The European Commission today approved the creation of the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (EDIC) Digital Community Goods. A collaboration between France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, the consortium aims to strengthen European digital sovereignty by developing a strong digital infrastructure within Europe.
Participating countries are working closely with European companies and knowledge institutions on digital community assets: open and transparent alternatives for digital services such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity and social networks that are jointly developed and managed. By sharing knowledge, resources and contacts, the development of European technology should be accelerated.
State Secretary Eddie van Marum: "80% of our digital technology and infrastructure still comes from non-European countries. This can and must change. We are working for more digital sovereignty, together with our European partners and the European business community. That is why I am pleased that the European Commission today approved the establishment of this partnership."
The EDIC Digital Community Goods will coordinate and support existing European initiatives. This will include technical and legal assistance and help with fundraising. It will also establish a central place - both physical and online - where projects can go for help.
The main objectives of the EDIC are:
Art de Blaauw, Director CIO Rijk and Chairman of the EDIC: "With the EDIC Digital Community Goods, we are joining forces and scaling up joint European solutions. This is how we ensure that governments across Europe have the means to become truly digitally independent."
In addition to the 4 founding member states, Luxembourg, Slovenia and Poland are involved in EDIC with observer status. Several other EU member states have indicated their desire to join.
The official launch of the consortium will take place on Thursday, Dec. 11, in The Hague.
Read more information about the EDIC on the European Commission website.
