Europe's need for digital infrastructure

Ulrika Heie (C)

Madam Speaker! This is a matter concerning Europe's need for digital infrastructure. We do not have such vastly different opinions here, and there are also no follow-up motions in the matter, but it is nevertheless a white paper that the EU has prepared.

An EU election campaign where very many people have not been engaged has just ended. For us in the transport committee, it is important to highlight the challenges that the EU sees for Europe as a continent and for maintaining Europe's competitiveness, as well as in what way the digital infrastructure needs to be developed. The 2020s have been designated as the digital decade and goals have been set for the digital development. Each member state has also been given a mandate to, during this time, develop a strategic roadmap which shall then be followed up annually.

This was followed up in September 2023. The person who conducted the follow-up stated that a significantly faster pace and more in-depth measures must be seen to accelerate investments in digital technology, digital skills, and digital infrastructures.

In areas where we do not have such different opinions, it is easy for them to just go along with it. Here, however, it is incredibly important for all of Europe's competitiveness, and thus also for Sweden's competitiveness, that these investments are actually made.

It is clear that it is incredibly important to strengthen the EU's competitiveness and digital inclusion as well as to reduce digital exclusion. It is also a matter of ensuring that everyone can take part in the progress that technological development brings. Sweden as an individual country has an immensely important mission to take this forward. We have seen the importance of 5G and joint initiatives in the EU.

When the EU's way of producing different types of fundamental documents is discussed, it becomes extremely bureaucratic. Someone who goes to the other side of the Atlantic and compares it with how the USA produced the IRA, when they were looking at how they would work with their competitiveness, sees that they wrote it in a way that people understood much more clearly. Therefore, I believe that we in the parliamentary debate have a special responsibility to clarify the issues, point out the challenges we see, and in different ways contribute to more people becoming involved in this.

From the transport committee's side, we had the privilege of making a study visit to Estonia about a year ago. Talking about security, which is one of the three pillars highlighted in this digital white paper, is an incredibly important part. We saw how Estonia, ever since the country became independent, has worked to create a digital security. We can experience that Sweden has quite a lot to look at when it comes to how one works with the corporate parts and the public parts. Sweden would need to work in various ways to strengthen advanced research. The geopolitical situation has also, as I mentioned, contributed to the fact that Sweden needs to strengthen this work in various ways.

What is being done then in Sweden? Yes, a strategic roadmap is being developed for this area. I noted with pleasure that the Prime Minister in his government statement mentioned that an AI commission would be started, as this is part of the digital infrastructure where we will be able to see a great deal of work that needs to be done. It took some time before the AI commission began its work, because it was not appointed, but now work is being carried out at a great pace. It is said that they will not need all the time they have been given and will present this during the autumn.

I believe it is extremely important that the political leadership, regardless of which party one represents and regardless of whether one is in the majority or the opposition, is part of the important work of change that we are entering now. I want to take the opportunity to mention something that I believe is incredibly important for us to achieve the broad impact that is needed when it comes to the digital issues.

Here there is education and folkbildning. When we start talking about digital tools, it scares me a little that we have ministers who say that we should move from screen to binder without discussing the content linked to the digital ways of working and what we actually have the ability to do. We can see many companies working with this. AI has been used in the committee on the committee's research day, and the entire Riksdag also used AI during its research day.

One points out important parts so that we can maintain our competitiveness, because it is an incredible change that will occur.

Here, adult education is present as another part. In the white paper, one speaks about digital technology and digital skills. One also speaks about ensuring that all people get the opportunity to take part in the progress and about how we shall reduce digital exclusion. Here, adult education can truly play a central role, for example in various AI projects that Studieförbundet Vuxenskolan has with the pensioners' organization SPF, which organizes almost half of Sweden's pensioners. That everyone gets the opportunity to take part in this, I believe, is an incredibly important part.

We need to write in a way that many people understand. When we in the Committee on Transport now follow up on this report and hear how the commission intends to respond, it will be important for us to reflect on our responsibility in these parts linked to digital issues. This also applies to other relevant committees, as it is incredibly important that Sweden as a country truly takes these issues seriously and does so in a European context.

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Gunilla Svantorp (S)

Madam Speaker! As the previous speaker said, we in the Committee on Transport have been tasked with reviewing the European Commission's white paper on Europe's needs for digital infrastructure. A first step when working with white papers is to gather views from the member states. It is very good that all member states are given this opportunity.

In this short text, a historical overview is provided of the EU common policy regarding electronic communications and how this emerged, particularly during the 80s and 90s and also in the beginning of the 2000s, when a compass with ambitions, as it was called, was put forward. It was noted that it would be a digital decade until 2030; it is therefore ongoing right now.

There are four parts that are followed up on and worked on. It concerns competence, which of course is very important, what the infrastructure looks like, the digitalization of the business sector, and the digitalization of the public sector. Since it concerns an EU cooperation, there are of course also EU funds that can finance the digital infrastructure and the expansion of this.

As mentioned earlier, this is based on receiving strategic travel plans from the member countries. It is therefore important that the Riksdag is given the opportunity to submit its views.

It is a unanimous transport committee that submits observations. The committee argues, among other things, that access to digital infrastructure is crucial for our society and that the digital infrastructure must be maintained, serviced, and developed. A higher pace than today is also needed. This shall be based on existing needs and a clear impact assessment.

I think it is valuable that the committee gets to participate in this work. It was just as valuable for us as a party to meet the AI commission, which has been out meeting all the parties. There is a difference between this work and other parts of the committee, so we appreciate this very much from the party's side. I could not be there personally, but the party was able to participate and submit its views to the AI commission.

This was very good - I wish that we worked more in that way and let all parties in the Riksdag participate in the work.

I vote in favor of the proposal in the report.

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Rashid Farivar (SD)

Madam Speaker! We are now debating the Committee on Transport's report, which is a review of the European Commission's white paper on Europe's needs for digital infrastructure. The Sweden Democrats support the Committee's report and the proposal for a decision that the Riksdag shall submit report 2023/24:TU20 to the records.

Madam Speaker! First and foremost, the Sweden Democrats want to emphasize that well-functioning electronic communications networks and services are fundamental to creating attractive and sustainable societies throughout the EU. To meet the increasing need for transmission capacity, the digital infrastructure must be continuously maintained, serviced, and developed. Rapid development is crucial to securing the EU's competitiveness globally.

We agree with the Commission that good access to digital infrastructure will enable technical solutions that improve the everyday lives of EU citizens, such as technological developments in the form of self-driving cars, remote surgery, and so on. The work on digital inclusion to reduce digital exclusion, as well as making digitalization user-friendly, is also important. Intuitive and user-friendly digital solutions that take into account different needs and abilities can, in turn, improve the quality of life for the elderly and those who lack familiarity with digital tools and interfaces, and thereby reduce social isolation.

Pilot projects for integrated infrastructures and investments are necessary to promote innovative technology. We believe that extensive investments in digital infrastructure are necessary to secure long-term competitiveness and that public funding is particularly important for rural areas.

Madam Speaker! To improve the digital internal market, we also note the Commission's efforts to harmonize the regulatory framework and promote cross-border networks and services. Re-evaluating the EU's regulatory framework on electronic communications can reduce fragmentation and strengthen competitiveness.

I hereby want to emphasize the importance of maintaining a competitive market where support measures for rural areas are crucial. At the same time, harmonization of spectrum management is needed to reduce interference and promote investments. We in Sverigedemokraterna believe that national competence in spectrum management should be preserved, while some coordination at the EU level can be advantageous.

To strengthen the security and resilience of the EU's digital network, we support the Commission's focus on advanced research and secure cable projects. Given the geopolitical situation in Europe and the rest of the world, it is important to reduce risks and vulnerabilities in the EU's submarine cables. Initiatives to promote the development of new technologies for underwater connectivity are important for creating secure networks.

In conclusion, we share many of the Commission's ambitions and urge that future measures be designed in a purposeful manner. The Sweden Democrats look forward to participating in the future in concrete proposals to promote a competitive, secure, and high-capacity digital infrastructure within the EU.

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Maria Stockhaus (M)

Madam Speaker! It may seem strange that we are debating a report that we are in complete agreement on, but it shows that we are all very engaged in issues regarding digitalization and AI. As many have already said, the report concerns the EU Commission's white paper on the need for a digital infrastructure. The Moderates and the entire committee agree with the Commission's ambitions regarding the development of the common EU policy in the digital field.

I want to emphasize that access to well-functioning electronic communication networks and communication services is completely fundamental for us to be able to create attractive and sustainable societies throughout the EU. In order to meet the increasing needs of individuals, companies, and the public for transmission capacity, the digital infrastructure needs to be continuously maintained, serviced, and developed. It is also important to maintain a high pace in this area to safeguard the long-term competitiveness of the EU and its member states against the rest of the world. Here, Sweden has an important mission in resisting the protectionist and restrictive forces that exist in the EU.

Madam Speaker! The digital infrastructure is important and forms the basis for the development of digital services. The digital infrastructure and the development of digital services strengthen the competitiveness in both Sweden and the EU. Sweden is not a perfect country, but we can nevertheless state that we are far ahead in several respects.

Part of strengthening Sweden and competitiveness is that the government has appointed an AI commission, which several speakers have mentioned. The commission has been tasked with developing proposals to strengthen Swedish competitiveness. It is an important step for developing the use of artificial intelligence in Sweden. The commission has likely met all parties, and it has already been revealed that part of the proposals will concern precisely digital infrastructure, which is a prerequisite for being able to support AI development.

Madam Speaker! AI will have a major impact on our society moving forward, not least in the transport sector. AI can analyze large amounts of data, compare historical trends with current conditions, and create insights in real time. These insights can help human traffic controllers make decisions that lead to reduced traffic congestion, for example by adjusting the timing of traffic signals in an intersection prone to bottlenecks. With the help of drones, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence, logistics is facing a major and far-reaching change.

Surveys show that companies have great hopes for what AI can mean in terms of increased efficiency, reduced climate impact, and economic rationalization. The companies welcome the many advantages of digitalization and artificial intelligence. Almost nine out of ten expect reduced logistics costs and an increase in transport in the long term. 72 percent expect fewer errors in the transport chain, and 58 percent see more environmentally friendly transport. This may not be the first thing one thinks of when talking about AI, but it is interesting because we handle transport. It will also affect the needs for infrastructure, which may come to look different depending on how fast this development proceeds. Digitalization as a whole is seen as an opportunity by 88 percent of those surveyed, while 11 percent consider it a risk.

Madam Speaker! The Government is investing in expanding and ensuring fast connectivity throughout the country. For most areas, it is commercially profitable to expand, but for the parts where it is not, the state takes responsibility to ensure that digital participation and development become possible throughout the country.

Digitalization presupposes physical infrastructure, and the Commission also addresses the need to increase security around the physical infrastructure, not least for the purpose of protecting the value of the extensive investments that the EU must make.

The Commission also highlights the need to promote advanced research and innovation throughout the EU to strengthen the physical security of digital networks. The Commission argues that development here should particularly be pursued with the aim of supporting the development of new fiber and cable technology, where the security of submarine cables is specifically emphasized. The Commission requests research on security and sensor technology for the monitoring of cables and their associated infrastructure.

This white paper is an important step for a dialogue within the EU to strengthen our competitiveness and digital development.

We look forward to continued work within the government within the framework of cooperation within the EU to strengthen Sweden's digital competitiveness and security.

Madam Speaker! I therefore move for approval of the committee's proposal in the report.

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Helena Gellerman (L)

Madam Speaker! Today we are debating the European Commission's white paper on Europe's need for digital infrastructure.

The Liberals view very positively that the EU Commission has written down its policy direction for the European digital infrastructure. It will be a starting point for the continued discussion within the EU, not least within the newly elected European Parliament, regarding how we shall develop our common digital platform.

The importance of us reaching an agreement and that we Europeans can, in a simple way, access services offered by companies and authorities across Europe cannot be overemphasized. It is fundamental for us to be able to develop our common future and be competitive, not least against the USA and China.

The Liberals welcome the Commission's clear ambitions in the white paper regarding the development of the EU's policy for communication systems such as 4G and 5G systems, this together with cloud services for data processing and data storage provided over the internet.

An expanded fiber and 5G coverage is crucial for securing the EU's digital competitiveness in the long term and is, as we all know, a prerequisite for sustainable societies. This applies both in Sweden and in the EU.

Sweden is very far ahead when it comes to fiber expansion in a European perspective. Therefore, it is important to note that only half of the EU's households have access to fiber and that the expansion of the standalone 5G network is lagging behind. We cannot base this on Swedish perspectives. If we are to have a common future, we must look at how it looks in the EU.

Therefore, it is very good that the commission is considering taking a collective grip on all the funding opportunities that exist at the European level. That we have a network that works throughout Europe is particularly important so that Swedish companies can be able to find a market for their products, both when it comes to digital services and other products.

In addition to communication, good access to digital infrastructure is important to enable innovative technological solutions that can improve the everyday lives of EU citizens. This could, for example, involve streamlining for connected and self-driving cars, something I raised in the previous debate here on infrastructure issues, or about future-proofing healthcare through, for example, remote surgery performed by doctors at a distance. This can be particularly important for countries in Eastern Europe or in the southern part of Europe, which may have greater needs for medical care in remote locations.

This can therefore mean that Sweden, given that we are the world's most innovative country, can get increased opportunities to sell our services abroad. Here, the question of digital participation in order to reduce digital exclusion is also very important, as is ensuring in different ways that everyone can take part in the progress that technological development brings.

It is essential for us liberals that this should be accessible to everyone in the EU, not just those who perhaps due to education or money have the opportunity to obtain digital connectivity. One must review how everyone living within the EU shall be given these opportunities.

Finally, I want to address the Commission's reasoning regarding the need for more pan-European operators and how they should be prioritized. The Liberals believe that the European basic model, which we have with a competitive market where different actors can provide networks and telecommunication services, should continue to be the focus, this together with providing support measures to guarantee coverage in more remote areas.

This basic model has been very successful and has resulted in lower prices for users. This shall continue to be prioritized, while at the same time we must review and make regulatory simplifications so that companies from all over Europe have the opportunity to enter the digital market.

The Liberals are, however, hesitant about the commission's proposal that the EU should be given an increased mandate regarding the radio spectrum. We believe that it should continue to function as it does today, namely that the member states hold the decision-making mandate over the organization, licensing, and management of the radio spectrum.

Given the increasing uncertainty in our geographical vicinity, it is very good that the Commission has such a large focus on increasing the security and resilience of the EU's digital network. The proposals concern supporting advanced research, making a list of the European cable projects, and reviewing possible funding for the projects. These are important proposals, not least against the background of the fact that virtually all data traffic between, for example, the EU and the USA travels in undersea cables. What would happen if these cables "broke"? The Commission wants, among other things, to be able to ensure rapid and secure repair and maintenance of the critical cables.

Madam Speaker! The White Paper on Europe's digital infrastructure from the EU Commission is a good basis for discussion and can, together with other digital cornerstones, such as a common AI strategy, form the next step in Europe's common digital future.

(Applause)

The deliberation was hereby concluded.

(A decision was to be taken on 18 June.)

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