The European Union welcomed yesterday in New York the publication of recommendations from the UN Secretary General's High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation, giving its full backing to international cooperation to ensure an open, safe and trustworthy cyber space and to harness digital technologies for global human benefit.

The expert report presents a series of recommendations grouped into five areas, arguing for digital inclusion and  capacity-development within a framework of human rights law, new norms to ensure digital security and broad global cooperation.

The EU Statement, delivered at an informal General Assembly plenary meeting, welcomed the UN initiative to "stimulate vital public debate on a safe and inclusive digital future for all."

The EU has taken a leading role in the development of an open and rule-based global digital economy within Europe and is pioneering the protection of its citizens through initiatives such as the General Data Protection Regulation, which is now mandatory for everyone wanting to do business in Europe. The EU is also a vocal proponent of the application of human rights law to the emerging digital sphere, for example as regards the development and use of lethal autonomous weapons.

"The European Union looks forward to engaging in further consultations on the High-Level Panel's recommendations, building on the work already started with the EU Global Tech Panel", read the Statement.

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