Connecting the Dots: Linking Digital Global Gateway to local sector-specific needs

The European Union’s Global Gateway initiative is at a pivotal moment, with calls for scaling its impact and refining offers to global partners. The Global Gateway’s Digital pillar remains underdeveloped, with only six of 46 flagship projects for 2025 focused on digital (hard) infrastructure. Leveraging EU Member States’ expertise, particularly from digital leaders like the Netherlands, offers a path to strengthen this pillar and meet global partner needs more effectively.

The Netherlands brings significant digital capabilities in HealthTech, EdTech, Semiconductors and Logistics, complementing offers in AgriTech, Cybersecurity, and FinTech and Data Centres. Looking at three countries – Indonesia, South Africa and India – the necessity of tailoring the EU’s approach to specific local contexts and demands is crucial. Indonesia prioritises cost-effective solutions, which cannot always be met by European offers. South Africa’s clear preference for Chinese propositions is a challenge for enhanced digital engagement with Europe. Meanwhile India’s efforts to de-risk from China in the digital domain offer optimistic prospects for collaboration. To succeed, Global Gateway projects must moreover deliver on transparency and private-sector engagement, while also mobilising Member State contributions and positioning the EU as a trusted global partner.

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This Policy Brief is part of the PROGRESS-series ‘International Partnerships Tracker’, with contributions by experts from the Clingendael Institute and The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS). The series informs policymakers and stakeholders about Europe’s partnerships and collaboration frameworks that strengthen its strategic position and outline actionable  steps in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.