Italy has submitted comments proposing a reorganisation of the draft Council Conclusions on a Globally Connected Europe, prioritising the vision, principles and goals of the EU Global Strategy on Connectivity. The contribution, published by the Council on 10 July 2026, invites the European Commission and the High Representative to implement specific steps globally, including extending the connectivity strategy worldwide, adopting a Team Europe approach, identifying high-impact projects, and establishing a Business Advisory Group to mobilise private sector investment.
The document, dated from a meeting on 3 June 2021, frames connectivity as geostrategic for EU economic, foreign and security interests. It recalls the 2018 Joint Communication 'Connecting Europe and Asia' and its conclusions, with sustainability, a level playing field, and a rules-based approach as core principles. The contribution notes that connectivity contributes to the European Green Deal and the European Digital Agenda (2019-2024), and references the Data Gateway Declaration, the 2030 Digital Compass, the Updated Industrial Strategy, the Trade Policy Review, the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, and the Global Approach to Research and Innovation.
The Covid-19 pandemic, according to the document, exposed connectivity's importance for economic security, resilience, diversification of value chains, and a secure digital ecosystem. Investments in connectivity that respect social, climate, environmental, economic and fiscal sustainability can strengthen growth, resilience, and competitiveness for a green and digital transition. All international connectivity initiatives must apply high international standards, with the G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment as a minimum, contributing to the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.
The contribution highlights Connectivity Partnerships with like-minded partners, welcoming partnerships with Japan (September 2019) and India (May 2021), and a commitment to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN (December 2020). It invites the Commission and High Representative to: extend the EU connectivity strategy globally; encourage a Team Europe approach; identify high-impact projects; map initiatives since 2018; include strategic actions in the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework; incentivise sustainable investments; mobilise the private sector via a Business Advisory Group; ensure visibility through a unifying narrative and regular editions of the Europa Connectivity Forum; and keep the Council informed. The Council will discuss implementation annually, with progress reported regularly.
Italy's comments reframe the draft to stress vision and principles, tasking the Commission and High Representative with a global rollout, new partnerships, and annual Council reviews. The proposal impacts EU institutions, which would take on expanded coordination and reporting roles; EU member states, which would need to align national connectivity strategies with the global approach; private sector companies, which could benefit from new investment opportunities through the proposed Business Advisory Group; and partner countries, which may see increased EU engagement in infrastructure projects.