Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

As Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen is tasked with combatting the increasingly complex security threats facing the EU, whilst at the same time strengthening our external borders and our internal security. This goes hand in hand with her responsibility to ensure our freedoms, justice and democracy are strengthened too.

Read more about protecting democracy, borders and security.

Digital and frontier technologies

Henna Virkkunen is also responsible for the Digital and Frontier Technologies portfolio. This entails leading Europe’s efforts in shaping a competitive, resilient and inclusive digital future and maintaining or attaining leadership in strategic digital technologies.

To achieve this, she is:

• overseeing our path towards reaching Europe's 2030 Digital Decade targets, which will include reviewing the implementation strategy and digital targets in 2026 
• leading work on boosting Artificial Intelligence innovation, working with Member States, industry and civil society to develop an Apply AI Strategy (to boost new industrial uses of AI and improve delivery of public services) and helping to set up a European AI Research Council
• developing an EU Cloud and AI Development Act and a single EU-wide cloud policy to boost high performance computing and quantum. When it comes to quantum, she is also responsible for developing a long-term EU Quantum Chips plan
• working on a new Digital Networks Act to help boost secure high-speed broadband, both fixed and wireless
• ensuring the Commission takes rapid and effective enforcement actions under the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act whenever necessary
• deploying digital public infrastructure, notably by making the most of the EU wallet
• presenting a European Data Union Strategy 
• ensuring an approach to the media which recognises its unique place in our democracies and culture
• focusing on making online more secure by leading the work to tackle challenges with e-commerce platforms, helping combat unethical techniques online and contributing to the EU-wide enquiry on the impact of social media and the action plan against cyber bullying

Read more about shaping Europe’s digital future.