Henna Virkkunen Aims to Enhance European Innovation and Reduce Regulatory Burdens
In a significant political development, Henna Virkkunen has pledged to prioritize innovation while simultaneously cutting down on regulations as she steps into her role as the new European tech commissioner, following confirmation by the parliament of a right-leaning commission selected by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This change comes as Von der Leyen embarks on her second term beginning December 1, 2024, aiming to close the innovation gap with major global players like the U.S. and China.
In her new capacity, Virkkunen will steer the commission’s focus on fostering Europe’s tech sovereignty. She emphasized her commitment to harnessing digital technologies to bolster Europe’s economic growth, facilitate innovation, and enhance public safety. Virkkunen has a notable political background, having served in various capacities, including as a minister in Finnish government, before her election to the European Parliament in 2014.
Her predecessor, Thierry Breton, known for his critical stance on major technology firms and a significant contributor to recent EU legislation like the Digital Services Act, stepped down in September amidst controversies regarding his nomination process. Virkkunen aims to pivot from Breton’s regulatory-heavy approach, stating in her confirmation hearing on November 12 that minimizing bureaucratic hurdles will be a key objective. This aligns with her earlier calls for reducing regulatory burdens on internet service providers.
During her address, Virkkunen acknowledged the challenges posed by European dependence on external resources and proposed a two-pronged strategy. The first part centers on encouraging investment and advancements in frontier technologies, while the second focuses on establishing a secure digital environment for citizens. Notably, she highlighted artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductor technology as essential areas for growth and innovation.
Virkkunen’s vision includes a call to increase research and investments in microchips, which she believes is critical for achieving tech sovereignty in Europe. Her ambitions for the continent to emerge as a leader in trustworthy AI and quantum technologies align with business interests, signaling a shift toward a more favorable environment for technological advancement.
The tech industry has responded positively to her pro-business stance. Leaders in the sector believe that her recognition of technology’s integral role in security is vital for fostering a resilient digital landscape in Europe. Industry representatives stress the need for coherent policies that incentivize innovation while securing the European market against vulnerabilities.
As Virkkunen steps into her role, cybersecurity remains a pressing concern, particularly as Europe navigates an increasingly complex digital landscape. Her strategic priorities may lead to enhanced defenses against potential cyber threats. By leveraging the MITRE ATT&CK framework, it’s imperative to note that adversaries may utilize tactics such as initial access or privilege escalation to exploit weaknesses in public and private sector systems. As such, her policies on innovation and security will play a critical role in shaping Europe’s cybersecurity posture in the years to come.
Overall, Henna Virkkunen’s commitment to driving forward European innovation while addressing regulatory challenges reflects a critical juncture in the EU’s approach to technology and security, and her leadership will undoubtedly influence the continent’s trajectory in the global tech landscape.
