1 October 2025

All times are EEST (UTC+3/ Tallinn)

09:00 – 09:15

Virtual platform opening/ testing

Registration of the participants on site and welcome coffee

09:15 – 10:00
10:00 – 10:30

Opening remarks

High-level debate on digital sovereignty

By launching a discussion around the concept of digital sovereignty at EU level and the way this could be considered when developing and implementing policies in the JHA area, this high-level debate is looking to set the scene for the subsequent panel discussions. During this debate the panellists will explore ideas about the role of different stakeholders in contributing to EU’s efforts to strengthen our borders, security and justice while aiming for leadership in the technology field.

10:30 – 11:30
11:30 – 12:00

Coffee break

Panel I
Towards Technological Sovereignty: Critical Systems

This panel will explore the role of technologies such as AI, biometric recognition, as well as topics like open-source software and standardisation, in mitigating risks and in strengthening technological independence and transparency. It will also look at how achieving technological sovereignty in critical technological infrastructures such as cloud computing, IT equipment, or communication networks can support the strategic autonomy of the EU.

  • Moderator: Taavi Pehme, Head of the Digital Solutions Operations Department, eu-LISA
  • Panellists:
12:00 – 12:45
12:45 – 13:00

Presentation
Border Management and Security: Through the Lens of JRC

Lunch break

13:00 – 14:00
14:00 – 14:45

Panel II
Rule of Law and Autonomy: Strategic Technological Choices in the EU Legal Framework

This panel will explore how different recent legal initiatives and instruments, such as the AI Act, Protect EU, Data Act, NIS2, GDPR, law enforcement directives, etc reinforce sovereignty. Discussions will delve into ways governance and procurement choices can help prioritise European providers and technology ecosystems and how the protection of the EU’s core values through the rule of law represents a reassurance in the pursuit of strategic autonomy.

  • Moderator: Alexandru Lascu, Head of the Procurement and Contract Management Unit, eu-LISA
  • Panellists:
    • Tobias Broser, Head of the Information Management and Innovation Unit, Europol
    • Uku Särekanno, Deputy Executive Director, Frontex
    • Lena Düpont, Member of the European Parliament
    • Fanny Coudert, Deputy Head of the Supervision and Enforcement Unit, European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS)

Panel III
Tech Skills for Strategic Autonomy: Developing and Retaining Talent

This panel will explore how to build the technical skills needed to operate and secure digital systems, and how to align talent development with long-term strategic needs. It will look into initiatives/ ideas that support the development of technological expertise and competences, as well as ways of retaining and using this expertise in the EU market. Additionally, the panel will consider the reskilling dimension and the importance of multidisciplinary training (combining the technological, legal and ethical dimensions).

14:45 – 15:30
15:30 – 16:00

Coffee break

Presentation
eu-LISA's Contribution to EU and Member States Sovereignty

16:00 – 16:15
16:15 – 16:30

Wrap-up session and conclusions

Tour of the venue (optional)

16:30 – 17:00
17:00 – 18:30

"Thank you" cocktail

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