Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy in the EU, argued this Thursday at the Forum Europa in Brussels for the need to simplify European regulations and create continental "champions" in technologies such as artificial intelligence and the defence industry.
During an event organised by New Economy Forum in the EU's capital, Virkkunen announced that the European Commission is preparing a "digital omnibus" set to be approved in November to reduce bureaucracy and regulatory overlaps, particularly benefiting SMEs and startups.
She emphasised that Europe boasts "the world's greatest talent" in quantum technologies and ranks first in scientific publications, with one-third of all startups in the sector established within European territory.
Virkkunen pointed out that the Commission has already mobilised investments exceeding €80 billion in semiconductors, launched five pilot lines, and created a pan-European design platform alongside centres of excellence in all Member States.
"Technology has become the decisive factor for economic growth, security, and global influence," Virkkunen stated, warning that Europe "still depends too much on non-European suppliers" and remains "too fragmented" to scale its innovations effectively.
The Vice President explained that the EU is finalising a roadmap on weapon technologies as part of the Defence White Paper, with a focus on dual-use technologies such as quantum computing.
She noted that 13 Member States are already set to utilise the new €150 billion loan for defence investments and support for Ukraine, which has become "a testing ground for new technologies."
"The innovation cycle in Ukraine and on the battlefield is 3 to 4 weeks," Virkkunen said, underscoring the importance of maintaining close collaboration between Kyiv, the EU, and Member States.
The Commissioner announced that the upcoming Digital Networks Act, scheduled for December, will be "the main legislative initiative of the year" and aims to create a stronger single market, boost competition, and encourage investment in the telecommunications sector.
"We need to make Europe faster and simpler for businesses," Virkkunen concluded, stressing that the goal is to remove barriers between Member States and ensure a regulatory framework conducive to innovation.
