ETSI responds to the EU’s International Digital Strategy with support for global standardisation
The position paper reaffirms ETSI’s commitment to supporting the EU’s global digital engagement. Through its membership of over 900 organisations in more than 60 countries and its involvement in initiatives such as InDiCo, SESEI, and SESEC, ETSI positions itself as a bridge between European digital ambitions and international collaboration.
On 12 June 2025, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) released a position paper in response to the European Commission’s recent Joint Communication on ‘An International Digital Strategy for the European Union‘. The Communication, published on 5 June 2025, outlines how the EU intends to engage with international partners on digital matters, including emerging technologies, investments, and standardisation.
ETSI supported the Commission’s vision and highlighted its own role in contributing to the EU’s digital objectives. The paper outlines how ETSI’s inclusive, industry-driven processes and broad international partnerships can help promote the EU’s interests in digital standard-setting globally.
According to ETSI, the European standardisation system is a strategic asset that can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in key digital technologies such as 5G, 6G, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. ETSI argues that fostering globally relevant, market-driven standards not only supports industrial innovation but also embeds European values like openness, transparency, and respect for human rights in technical frameworks.
ETSI’s position paper acknowledges the need for greater agility in European standardisation processes, as highlighted in the Commission’s ‘Competitiveness Compass’. The organisation underlines its ability to rapidly develop technical specifications that respond to industry needs while maintaining consensus-based governance.
The document presents several recommendations for implementing the EU’s strategy. These include leveraging ETSI’s global network to deepen digital partnerships, promoting European standards in non-EU countries through cooperation initiatives, and prioritising standardisation as the preferred tool over regulatory alternatives like implementation acts.
ETSI also advocates for better alignment between the EU’s international digital strategy and existing partnerships with countries such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Canada. The organisation stresses the importance of ensuring that the proposed “EU Tech Business Offer” reflects technical elements already being standardised in Europe.
The position paper reaffirms ETSI’s commitment to supporting the EU’s global digital engagement. Through its membership of over 900 organisations in more than 60 countries and its involvement in initiatives such as InDiCo, SESEI, and SESEC, ETSI positions itself as a bridge between European digital ambitions and international collaboration.
