Council Conclusions on mainstreaming digital solutions and technology in EU development policy

The increasing role of digital technologies in all spheres of life has triggered interest in mainstreaming digital solutions in EU development policy. Digitalisation needs to be properly mainstreamed across all policy areas, including in the EU’s development and foreign policies, while addressing cyber challenges and assuring the promotion and protection of human rights, with particular attention to freedom of expression online.

Specifically, these Council conclusions stress the importance of national and regional exchanges of good practices, development of strategies and legislation for cybersecurity and against cybercrime, actions to protect critical infrastructure and the establishment of computer emergency response teams as well as for countering violent extremism and the use of the internet for terrorist purposes.