exacerbates fears about the future EU dependence on foreign companies. On the other hand, underinvestment, market fragmentation and poorly designed regulation prevent European tech companies from competing on a global market effectively.
The expert panel discussed the following:
• How should we perceive the quest for strategic autonomy, and what does it mean for Europe?
• What impact will this concept have on digital development and the way we do business?
• What impact will technological rivalry have on Europe?
• What role can CEE have in bridging the differences within the EU?
• Where are we leading the way, and where are we lagging behind?
Expert speakers joining the discussion:
❖ Dr Giedrius Česnakas, Head of Political Science Study Programs, General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania
❖ Laurynas Kasčiūnas, Chairman, Committee on National Security and Defence of the Lithuanian parliament
❖ Mindaugas Ubartas, Director, Infobalt
❖ Dr Uroš Svete, Director, Information Security Administration of the Republic of Slovenia
❖ Dr Marko Grobelnik, AI Researcher & Digital Champion of Slovenia at EC, Jožef Stefan Institute
Moderated by Katja Geršak, Executive Director, Centre for European Perspective (CEP)