International aspects of the Digital Agenda

The European Digital Agenda aims to make Europe a powerhouse of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth on the global stage. The seven pillars in the Digital Agenda all have international dimensions. The Digital Single Market in particular needs an external face because progress on many of the policy issues can only be made on an international level. Interoperability and standards recognised at the world scale can help promote more rapid innovation by lowering the risks and costs of new technologies. Addressing rising cyber security threats also needs to take place in an international context. Also, the European regulatory solutions that are based on equity of opportunity, transparent government and governance and markets that are open to competition are providing inspiration elsewhere in the world. Finally, it is also important to benchmark European progress in the Digital Agenda against the best international performance.

Thus an international dimension of the Digital Agenda in order to complete the actions above is crucial, in particular given the strategic importance of the internet. Europe must continue to play a leading role, in line with the Tunis Agenda, in promoting a governance of the internet as open and inclusive as possible. Today and even more so in the future, the internet will encompass a wide array of devices and applications permeating all parts of life - regardless of the geography. It is a formidable instrument for freedom of speech worldwide.

To foster innovation also internationally, the Commission will work towards favourable external trade conditions for digital goods and services, e.g. develop a stronger partnership to deliver market access and investment opportunities, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers at global level, improve IPR protection and avoid market distortions.

The Information Technology Agreement (ITA) of 1997 has brought tangible results in promoting the up-take of information technology in Europe and worldwide. But the ITA, however, now needs be updated to take account of new developments, especially technology and product convergence.

Also in the area of digital services and intellectual property the technological progress will need to be further reflected in international trade agreements.