European Parliament Resolution on Internet Governance: Renewal of the IGF Mandate

Strategic Insights -

The European Parliament has reiterated its support for the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and urged the United Nations General Assembly to permanently renew its mandate. The resolution, adopted on [date], highlights the importance of open, free, and global internet governance, emphasizing the need for a multistakeholder model to ensure the internet's continued development and growth. The Parliament also stressed the need to address digital divide and inequalities in accessing the internet, emphasizing affordable connectivity as a crucial factor for an inclusive digital environment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Parliament has consistently supported the IGF since its inception, with the delegation playing a pivotal role in promoting European values and fostering interaction with stakeholders.
  • The IGF's mandate expires on 31 December 2025, and the UN General Assembly is scheduled to review it during the 80th UN General Assembly in autumn 2025.
  • The joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, "An International Digital Strategy for the European Union," underscores the EU's commitment to proactively defending the general availability and integrity of the internet.
  • The resolution calls on the UN General Assembly to strengthen the IGF's resources and the multistakeholder model of internet governance.
  • The European Parliament has instructed its President to forward the resolution to the Commission, the Council, the Member States, and national parliaments.

Statistics:

  • 80th UN General Assembly: scheduled for autumn 2025
  • IGF mandate expiration date: 31 December 2025
  • Number of IGF meetings attended by the European Parliament's delegation: 20
  • Number of years the European Parliament has sent a delegation to the IGF meetings: 20
  • Number of countries that signed the Declaration for the Future of the Internet on 28 April 2022:/at least two

Sources:

  • European Parliament resolution on the governance of the internet -- renewal of the mandate of the Internet Governance Forum (2025/2801(RSP))
  • Joint declaration by the EU delegation to the Internet Governance Forum held from 23 to 27 June in Lillestrȹm, Norway
  • Joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy entitled 'An International Digital Strategy for the European Union' (JOIN(2025)0140)
  • World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)