Together with all EU member states, Lithuania has signed a declaration to strengthen digital security
The declaration commits all EU countries to cooperating to increase Europe's competitiveness and security in the field of digitalisation.
'It is crucial that we establish the right conditions in our country to ensure the secure development and management of digital infrastructure, data and innovation. Therefore, joining the declaration strengthens not only the digital independence of Lithuania, but also that of the entire EU, ensuring greater data security and accelerating technological progress. This creates new opportunities for Lithuanian science centres, businesses, and innovation developers,' says Edvinas Grikšas, the Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
Lithuania already has a strong track record in digitalisation — it is among the leaders in e-government in Europe and is constantly improving its data management, digital services and infrastructure. The aim is to double the speed of public services by 2027 by introducing the 'Once Only' system, which will enable businesses and residents to manage all processes in one place. This declaration therefore strengthens Lithuania's position internationally, enabling our country to create and improve a secure and stable digital environment.
The declaration notes that the EU's digital independence must be based on existing initiatives to avoid duplication and ensure consistent implementation across the EU.
The declaration states that data sovereignty is a cornerstone of digital independence because data is already becoming a strategic asset. Therefore, it is crucial to protect the EU's most sensitive data from both inappropriate external interference and disproportionate legal requirements that could hinder its technological leadership.
Another principle enshrined in the declaration is EU technological independence. This depends on long-term investment in strategic areas such as high-performance computing, semiconductors, next-generation communication networks, satellite infrastructure, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
The declaration also reflects the EU's commitment to playing an active role in shaping international policy and to strengthening its technological competitiveness and digital autonomy alongside its partners. Additionally, it affirms the shared objective of investing in education, research, and digital skills to prepare citizens, the labour market, and institutions for the digital future.