Solidarity in the digital era A European Approach

Europe aims to take a leading role in good data governance. In line with the European Union's commitment to solidarity as one of its guiding principles, we propose that solidarity should play a much bigger role in guiding European data governance. Going beyond the previous role of solidarity mostly as a programmatic commitment in this context, we propose ways in which tangible guidance can be derived from solidarity for the design of policy. Using the example of Covid-19 contact tracing apps, we show how solidarity is a useful complement of justice and how it leads us to ask and demand different things from data governance. Strengthening solidaristic institutions is an important condition for Europe to remain economically and politically strong, as well as to establish itself as an engine not only for technological innovation but also for social innovation.