Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2023
235. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline the Irish Government's main priorities for its upcoming presidency of the D9+ Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30421/23]
View answerThe Digital 9+ (D9+) is an informal, strategic grouping of the more digitally advanced EU Member States according to the annual Digital Economy and Society Index. The group was formed in 2016 and its aim is to exchange opinions and best practices on different areas of action related to the EU’s digital transformation. The D9+ seeks to lead the digital transformation of the EU by advancing policies on the four pillars of: human capital, connectivity, integration of digital technologies in businesses and, digital public services.
The group’s members are Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Belgium, Estonia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Czechia, Luxembourg and Spain. Having last held the role of Chair in 2018, Ireland will Chair the group for the first half of 2024 and will convene a Ministerial meeting in April 2024.
There are usually two main topics for discussion at each meeting, which are proposed by the Member holding the rotating chair. My officials and I are continuing to explore what themes should be discussed next April. Among those under consideration are issues such as artificial intelligence, the regulatory framework, data, cybersecurity, and technology and sustainability. It is also important that the D9+ has an opportunity to articulate its views on the direction which the incoming EU Commission should take as it develops its work programme for 2024-2029. This will be a critical phase for the implementation of the Digital Decade 2030 Policy Programme, as well as setting the broader tone for Europe in the global digital and technology economy in the short to medium term.
Our aim is that Ireland's period as chair of the D9+ will provide positive momentum to the digital transformation of the EU by advocating for openness, innovation, and balanced regulation in the digital sphere.
As part of the D9+ meeting next April, the Business 9+ Group, (the B9+) will also be invited to discuss matters of mutual interest relevant to the digital economy. The B9+ is made up of the confederations of enterprises from the different Members of the D9+ and IBEC is Ireland’s representative on the B9+.
