Europe’s Digital Transformation

Francesco Cappelletti | 31st August 2021 | Brussels
digital europe

Europe's digital strategy must harness innovation, maximise personal freedom and protect against new threats, writes Francesco Cappelletti of the European Liberal Forum.

This article is the fifth in a series of eight introducing the Liberal White Book: Europe 2030, the European Liberal Forum’s flagship publication highlighting the challenges that the EU faces and presenting a range of future policy options.  Europe’s future lies in its digital transformation - but this vision seems to be an ever-shifting paradigm. The challenges spawned from technological advancements must be tackled with policy solutions which maximise the benefits for all. Digitalisation without overstepping the limits of the ‘liberal ideal’. Individual freedom and technological advancement should both be encouraged. What is at stake? Network coverage, ease of communication, connectivity and access, e-governance, e-commerce and measures governing the Single Digital Market. Whilst it’s true that some steps have already been made, there remain great geographical disparities in terms of progress. For the EU to become a truly digital leader by the end of the decade, more work needs to b...

Subscribe to The Mace

Join the member community shaping British politics and stay ahead of what's really happening in the world of politics and public affairs, with expert analysis, breaking news, and insider insights from Westminster and Brussels. The Mace is the leading news source and resource for the government affairs industry, offering required reading and lobby intelligence for professionals.

To see what you are missing out on by not subscribing to The Mace, click here to download our full membership info-pack. This includes having no paywall on op-ed content or profiles/interviews, allowing professional profiles to be read with maximum impact and visibility by government, special advisers, MPs, peers, civil servants, and policy and political decision-makers.



EU Council backs tougher steel trade shield as overcapacity fears mount

Mace | December 16, 2025

EU governments back tougher steel import limits, opening talks with Parliament on new rules to counter global overcapacity pressures facing

Don’t meddle in European democracy, von der Leyen tells Trump

Mace | December 15, 2025

Brussels pushes back against Washington as Ursula von der Leyen warns the Trump administration to stay out of Europe’s democratic choices.

Italy Joins Belgium in Challenging EU Plan to Use Frozen Russian Assets

Mace | December 15, 2025

Italy aligns with Belgium to oppose Brussels’ plan to deploy frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, complicating efforts ahead of key EU summit.

EU Buy European Push Put on Ice as Member State Divisions Stall Plan

Mace | December 12, 2025

Deep splits among EU capitals force Brussels to delay its Buy European procurement push amid fears of protectionism and higher costs.

EU Council Signs Off EU UK Fishing Quotas Deal for 2026

Mace | December 12, 2025

Brussels approves annual EU UK fisheries agreement for 2026, setting shared quotas and access rules under the post Brexit framework.

EU Lawmakers Seal Overhaul of Pharmaceutical Rulebook

Mace | December 12, 2025

European legislators agree major reforms to medicines law, reshaping market exclusivity, boosting access, and tightening rules on shortages and antibiotics

Moscow Bristles as Brussels Moves to Turn Frozen Russian Assets into Long Term Ukraine Lifeline

Mace | December 12, 2025

Russia threatens legal and economic retaliation as the EU advances plans to leverage frozen Kremlin reserves for sustained Ukrainian financing

EU Forces Meta to Reshape Ads Policy After 200 Million Euro Fine

Mace | December 10, 2025

Meta agrees to overhaul its EU ad model, offering clearer data-sharing choices for users after regulators ruled its previous system breached competition rules.

EU Governments Agree Common Position on New Asylum and Migrant Return Rules

Mace | December 10, 2025

EU states back new asylum and return measures, including safe-country rules and a solidarity pool, ahead

EU Boosts Research Spending but Misses Long Standing Three Per Cent Target

Mace | December 8, 2025

EU research spending reaches record levels but remains well below the three per cent goal, prompting renewed debate over investment gaps and competitiveness.