Es gilt das gesprochene Wort.
Excellencies,
Deputy Prime Minister Gawkowski,
Minister Pakosta,
State Secretaries,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honor and a true pleasure for me to be here today in Gdańsk, this proud, historic city on the Baltic Sea which stands like few others for the spirit of freedom, European unity and economic dynamism.
Gdańsk is not only a place of overcoming the terrible second world war, a symbol of the courage of the Solidarność movement, but today also a beacon of Poland’s economic development.
And I say this with deep respect: Poland has long since become one of the economic engines of Europe.
- You can witness the opportunities a strong Europe can provide.
- You can feel it here in the region.
- You can see it in the numbers.
- And you experience it in the growing cooperation of our both countries.
Between 2019 and 2024, Poland’s nominal GDP grew by nearly 9% per year. More than double the euro area average over the same period. GDP per capita has outpaced the European average, fueling real wage growth and bringing unemployment to record lows.
At the same time, Poland’s tech sector has seen remarkable expansion, with a compound annual growth rate of nearly 14%. A vibrant startup and emerging tech scene is taking shape – with standout players like deepsense, SentiOne, and Synerise, to name just a few.
Germany is Poland’s most important trading partner – and Poland now ranks as Germany’s fifth largest trading partner worldwide.
In recent years, our economic ties have not only grown stronger, but have entered a new, future-oriented phase. We recognize this achievement with deep respect – and a strong commitment to continue building our partnership and friendship.
I am deeply convinced that the axis between Poland and Germany can – and must – become a vital pillar for the Europe of tomorrow.
At a time when our continent is facing major challenges: geopolitically, economically, and socially, we need strong, trustful and reliable partnerships.
Poland and Germany share not only a long and rich history but also a complex one marked by both painful chapters and remarkable moments of reconciliation and cooperation.The same values. And also, a joint responsibility for the future of Europe.
When we act together, when we join our economic strength, connect our innovation power, and align our political will, we have the potential to become a driving force at the heart of a strong, capable, and digitally sovereign Europe.
To me, one thing is clear: this partnership is strongest when it is embedded in a truly European vision.
Close cooperation with France – in the spirit of the Weimar Triangle – is essential in this context. Advancing together – for the benefit of all our partners and friends across Europe.
Only then can Europe confidently claim its role in a rapidly changing world:
- as a strong economic power,
- a guarantor of peace,
- and a voice of democracy.
One of the key strategic tasks for the European states in this decade is to ensure Europe’s digital sovereignty.
In a world where data flows, digital infrastructure, and technological innovation, standards increasingly define economic strength and political influence, Europe cannot afford to stand on the sidelines. It must become the architect and driver of its own digital future.
Germany has taken an important step in this direction: With the creation of the Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation, the German government has sent a clear signal.
The objective is not to simply adapt to digital transformation, but to take the lead in steering it – across public institutions, the private sector and society at large.
Strengthening digital sovereignty is a clear priority for this government. It is not about isolation and about preserving the freedom to shape our digital future, build resilience, and secure technological independence.
But technology alone is not enough. We also need a positive mindset:
Confidence –
- in our own capabilities,
- in our capacity to innovate,
- in the power of bold ideas –
- from Warsaw, from Berlin, from Paris,
- from every part of Europe.
We need constructive cooperation among European nations.
Digital sovereignty is not a national endeavor – it is a European one. No country can achieve it alone. But together, we can make it a reality. This is a central mission – for the new ministry, and for me personally, as Minister.
It is our responsibility to lay the foundations that will enable Europe to remain sovereign – and to act with sovereignty – in the digital age.
To actively advance Europe’s digital future, the German Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation has defined three key strategic priorities:
First:
Growth through Artificial Intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a technology of the future – it is already a driving force of accelerated innovation, increasing efficiency, economic growth.
It brings significant challenges for society as we adapt to rapid change – but it also offers tremendous opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and innovation.
Our goal is to enable the broad use of trustworthy AI in Europe through:
- clear ethical frameworks,
- targeted funding,
- and strong partnerships between research, business and government.
Second:
Unleashing the Power of Digital Start-Ups
Especially in the fields of digital innovation and AI, Europe is home to brilliant ideas – often born within small, highly specialized teams.
They need
- access to venture capital,
- fast-track approvals,
- a European home to scale their business
- and a state that empowers innovation
instead of holding it back. We are committed to making Europe a place where digital pioneers can truly thrive.
Third:
Giga-Factories for an AI Future.
Whether it’s
- data centers,
- chips, software, security,
- reliable energy sources
- and powerful compute capabilities,
the production of these digital future technologies must happen in Europe.
We are actively supporting the development of Giga-Factories – by ensuring planning reliability, creating investment-friendly conditions, and strengthening coordination across Europe. Because anyone who aspires to digital sovereignty must also secure the industrial foundation that makes it possible.
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet your Deputy Prime Minister and my Polish Partner and counterpart, the Minister for Digital Affairs, Krzysztof Gawkowski, as well as Secretary of State Dariusz Standerski, in Luxembourg.
Our conversation was not only warm and open – it was also deeply insightful.
It became clear that Germany and Poland share many common goals in the digital sphere, face similar challenges, and above all, bring complementary strengths to the table.
When it comes to digital sovereignty, great opportunities arise from closer cooperation between our two countries. Whether it's supporting start-ups, building secure digital infrastructure, or training the digital workforce, our interests and capabilities align in powerful ways.
If we expand this bilateral dialogue into a truly European one – in close partnership with France and our other European friends – we can unlock enormous potential for all of Europe. A shared digital space between Poland, Germany and France would encompass over 180 million people.
With targeted support, we can offer digital entrepreneurs, AI start-ups, and tech innovators a platform that is globally competitive.
And if we take this idea further – to the scale of all of Europe – we’re speaking of a market of over 450 million people. That is a tremendous innovation potential.
A continent of this scale – with such education, talent, and industrial strength – has everything it takes to build and be part of its own digital backbone. If we truly want Europe to achieve digital sovereignty, we cannot settle for declarations of intent! We need concrete and decisive action.
There are five key areas that I believe are crucial:
1. We must give European cloud providers a fair chance to compete!
Governments and public administrations should actively support European providers who offer security, data protection and innovation “Made in Europe”. The public sector must lead by example by becoming a customer itself.
2. We need a European payment solution and a unified digital identity!
Today, over 80 percent of all payment processesrun through non-European servers. That is not sustainable. We need a European wallet. A joint project among all EU member states.
Such a wallet must work seamlessly across borders and enable business models like a European payment solution. One that can scale effectively and harness the full power of the European market.
To seize these opportunities, we must shift our perspective – from a national focus to a truly European one.
3. We must enable Giga-Factories for enable an AI future.
To remain independent, Europe needs its own computing capacity – from data centers that power AI solutions, to chips, software, and security technologies that ensure sovereignty and resilience in the digital age.
Governments can help by providing land, energy and fast-track permits creating conditions that encourage private investment.
4. We must regulate Artificial Intelligence wisely – not only through the lens of risk.
Regulation must be clear and understandable, effective and practical otherwise, Europe risks missing out on AI’s full potential.
5. We must jointly promote innovation in Europe – through real partnerships.
Germany, Poland, France and our fellow EU members can work together to support start-ups, strengthen university networks and foster digital talent.
I stand before you today – as Germany’s Minister for Digital Transformation and Government modernisation – with deep respect for what Poland has achieved in recent years: economically, technologically, and socially.
But I also stand here with a strong conviction: The major challenges of our digital future can only be met if we face them together – as Europeans.
Digital sovereignty is not a luxury. It’s not a matter for the distant future – it is a question of democratic agency, a pillar of economic prosperity, a driver of social inclusion, and a reflection of Europe’s self-respect.
If we want Europe to remain self-determined in the 21st century, we must act now with determination, with mutual trust, and with cross-border cooperation. Germany is ready to take responsibility – together with Poland, and with all European partners who believe that our digital future must lie in our own hands.
So I invite you: Let us shape that future together – that European digital sovereignty – with courage, with ideas, and with a true European spirit.
Thank you very much.