During the plenary session in Strasbourg, a debate took place on extending the mandate of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which facilitates a global discussion on the future of the digital space. PiS MEP Tobiasz Bocheński spoke on behalf of the ECR Group.
Bocheński said that the Internet provides the greatest flow of information and access to knowledge in the history of civilization, and “must remain free.” Therefore, according to the MEP, we must consider how to defend and nurture this freedom. He pointed to various threats, such as the fragmentation of the Internet, its use as a tool of influence, and interference with freedom of speech. “Freedom has always fallen victim to dictatorships and various kinds of revolutions throughout history,” Bocheński noted, emphasizing that “this is why participation in the IGF—a forum dedicated to the exchange of information and views—should continue.”
“But we, as Europeans, must realize that during various discussions at the IGF, the European Union is also a laughingstock,” stated the PiS politician. As he explained, other nations investing in artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies view the EU as leaders—“leaders in bureaucracy and regulation who are undermining their own development opportunities”—which is the central theme of Draghi’s report. “That is why we face great challenges, and I dare say that the issue of Internet freedom will be one of the most important in the future. But there are also people in this chamber who do not advocate for Internet freedom at all,” noted Bocheński.
