Next-Generation Technologies & Secure Development

New EU Tech Commissioner to Focus on Tech Sovereignty

A right-leaning set of commissioners is set to take office for the next half-decade following Wednesday's confirmation by the European Parliament that consists of a team selected by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who will start a second term on Dec. 1.

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Von der Leyen vowed that Europe will bridge the "innovation gap with the U.S. and China" by putting "research, innovation, science and technology at the heart of the economy." New tech commissioner Henna Virkkunen will lead efforts to establish Europe's tech sovereignty, she said. Virkkunen "will leave no stone unturned to ensure Europe can use digital technologies to boost its prosperity, unleash innovation and help keep people safer."

Virkkunen was a liberal-conservative Finnish member of the European Parliament first elected in 2014 after a career in domestic politics including stints as the minister of education and minister of public administration and local government. She succeeds France's Thierry Bretton, a vocal critic of big tech companies and a driving force behind European Union regulations such as the Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act and the AI Act. Bretton resigned in September, posting a resignation letter accusing von der Leyen of pressuring the French government to withdraw his nomination.

During her Nov. 12 confirmation hearing, Virkkunen said reducing red tape would be a priority - a theme she has previously addressed in a 2023 missive calling for the removal of "unnecessary regulation" on internet service providers.

Virkkunen identified European reliance on third countries as a challenge and proposed a two-fold approach.

"First, we have to take all the actions to boost innovation and investments in frontier technologies. Second, we need to ensure level-lying fields for security and a safe online space for our citizens," Virkkunen said.

Virkunnen identified artificial intelligence, quantum and cloud computing, and semiconductors as growth enablers and proposed doubling research and investments in microchips as the solution for attaining "tech sovereignty."

"I want Europe to be an AI continent for developing trustworthy and advanced AI," Virkunnen said. She called for a coordinated EU action on quantum technology.

Her pro-business outlook has been welcomed by industry stakeholders.

"Virkunnen recognition of technology's role in Europe's security highlights the strategic importance of investing in both innovation and resilience," said Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl, director general of DigitalEurope trade association. "We are optimistic that under her leadership, the commission will empower businesses to innovate and scale across the single market while positioning Europe as a leader in critical technologies like AI and quantum computing."

Thierry Botter, executive director of European Quantum Industry Consortium, welcomed proposals outlined by Virkunnen. Her policy agenda "will strengthen the EU's position in the growing global quantum economy, establishing Europe as a central hub for quantum development."