Organised under the European Commission’s Next Generation Internet (NGI) initiative, the forum will provide a platform to shape the internet Europe needs: open, resilient, trustworthy and empowering.
This year’s central theme is the building of an Open Internet Stack, seen as essential for ensuring European digital sovereignty and reinforcing the control and agency of users over their digital lives. The event will explore how Europe can develop secure, interoperable, decentralised and human-centric digital infrastructures that align with its values.
A turning point in Europe’s digital path
Timed just ahead of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU (starting 1 July 2025) and at the conclusion of the Polish Presidency, the forum reflects the transitional moment in European policy and ambition. The event coincides with the formation of the new European Commission, adding momentum to the reflection on future priorities for the EU’s digital agenda.
Among the major questions on the agenda:
- How can Europe reduce dependency on non-EU digital platforms?
- What role for public digital infrastructures and digital commons?
- How to align innovation with user trust, data protection, and AI ethics?
An agenda built around impact and action
Participants will include policymakers from the European Commission (DG CNECT, DG RTD), Members of the European Parliament, academics, entrepreneurs, and leaders from open-source and civil society communities. Sessions include:
- "Commons at the Core of the Internet"
- "Software Supply Chain Security and CRA Compliance"
- "Applications of an Open Web Index"
- "Interoperability and Public Stack Design"
The forum will also feature the NGI Impact Stories, showcasing cutting-edge projects funded under NGI’s programmes, highlighting breakthroughs in internet search, identity, privacy, decentralised protocols, and trustworthy AI.
Spotlight on innovators and policy shapers
One of the unique elements of NGI Forum 2025 will be a dedicated press studio, where a Belgian trilingual journalist will conduct interviews throughout the event with:
- European Commission officials and decision-makers,
- NGI-funded project founders and developers,
- Representatives of both the Polish and Danish Presidencies.
The goal is to provide high-quality media content that captures the vibrancy, diversity and strategic vision of the NGI community.
Digital Europe meets citizens’ needs
At a time when digital policy is entering a new phase of implementation — with the Digital Services Act, the AI Act, and the push for a European Data Space — the NGI Forum serves as a venue to align European digital regulation with innovation from below.
The discussions will not only span technical and regulatory fields but also societal dimensions such as inclusion, diversity, cybersecurity, and empowerment through design.
Looking ahead
By building a coherent Open Internet Stack rooted in European values, NGI Forum 2025 is not just a conference — it is a statement about Europe’s role in shaping a people-centric digital world. This year's forum will solidify Europe’s ambition to be not only a regulator, but a creator of the digital future.
📅 NGI Forum 2025
📍 Albert Borschette Centre, Brussels
🗓️ 19–20 June 2025
🔗 Agenda and registration: https://ngi.eu/ngi-forum25/
