Digital infrastructures in times of geopolitical tensions

Online networking evening

Stable and reliable telecommunications networks, especially satellite systems, cloud computing data centers and AI factories, or digital services, often provided by non-European providers, are critical and central to our society and economy. They are a basic prerequisite for digitalization and progress in almost all areas. They enable access to information and education, make companies more efficient, contribute to economic stability and innovative strength and are the basis for technological developments such as AI.

As global tensions rise, digital infrastructures are increasingly becoming the focus of geopolitical conflicts. Submarine cables in the Baltic Sea are being damaged, attacks on the railroad cable network are disrupting rail traffic, access or lack of access to satellite networks is playing a crucial role in the Ukraine war and cyber attacks on digital infrastructures are commonplace. Disruptions to digital networks have an impact across national borders.

Joint European and German strategies to strengthen digital resilience are required in this context. Europe’s dependence on non-European technology providers raises questions about sovereignty, security and economic stability. Cyberattacks and vulnerabilities in supply chains pose significant challenges.

How can Germany and Europe strengthen digital sovereignty and remain competitive at the same time? What measures are needed to ensure the continuous availability of our digital critical infrastructures and services and to p

These and other questions will be discussed during the networking evening. Experts will provide an insight into the current state of security and the threat situation for critical infrastructures and discuss with the participants which measures are necessary and most urgent.

This networking evening could then also be the prelude to follow-up events that examine the topic from different angles and explore some aspects in greater depth.

rotect them from cyberattacks? How can European countries work better together to create a unified approach to the security and development of digital infrastructures? How to achieve greater transparency regarding infrastructure components and server locations? Is greater effort and investment needed to increase network resilience and security?