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open_in_fullOn 31 May EIF organised a debate, hosted by MEP Marina Kaljurand, on the war in Ukraine and the challenges for legislators and the digital sector. The MEPs were joined by the following guest speakers:
Kamila Kloc, Deputy Director in Directorate B Connectivity, DG CNECT, European Commission
Christian-Marc Lifländer, Head, Cyber and Hybrid Policy Section, NATO
Norman Heit, Group Corporate Security Director, Vodafone Group
Hans Petter Holen, Managing Director, Ripe NCC
MEP Marina Kaljurand set the scene affirming that cyber attacks have become a new normality and that Russia's war against Ukraine is multidimensional. The intelligence reports indicate that the Russian government is exploring options for potential cyber attacks also against the EU. Consequently, every EU organisation - large and small - must be prepared to respond to any disruptive cyber incidents. MEP Kaljurand shared the main points of the plenary session on cyber defense capabilities, that took place at the European Parliament. First, it is important to ensure that the European Commission, in close cooperation with ENISA, will protect EU critical entities and infrastructure against Russian cyber threats. Second, in view of the rise of cyber attacks and of the changing nature of warfare, the EU needs to overcome its current capability gaps in the area of ICT technologies and cyber warfare. Third, more cooperation and coordination between EU and NATO are needed. She concluded by affirming that the cyber revolution has not come to an end: the cyber and digital revolutions offer new opportunities, but also raise new challenges that need to be faced.
Kamila Kloc focused on the role of connectivity. EU is in constant contact with all operators in Ukraine, including the Ukrainian National Regulatory Authority (RNA) to support operators and to ensure roaming and international calls at affordable conditions to Ukrainian refugees that are now in the EU. She declared that the European Commission is working on different areas in terms of connectivity. First, she recognised the big contribution of European telecom operators, especially in the neighboring countries of Ukraine. Second, the EU work aims at ensuring that Ukraine is connected to Europe. Finally, there is a considerable amount of money committed by the EU in general for Ukraine, but also for digital. In conclusion, she provided a focus on the current challenges for legislators in the digital sector, mentioning the Digital Policy Programme and the importance of cooperation among Member States. With the current situation in Ukraine, this cooperation is critical to ensure that on many aspects - from skills, to connectivity, e-government, cybersecurity - Member States are moving together towards digital transformation.
Norman Heit pointed out that it is fundamental to take concrete measures to protect the business network staff, customers, and particularly markets that are bordering Ukraine. He highlighted the unity of the EU since the invasion of Ukraine also in terms of cybersecurity, mentioning the unprecedented collaboration between telecom operators and other industry peers. Mr. Heit deep dived into the resilient approach adopted by Vodafone. According to him, preparation for crisis management is critical to monitor and face the current challenges: this implies collaboration across international communities, peer groups, security communities, and with governments. In order to mitigate the challenges, a regulatory environment should allow European companies to scale up and make enough return on capital to invest into resilience topics, human resources and skill sets. In the end, he declared: “we must develop more effective partnerships, more cross-collaboration, more information sharing, and more public-private partnerships to try and forge alliance that are able to better address the issues”.
Hans Petter Holen declared that Ripe NCC has members both in Russia and in Ukraine, but also in countries - Syria and Iran - that have been subject to sanctions for a longer time. It is undeniable that sanctions have side effects. The main purpose of Ripe NCC is to maintain an open Internet, even in times of war. It is important that the infrastructure in the country under attack is still functioning. However, it is also important to have open and free Internet in Russia, so that Russian citizens can have balanced news and have the chance to know how the war looks like to the rest of the world. He declared that, based on the Internet rooting system that provides information about which part of the network still works - Internet in Ukraine has been quite resilient towards the attacks. His organization tries to be neutral: for him trying to stay out of the conflict and not being weaponised is one of the biggest challenges in current times.
Each year, we invite Members of the European Parliament to an #MWC deep-dive here in Barcelona. Together with the GSMA, we offer MEPs the chance to get a hands-on experience of cutting-edge technology devices, to learn about the latest trends and innovations in mobile technology and to engage with experts on the field.
We meet with representatives of key players in the sphere of technology to exchange views on how innovation and connectivity can change our lives. This year our tour was packed with many interesting demos, from AI-powered networks solutions, sustainability, 6G to Metaverse, Holograms etc.
MWC Barcelona is the largest and most influential event for the connectivity ecosystem and we look forward to be back again next year.
A new #EIFasksMEPs episode is out! Pilar del Castillo MEP did a great job answering all our questions on the "Challenges of the Data Economy". An MEP with the EPP group from Spain, member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and substitute of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), Pilar del Castillo has recently been appointed as Rapporteur for the ITRE Committee on the Data Act.
#EIFasksMEPs aims to be an opportunity for our Political members to share views on a topic of choice, in the format of a professionally filmed interview.
The past two years have been challenging and unpredictable for us all. The pandemic has pushed us to reinvent ourselves, to fully embrace the digital world in order to continue delivering value to our membership.
Since then, we have organised over 40 virtual debates, continuing the conversation on the most important topics of the digital policy agenda with MEPs and top-level speakers from the European Commission, CEOs, industry experts and civil society. And #EIFasksMEPs, our first video interview series was born. In 2022, as soon as the covid19 pandemic will allow, we are prepared to welcome you in person at our hybrid and networking events.
Nothing would have been possible without our members' trust and engagement. This video is a tribute to the continuous support that we have received. A story of collective resilience that we wrote together. Because #WEareEIF!
A new #EIFasksMEPs episode of our #EIFasksMEPs interview project is out! Eva Kaili MEP did a great job answering all our questions on "Artificial Intelligence and its regulation".
MEP Kaili is a member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and substitute of the Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence in a Digital Age, chairing the STOA Panel, and her work focuses on new technologies and particularly AI. #EIFasksMEPs aims to be an opportunity for our Political members to share views on a topic of choice, in the format of a professionally filmed interview.
Learn more at www.internetforum.eu
The first episode of our new #EIFasksMEPs project features Ivan Stefanec, MEP with the EPP Group and EIF Programming Committee Co-Chair, with whom we discussed "SMEs and digital transformation".
As a member of the IMCO Committee in the European Parliament, MEP Stefanec's work focuses on SMEs, employment, entrepreneurship and the Digital Single Market. #EIFasksMEPs aims to be an opportunity for our Political members to share views on a topic of choice, in the format of a professionally filmed interview.
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On 18 February 2020, EIF hosted a lunch debate where participants discussed the interplay between encryption, data protection and law enforcement.
The debate was hosted by MEPs Patrick Breyer and Rasmus Andresen and featured the following speakers:
- Maximilian Schubert, President of EuroISPA
- Ceren Ünal, Regional Policy Manager Europe, Internet Society
- Birgitta Jónsdóttir, Internet Archive Fellow, Electronic Frontier Foundation
- Bert Hubert, Founder of PowerDNS
- Cathrin Bauer-Bulst, Acting Head of the Cybercrime Unit, DG HOME, European Commission
On 18 November, 2014 Sir Tim Berners Lee, the father of the internet, discussed the future of the internet with EIF members & friends, looking at the threats to the web’s wide-open spaces and addressing the most important question: what web do we want?
On the occasion of the World Refugee Day on 20 June 2018, MEP Julie Ward exchanged views on ’Refugees and the role of the Internet and ICTs' with prominent speakers and EIF members at the European Parliament in Brussels. EIF asked what more we can do to improve refugee life with ICTs. Speakers: - Veronique de Leener, Founder and Director of MAKS vzw in Brussels - Jenny Casswell, Insights Manager of 'Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation Programme', GSMA - Elie Ayoub, Chief of ICT Emergency Preparedness and Response, UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) - Mike Carter, Vice-President Operations at INMARSAT; Team Rubicon volunteer
On 15 May 2018, MEP Adina-Ioana Valean, Chair of ENVI Committee (Environment, Public Health and Food Safety) exchanged views on technology driving sustainability and the role of e-Mobility with EIF and EEF Members and friends. In this #EIFasks video we asked MEP Valean, European Commission Energy Policy Director Megan Richards, Enel Head of e-Mobility Alberto Piglia and Uber Public Policy Associate Laurin Sepoetro what role EU policy must play to accelerate the development of e-mobility and what specific steps need to be taken.
On 24 April 2018, MEP Pilar del Castillo and EIF invited MEPs, EIF Members and friends, to exchange views on the impact of Internet of Things on European industries. In this EIFAsks video, MEP Pilar del Castillo, the European Commission Director for the Future Networks Directorate Pearse O'Donohue, Justin Hobbs, from Zebra Technologies and Thomas Walloschke from the Alliance for the Internet of Things Innovation discussed successes and challenges the Union faces in bringing digitalization to Europe’s traditional manufacturing industries.
On 20 March 2018, MEP Pilar del Castillo and EIF invited MEPs, EIF Members and friends, to exchange views on the proposed EU Cyber Security Act, and a much needed global approach. In this EIFAsks video, MEP Angelika Niebler (EP rapporteur on the file), the European Commission Director for Cybersecurity Despina Spanou and Ilias Chantzos from Symantec, confer upon the Commission's initiative to counteract future cyber threats and attacks.
On 27th September, EIF & MEP Lambert Van Nistelrooij hosted a debate on innovation, mobile commerce and the future of retail in the European Parliament, Brussels. The debate discussed trends in e-commerce and multi-channel retailing; the future of payments; and challenges for policymakers. In this #EIFAsks video, MEP Lambert Van Nistelrooij, Margriet Keijzer from the Dutch Retail Association, Peteris Zilgalvis from DG CONNECT at the European Commission and Matthew Mayo from MasterCard comment on how Europe can foster e-commerce solutions.
On 5th September 2017, EIF and MEPs Pilar del Castillo & Michal Boni, hosted a debate on cybersecurity. The European Union has recently witnessed major security incidents impacting government systems, critical infrastructures, as well as businesses and other public and private organisations of all sizes across several countries. In this #EIFAsks video, MEPs Pilar del Castillo and Michal Boni, Dr. Hugh Thompson from Symantec and Axel Petri from Deutsche Telekom’s share their views on Europe’s main challenges in the sphere of cybersecurity.
On 25 April 2017, EIF & Pilar del Castillo MEP and EIF Chair debated on #connectedcars. Participants tackled questions such as collaboration within the telecoms industry, user expectations or the challenges for car manufacturers. In this #EIFAsks video, MEP Pilar del Castillo , European Commission official DG CONNECT Eddy Hartog , and representatives of the car, tech and telecom industries.
On 23 March 2017, EIF and Carlos Zorrinho MEP hosted a debate to discuss the EU pilot project WIFI4EU and how it could help close the digital divide. In this #EIFAsks video, MEP Zorrinho, representatives of the European Commission, Public Libraries and members of the technological industry discuss all aspects of the WIFI4EU initiative including funding and available technologies to make it happen.
On 8 February, MEPs Axel Voss and Michal Boni hosted a debate to explore as to whether the co-existence of the General Data Protection regulation and a revised e-privacy Directive is feasible or whether it creates unnecessary overlap and legal uncertainty. In this #EIFasks video, policy makers, industry and consumer rights representatives share their views about balancing the privacy/security conundrum.
On 8 November 2016, EIF and Michal Boni MEP hosted a panel of experts in the European Parliament to talk about the future internet connectivity needs in Europe, 5G obstacles and promises. In September 2016, the European Commission launched a plan to boost EU efforts for the deployment of 5G infrastructures and services across the Digital Single Market by 2020. Yet in Europe today we still have around 7 million homes who lack Internet connectivity.
On 19 October 2016, EIF and Victor Negrescu MEP invited representatives of business and social organisations to discuss the role of Digital Platforms in today's society. During the debate a number of examples were named of how Digital Platforms eliminate the social and economic barriers for different members of the society. In this video the speakers of the debate share their thoughts on what should be the highest EU policy priority to help drive for the uptake of digital platform technologies?
On 15 June 2016, Angelika Niebler MEP invited Renate Nikolay, Head of the Cabinet of Commissioner Vera Jourova, Daniel Fesler from Baker McKenzie, and John Frank from Microsoft, to discuss what Europe needs to fully enjoy the economic advantages of data enabled transatlantic businesses, while ensuring its citizens right to privacy. In the coming days the European Commission will announce the Privacy Shield deal - an outcome of the negotiations with the US counterpart on data transfers across the Atlantic. EIF asked the panellists does the Privacy Shield as it stands solve Europe’s problem?
On 25 May 2016, Lambert van Nistelrooij, MEP and EIF Steering Committee member, invited representatives from the European Commission, Smart City of Amsterdam and industry to look deeper into the opportunities and issues around this topic. Europe is home to a small number of Smart Cities who have leveraged telecommunications technologies to optimize the way they function, reduce waste & tap whatever efficiencies are to be had from innovatively deploying ICTs. People living and working in Smart Cities not only can enjoy the benefits of convenient living but also innovate and develop new Smart Cities technologies, applicable around the globe. Before the debate started we asked the panel how can Europe take greater social and economic advantage of digital tools and technologies for the organisation of urban space and society? And this is what they had to say...
On 24 May 2016, Pilar del Castillo MEP invited civil society, industry and policy makers to address the importance of trust and cyber-security.An increasing number of cyber attacks makes us worry about our safety online. Consumers trust is crucial for the digital economy to function. EIF seized the opportunity to ask the speakers if we are gaining or losing ground in the race to contain threats to our cyber-security and this is what they had to say...
"Behind every piece of child pornography content online there is a real child suffering from sexual abuse". At the EIF breakfast debate, hosted on 27 April at the European Parliament, Nathalie Griesbeck MEP invited representatives from the Europol's Cybercrime Centre, Missing Children Europe and INHOPE, a network of 51 hotlines in 45 countries worldwide, once again to look into the issue of children safety and raise awareness about this sensitive and important issue. In this video speakers shared their views on how to keep children and youngsters safe in the online world.
At the recent Mobile World Congress EU unveiled its vision for 5G and a goal to become a global leader in 5G implementation. Shortly after the MWC (16/03/2016), EIF brought together industry and policy-makers to identify the policy and regulatory requirements needed to overcome fragmentation, foster inter-sector collaboration and make the vision for Europe a reality in a realistic time frame so that Europe does not lag behind other regions of the world. To better understand European policy makers and businesses vision for 5G, we asked them what more can be done to ensure EU's global 5G leadership position. Watch the video to see what they had to say...
On 16 February EIF & Sabine Verheyen MEP invited a diverse panel of speakers to share their thoughts on the Content Portability in the EU. Academics, industry representatives and consumer rights watchdog discussed European Commission's recent cross-border portability regulation proposal. To better understand what's at stake and how various groups will be affected, we asked the prominent speakers to share their views on consumers right to content portability in the EU.
On 16 October 2018, EIF hosted a lunch debate on ‘The impact of GDPR on cybersecurity and on the development of the Internet’ chaired by Peter Kouroumbashev MEP and EIF Member.
In this short highlight video, MEP Peter Kouroumbashev, Steve Purser from ENISA, Gregory Mounier of Europol and Ilias Chantzos of Symantec share their views on how GDPR has impacted cybersecurity and the development of the Internet.
On 29 November 2018, EIF had the pleasure to meet Casper Klynge, the world's first Tech Ambassador, in order to exchange views on #techplomacy, future #digital trends and geopolitical #tech trends with a focus on Europe's position.
On 5 December 2018, MEP Lambert van Nistelrooij and EIF invited MEPs, Members and friends for an exchange of views on "The growing role of social media in EU citizens' engagement and democracy".
In 2019 EIF invited members to exchange views on how the EU can safeguard democracy in the Digital Age.
The debate, titled "Digitization and the defense of democracy", was chaired by MEP Roza Grafin von Thun und Hohenstein and featured the following speakers:
In 2019 EIF and Pilar del Castillo MEP invited MEPs, members and friends to share views on the key issues Europe is facing in realising its very high capacity connectivity.
The debate, hosted by Pilar del Castillo MEP and EIF Chair, took place on the 8th of October and featured the following speakers:
On 24 September 2019, Pilar del Castillo MEP and EIF invited members to kick off the new parliamentary season by discussing the "Top 10 Digital Trends that will shape Europe's future and demand Political Leadership".
In this short highlight video, MEP del Castillo, Roberto Viola of the European Commission and Jim Cloos from the EU Council share their views on EU's digital policy priorities.
In this video, some of our leading MEPs explain what EIF is invite Members of the European Parliament interested in digital policy topics to join EIF, "one of Brussels' most important fora for debate".