USA and UK announce Atlantic Declaration, focus on digital

The USA and the UK announced the Atlantic Declaration for a Twenty-First Century US-UK Economic Partnership, intending to strengthen their alliance and adapt it to the current global challenges. The declaration focuses, among other things, on digital issues, recognising the transformative nature of the global economy, the changing nature of national security, and the importance of cooperation on critical and emerging technologies.

The declaration outlines an Action Plan for the economic partnership, focusing on five pillars: ensuring US-UK leadership in critical and emerging technologies, advancing cooperation on technology protection and economic security toolkits, partnering on an inclusive and responsible digital transformation, building the clean energy economy of the future, and strengthening alliance across defence, health security, and space.

Under the critical and emerging technologies pillar, focusing on technologies such as semiconductors, quantum technologies, AI, cutting-edge telecommunications, and synthetic biology, the USA and the UK aim to collaborate on research and development, mobilise private capital, and facilitate reciprocal talent flows.

Regarding technology protection and economic security, both countries intend to update and align their regulatory frameworks related to export controls, investment screening, sanctions, and research and development security. They also aim to address national security risks posed by outbound investment and ensure flexible and coordinated export controls and sanctions strategies. Additionally, the countries seek to strengthen their critical technology supply chains and minimise vulnerabilities.

In the context of an inclusive and responsible digital transformation, the USA and the UK plan to establish a US-UK Data Bridge to facilitate data flows while ensuring privacy protections. They also aim to promote trust in the digital economy and build a shared understanding of data security risks. In the area of AI, the two countries pledge to accelerate mutual cooperation, focusing on safe and responsible AI development.