Brussels, BELGIUM – EU and U.S. officials are gathering in Brussels and Leuven today ahead of a key meeting of the EU-U.S. Trade & Technology Council to discuss transatlantic cooperation, specifically on digital governance and resilient trade.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has voiced its support for greater U.S.-EU dialogue and cooperation on trade and technology policy, welcoming the TTC as a crucial platform to engage on pressing digital trade issues.
CCIA's Senior Vice President and Head of CCIA Europe, Daniel Friedlaender, emphasized the importance of the alliance between the EU and the U.S., stating, "Our alliance has weathered the most difficult challenges of the past few generations and we come out stronger than ever; if we’re truly united, we can prosper together as the closest of allies and friends." Friedlaender highlighted the role of technology in the alliance and urged for a rejection of protectionism in favor of cooperation.
Friedlaender also pointed out the collaborative efforts on Artificial Intelligence (AI) among the EU, U.S., and UK, stating, "The message on AI is clear, that the EU, U.S. and UK will work together for the safest and most trusted roll-out of AI."
CCIA's Vice President for Digital Trade, Jonathan McHale, highlighted the potential for the TTC to be a forum for positive cooperation and problem-solving. McHale expressed the need for agreements on chip subsidies, supply chain, and AI research, while also urging for concrete actions to address barriers faced by U.S. suppliers in the EU market, such as the EU's Cybersecurity Scheme for Cloud Services.
The upcoming EU-U.S. Trade & Technology Council meeting is seen as a significant opportunity to strengthen cooperation and address key digital trade issues, with stakeholders emphasizing the importance of collaboration and rejecting protectionist measures for the benefit of both allies.
