Achieving the goal of a highly digital and connected Europe is not just about size and indicators, but also about cohesion
The Ministry of Communications and Information Society hosted, on 1st of March 2019, at the Palace of Parliament, the Informal Meeting of EU Telecom Ministers (TTE Council Informal meeting), under the aegis of the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The meeting was chaired by Alexandru Petrescu, minister of Communications and Information Society and Andrus Ansip, Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Digital Single Market also attended.
The aim of the Informal Meeting of EU Telecom Ministers, was to launch a strategic and political debate on the future of a highly digitized Europe after 2020, addressing topics such as artificial intelligence and cyber security.
“During these days, Romania has become the main pole of European digitization debates. Together with my counterparts from the Member States and high-level representatives of the European Commission, we had an applied discussion on Europe’s digital future, about challenges and opportunities in meeting our common goal of boosting the competitiveness of the European economy, in order to ensure the strategic autonomy of the EU in terms of technology. We want Europe to become a global leader on all digital levels: 5G technology, artificial intelligence, cyber security, high performance computing, Big Data”, stated Alexandru Petrescu, minister of Communications and Information Society.
The Romanian Presidency advocate starting debates on the future European Digital Strategy, post-2020, which can generate significant benefits for Europe in terms of new opportunities for citizens and businesses by providing reliable high-speed networks and services accessible to everybody.
“Achieving the goal of a highly digital and connected Europe is not just about size and indicators, but also about cohesion, reducing disparities and working together to create a stronger, more competitive and better-performing European economy while, at the same time, building stronger security capabilities”, stated minister Alexandru Petrescu.
Artificial intelligence, a topic of paramount interest, was included on the agenda of the meeting.
“Beyond the many applications in the economy of artificial intelligence, there are technological aspects that involve a continuous effort of innovation and research. In order to ensure a technologically rigorous discussion, to establish investment priorities and to prepare a robust regulatory framework, I consider appropriate to address the subject of artificial intelligence in our high-level sectoral meetings“, stated minister Alexandru Petrescu.
To maximize the benefits of artificial intelligence, the Romanian Presidency considers mandatory launching political and strategic debates at all levels and in all relevant European fora for developing measures to bolster the artificial intelligence progress in Europe. Artificial intelligence will thus significantly contribute to the creation of a strong European industry by generating productivity, competitiveness and innovation, significantly improving the lives of European citizens and companies.
At the same time, the matter of cyber security has been addressed in the context of digital transformation, which is not just an option but an obligation for citizens, companies, organizations. In this respect, the development of cooperation, skills and research, as well as the continuation of investments in the field, are also essential for protecting the EU’s political, economic and security interests.
The Informal Meeting of EU Telecom Ministers was followed by a press conference held by Alexandru Petrescu, Minister of Communications and Information Society, and Andrus Ansip, the Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Digital Single Market also attended.