The European Union’s Approaches to the Formation of Digital Sovereignty: Estonia's Experience for Ukraine

Abstract

This study aims to identify the role of digital sovereignty amid contemporary challenges and to analyze the European experience with a focus on its applicability to Ukraine under martial law conditions. Digital sovereignty is examined as a complex phenomenon encompassing legal, technical and political dimensions. The research is based on the systematic analysis of legislative acts, a comparative legal approach, and the study of practices implemented by the European Union Member States. The paper reviews key regulatory frameworks that underpin the EU’s model of digital sovereignty, including the Digital Services Act, the Artificial Intelligence Act, DORA, NIS2, the Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles and the Digital Decade strategy. Special emphasis is placed on Estonia’s experience in organizing internet voting and implementing the e-Residency program, both demonstrating a high level of technological integration into governance and the business environment. The results of the study reveal that a robust legal framework, sustained investment in cybersecurity, and the advancement of digital identification systems are essential to safeguarding digital sovereignty. The European experience confirms the need for a comprehensive digital development strategy and the timely adaptation of legislation to new risks and challenges. In the Ukrainian context, the findings stress the urgent need to enhance current legislation regarding personal data protection, cybersecurity, electronic identification, and support for national technology companies. It is concluded that digital sovereignty represents a fundamental component of national resilience during wartime and a critical element for Ukraine’s post-war recovery. The study also outlines potential avenues for further improvement of Ukrainian legislation in this domain.