EU-NATO cooperation is needed to address the security challenges of the digital age

At the Madrid Summit, NATO leaders approved the Strategic Concept, which will define the Alliance’s priorities and approaches in the next decade. DIGITALEUROPE welcomes NATO’s commitment to continue collaborating with the EU and the private sector to strengthen its technological edge.

Director-General of DIGITALEUROPE Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl said:

“DIGITALEUROPE welcomes the new Strategic Concept as a vital step to maintain NATO’s technological edge. We encourage the Alliance to continue strengthening its cooperation with the private sector for an effective crisis response.

We also welcome the launching of the NATO Innovation Fund. Together with the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, the Fund can support start-ups to develop cutting-edge solutions to security challenges. These initiatives should be complemented by NATO countries’ commitment to increase their defence spending target to 3% of GDP, with 1% dedicated to funding for emerging and disruptive technologies. The new program to coordinate a rapid response to cyberattacks is equally well-timed.

Lastly, the cooperation with the European Union is essential, the more so as Finland and Sweden are set to join NATO. We welcome the strengthening of the NATO-EU strategic partnership on emerging and disruptive technologies, cybersecurity and hybrid threats.”