Introductory remarks

Marina Kaljurand MEP, Chair of the European Internet Forum, opened the 25th Anniversary Reception by welcoming current and former members, partners, and friends of the Forum. She underlined the unique role EIF has played for a quarter century as a trusted space for dialogue between policymakers, industry, and civil society. Reflecting on EIF’s journey, she noted that “tonight is about honouring the vision that brought us here and the network that has sustained it.” She paid tribute to the founding members and successive leadership teams who ensured the Forum’s continuity and success, and expressed her appreciation for the Secretariat led by Maria Rosa Gibellini for their dedication and professionalism.

Sabine Verheyen MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament and member of the EIF Steering Committee, highlighted the significance of the Forum as a space for constructive, cross-party dialogue on digital transformation since its creation. She recalled the early years when the Internet was still “new land” for many legislators and stressed how EIF had supported understanding and consensus-building around emerging digital issues. She thanked the Secretariat for their longstanding commitment and the co-founders for their vision, noting that “it is thanks to this continuous dialogue that Europe is better equipped to face the opportunities and challenges of the digital age.”

Celebrating EIF’s Founders and Leaders

Following a commemorative video, EIF honoured its co-founders and long-serving leaders for their contribution to shaping the Forum. Elly Plooij reflected that “with the Forum, it was possible to discuss before what all the implications were - not only for citizens, but for companies and NGOs.” Erika Mann recalled the early uncertainty of the Internet’s evolution, noting “we couldn’t have done what we have done without all of you.” James Elles traced EIF’s roots to transatlantic cooperation and reflected on its enduring balance and leadership, observing that “the Forum has remained steady among all kinds of turbulence.” Pilar del Castillo, EIF Chair for 15 years, underlined that “celebrating means recognising something that is valuable, giving thanks, and strengthening the bonds that unite us.” She reaffirmed her conviction that “the EIF has a brilliant future because the challenges we face in the digital world continue to grow.”

The Commission’s Perspective 

In his keynote address, Roberto Viola, Director-General, DG CNECT commended EIF’s 25 years as a platform where Europe’s digital debate has flourished. He reflected on the evolution of European digital policy and urged Europe to draw lessons from the first Internet wave to build its competitiveness in the age of artificial intelligence. He recalled how the Forum anticipated many of today’s strategic questions and stressed that “competitive advantage is built over time through vision, research and investment.” Looking ahead, he called on Europe to “root its strength in emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing and next-generation chips,” ensuring that the next 25 years of EIF accompany a renewed era of European digital leadership.

A gallery of photos can be viewed at this link.