Welcome to the latest edition of Dispatch from Brussels, techUK's bi-monthly update on the European policy developments shaping the operating environment for UK technology companies.
EU launches European Technological Sovereignty Package
On 3 June, the European Commission unveiled its long-awaited European Technological Sovereignty Package, marking a significant shift in the EU's approach to digital policy. While much of the last five years has focused on regulation, the Commission is now turning its attention to building European technological capacity and capability.
The package consists of four key elements:
The Cloud and AI Development Act (CADA)
A revised European Chips Act
An EU Open Source Strategy
A Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and AI in Energy
Together, these initiatives aim to strengthen Europe's position across cloud infrastructure, AI, semiconductors and other strategic technologies.
For cloud providers, the proposals could introduce new compliance requirements and procurement conditions that may affect access to public sector opportunities across the EU. These changes could also have implications for AI developers, software providers and digital service companies that rely on cloud infrastructure. At the same time, increased public investment could create opportunities for infrastructure providers, semiconductor companies and advanced manufacturing firms.
For UK firms, much will depend on how the Commission and Member States interpret any location, ownership or control requirements contained within the package. techUK will be engaging actively in both Brussels and London to ensure the UK is recognised as a trusted partner and that UK companies continue to enjoy fair access to European technology markets. Excluding UK firms would ultimately weaken the competitiveness and capability of both the European and UK technology sectors.
The legislative process is only just beginning and significant changes are likely as negotiations progress through the Council and European Parliament. techUK will continue to monitor developments closely and advocate for outcomes that avoid unintended consequences for UK businesses.
Despite political momentum behind closer UK-EU cooperation, uncertainty remains around the timing and scope of the Government's proposed reset summit with the European Union.
The summit has been the subject of considerable speculation in recent weeks as both sides attempt to agree what can realistically be delivered. With the summer calendar rapidly filling up, the window for a July summit is becoming increasingly narrow.
Reports suggest that the EU has ruled out proposals resembling participation in the Single Market for goods. While agreement appears likely in areas such as sanitary and phytosanitary measures and closer cooperation on emissions trading schemes, youth mobility remains a politically sensitive issue and a significant sticking point in negotiations.
Alongside these discussions, UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has called for the creation of a dedicated UK-EU technology partnership, modelled on the UK's recently agreed Tech Prosperity Deal with the United States. Such a framework could provide a practical mechanism for cooperation on AI, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, research and emerging technologies.
For the technology sector, the outcome of these discussions matters because they will help determine the overall direction of the UK-EU relationship at a time when both sides are increasingly focused on economic security, competitiveness and technological resilience.
Ireland sets out its digital agenda
Ireland has unveiled the priorities for its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, placing competitiveness, values and security at the heart of its programme.
For technology companies, the programme offers an early indication of where EU digital policy discussions are likely to focus through the first half of 2027.
The Irish Presidency has identified cloud infrastructure, AI capability, connectivity and digital networks as key priorities. Particular attention will be paid to investment in digital infrastructure and the security and resilience of subsea cable networks, an issue of particular relevance for Ireland given its role as a major connectivity hub between Europe and North America.
Ireland has also signaled its intention to advance work on the Commission's broader competitiveness agenda. This includes seeking progress on spectrum policy and aiming to conclude negotiations with the European Parliament on the Digital Omnibus package before the end of its Presidency, provided Member States can first agree a common position under the current Cypriot Presidency.
Several major digital policy events are already scheduled, including:
An Online Safety for Children Conference in Dublin (10–11 September)
An Informal Meeting of EU Digital Ministers in Limerick (12–13 October)
An AI Summit in Dublin (14 October)
A Conference on the Digitalisation of Justice in Dublin (29–30 October)
Given the number of major digital files expected to move through the legislative process during this period, Ireland is likely to play a significant role in shaping the EU's next phase of digital policymaking.
New leadership at DG Trade
On 1 June, Ditte Juul Jørgensen formally took up her position as Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security, succeeding Sabine Weyand after seven years at the helm of DG Trade.
Ditte Juul Jørgensen brings extensive experience to the role. Most recently she served as Director-General of DG Energy, while previously leading the Cabinet of former Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager. Earlier in her career she spent nearly a decade within DG Trade itself, ultimately serving as Director for Legal Affairs and Trade in Goods.
Her appointment comes at a particularly important moment for European trade policy, as trade, technology and economic security become increasingly intertwined.
In a LinkedIn post marking her first week back at DG Trade, Juul Jørgensen highlighted meetings with Member States, the European Parliament, trade stakeholders and international partners. She also outlined several priorities that are likely to shape the Commission's approach in the years ahead, including:
Advancing diversification through trade agreements and partnerships
Managing increasingly complex relationships with both the United States and China
Supporting reform of the global trading system to reflect evolving geo-economic realities
For technology businesses, her appointment is particularly noteworthy given the growing overlap between trade policy and issues such as cloud services, AI, semiconductors, data flows, investment screening and economic security. As the EU continues to develop its technological sovereignty agenda, DG Trade will remain a critical institution shaping the external dimension of European technology policy.
Theophile Maiziere
Policy Manager - EU, techUK
Theo joined techUK in 2024 as EU Policy Manager. Based in Brussels, he works on our EU policy and engagement.
Theo is an experienced policy adviser who has helped connect EU and non-EU decision makers.
Prior to techUK, Theo worked at the EU delegation to Australia, the Israeli trade mission to the EU, and the City of London Corporation’s Brussels office. In his role, Theo ensures that techUK members are well-informed about EU policy, its origins, and its implications, while also facilitating valuable input to Brussels-based decision-makers.
Theo holds and LLM in International and European law, and an MA in European Studies, both from the University of Amsterdam.
techUK International Policy and Trade Programme activities
techUK supports members with their international trade plans and aspirations. We help members to understand market opportunities, tackle market access barriers, and build partnerships in their target market. Visit the programme page here.
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Sabina Ciofu is International Policy and Strategy Lead at techUK, where she heads the International Policy and Trade Programme. Based in Brussels, she shapes global tech policy, digital trade, and regulatory cooperation across the EU, US, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf region. She drives strategy, advocacy, and market opportunities for UK tech companies worldwide, ensuring their voice is heard in international policy debates.
With nearly a decade of previous experience as a Policy Advisor in the European Parliament, Sabina brings deep expertise in tech regulation, trade policy, and EU–US relations. Her work focuses on navigating and influencing the global digital economy to deliver real impact for members.
A passionate community-builder, Sabina co-founded Young Professionals in Digital Policy (800+ members) and now runs Old Professionals in Digital Policy (more experience, better wine, earlier nights). She is also the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club, a network of 500+ women supporting each other with kindness.
She holds advisory roles with the UCL European Institute, Café Transatlantique (a network of women in transatlantic tech policy), and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club for women.
Recognised by ComputerWeekly as one of the most influential women in UK tech, Sabina is also a sought-after public speaker on tech, trade and diversity.
Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Daniel Clarke
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Dan joined techUK as a Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade in March 2023.
Before techUK, Dan worked for data and consulting company GlobalData as an analyst of tech and geopolitics. He has also worked in public affairs, political polling, and has written freelance for the New Statesman and Investment Monitor.
Dan has a degree in MSc International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA Geography degree from the University of Sussex.
Outside of work, Dan is a big fan of football, cooking, going to see live music, and reading about international affairs.
Theo joined techUK in 2024 as EU Policy Manager. Based in Brussels, he works on our EU policy and engagement.
Theo is an experienced policy adviser who has helped connect EU and non-EU decision makers.
Prior to techUK, Theo worked at the EU delegation to Australia, the Israeli trade mission to the EU, and the City of London Corporation’s Brussels office. In his role, Theo ensures that techUK members are well-informed about EU policy, its origins, and its implications, while also facilitating valuable input to Brussels-based decision-makers.
Theo holds and LLM in International and European law, and an MA in European Studies, both from the University of Amsterdam.
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team in February 2023.
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the 2024 Local and General Election, and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation on defence and international secuirty. She has worked for multiple charities, on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In 2023, Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
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