Part 1: Digital Transatlantic Relations
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA) will be the two pillars of digital regulation, which respect European values and the European model, and will define a framework adapted to the economic and democratic footprint of digital giants. They are also aligned behind the broader EU strategy of increasing European digital autonomy. However, the DMA and the DSA tend to generate skepticism on the other side of the Atlantic in a period during which the EU and the USA are endeavouring to coordinate their views on technological affairs. The purpose of the seminar will be to outline the ongoing debate and elaborate on the future of transatlantic cooperation on technology and trade.
Part 2: China's Digital Silk Road
Digitalisation goes together with China’s evolution. Chinese internet giants are continuously investing and the expanding digital economy is boosting services such as e-commerce. In the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has also rolled out the Digital Silk Road in the hope of promoting interconnectivity across the globe and enhancing ties with other countries. This has gained ground during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the EU launched a High Level Digital Dialogue with China in 2020, it remains wary. The purpose of the seminar will be to elaborate on the main concepts of the Digital Silk Road, analyse the EU perspective and also explain the American position in a changing world order.
George Tzogopoulos is a Senior Research Fellow at CIFE and also teaches International Relations and International Energy Relations at the Department of Law of the Democritus University of Thrace. George is also a member of the Begin Sadat Centre for Strategic Studies (BESA) as a Research Associate and Expert in media and politics as well as Chinese affairs.