The Law and Internet Foundation took part in CPDP 2026 with a dedicated panel and a radio interview as part of the conference programme, marking an important moment for our team and our growing contribution to one of Europe’s most relevant forums on privacy, data protection, AI, cybersecurity, digital policy and society.
This year, LIF organised the panel “Digital Sovereignty in Wartime: Legal and Cybersecurity Considerations”, held on 21 May, from 14:15 to 15:30, as part of the CPDP 2026 programme. The panel was organised by the Law and Internet Foundation and brought together legal, cybersecurity, military, technology and peacebuilding perspectives to discuss why digital sovereignty matters in times of war, what Europe is currently doing to strengthen it, and what gaps remain to be addressed.
The discussion focused on the increasing dependence of modern conflicts on digital infrastructure, data systems, connectivity, analytics and surveillance technologies. The panel addressed key questions such as whether digital sovereignty is achievable, how Europe can strengthen its preparedness, and why prevention, simulations, training infrastructures and cross-sector cooperation are essential before crises occur.
We are especially proud that the panel attracted a strong audience and generated active discussion among participants. The level of engagement confirmed the relevance of the topic and the need for continued dialogue between legal experts, cybersecurity professionals, public institutions, researchers, civil society and technology stakeholders.
For LIF, this participation was also symbolic. Years ago, our team attended CPDP primarily as participants. This year, we contributed as organisers, moderators, speakers and active voices in the programme of a major international forum. This progress reflects the Foundation’s long-term work at the intersection of law, technology and society, as well as our commitment to responsible digital transformation, cybersecurity preparedness and fundamental rights in Europe.
Alongside the panel, LIF also took part in Avatar.fm, CPDP’s temporary live radio programme created together with Brussels-based community radio station GIMIC. Avatar.fm gives voice to the new generation of experts, researchers, activists and practitioners working on privacy, data protection, AI and the datafied world.
As part of the Avatar.fm programme, LIF participated in a conversation on NGOs in EU-funded Innovation, included in the Friday 22 May content cluster. The interview explored the role of organisations such as the Law and Internet Foundation in EU-funded projects, the opportunities these projects create for NGOs, the challenges of multidisciplinary cooperation, and the importance of ensuring that innovation remains legally sound, ethically responsible and socially meaningful. These were also the central themes of the prepared Q&A for the interview, which covered LIF’s mission, EU-funded projects, opportunities, challenges and recommendations for future impact.
Our key message was clear: EU-funded innovation projects are not only about technology or research. They are also about building trust, protecting rights, supporting public-interest innovation and ensuring that new digital tools are developed with society in mind.
We return from CPDP 2026 encouraged, grateful and proud. The discussions, questions and new connections made during the conference strengthened our belief that LIF has an important role to play in shaping Europe’s digital future - through legal expertise, ethical guidance, research, training and meaningful cooperation across borders.
We thank CPDP, Avatar.fm, our fellow speakers, partners and all participants who joined the discussion and contributed to such an inspiring exchange.
