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Privacy and Europe’s Cyber Leadership

Eneken Tikk Opinions

Although the US and the EU have been running mates in the international cybersecurity race, Europe has been a rather silent partner in this campaign. A recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) underlines the unique features of European cyber power. The Privacy Shield verdict is a reminder that Europe is not like Russia. It is not like China. And it is not like the United States either.

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Deterrence: A Naked Emperor

Mika Kerttunen Opinions

Researchers do not agree whether, when or how deterrence works. It is a risky policy that does not provide any predictability of behaviour, to which the European Union should not subscribe. The EU should instead develop stronger, multi-layered resilience in and for Europe. Such a policy would be protective rather than threatening, persuasive rather than dissuasive, defensive rather than deterring and active rather than opportunist.

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Demonstrating Europe’s Digital Value

Caitriona Heinl Opinions

To fully realise their strategic value, the EU’s digital and cyber policies need to be better tailored to engage all stakeholders, both in Europe and beyond. To accomplish this, all sides will need to commit to a meaningful dialogue about the ultimate goal of these policies and the pathways to get there. The rationale behind creating Directions is to provide …

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Supply Chain Security Beyond 5G

Joanna Świątkowska Opinions

The global architecture of supply chains is changing in front of our eyes. The 5G debate and now the COVID-19 pandemic have made us aware of how interconnected the world is and how much we rely on each other. This momentum must be captured. Important decisions about how to re-define supply chains are imminent, and security must be placed at …

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The Global Rush for Standards in Blockchain

Anna-Maria Osula Commentary

The European Union aspires to become a leader in producing, adopting and governing new digital technologies such as blockchain and Distributed Ledger technologies (DLT). One strategically important step to achieving this goal is taking a leading role in shaping the rules and standards governing these technologies. Without a strong foothold in setting standards; the EU’s role as an innovative and competitive …

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The Geopolitics of Standardisation

Paul Timmers Commentary

As cybersecurity threats put sovereignty at risk, digital standardisation is getting caught in the maelstrom of geopolitics. The 5G debate – the “geopolitical moment” in the digital transition – showed that most governments largely ignored standardisation at their peril. What is needed is a revised governance of standardisation that is fit for global collaboration and that respects sovereignty. The Financial …

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No Safety Without Cybersecure AI

Sven Herpig Opinions

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most promising emerging technologies that exist today, and its applications will be widely implemented in the years to come. This isn’t only true for sectors like autonomous driving or surveillance but also for the military and judiciary – all areas where security is paramount. It’s imperative that we start considering the cybersecurity dimensions …