![Future shocks 2023: Collapse of the Internet [Policy podcast] @EuroparlResearchService](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/u6udsvsQfcA/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded September 2023 | Updated September 2026, 12 hours ago
The internet is a critical technology infrastructure for almost two thirds of the global population. We use the internet for personal, civic, commercial and professional activities. Failure of the internet would majorly impact how our societies, lives and work is organised. While a total global collapse of the internet is unlikely, major disruptions may arise. Three aspects are key in understanding of how this could materialise: the underlying technological infrastructures, which are evolving with time; the fact that tech companies are increasingly shaping the Internet architecture to seek new commercial strategies; and the increasing control of the digital sphere for political reasons.
Subscribe to EPRS Policy Podcasts: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/audio-podcasts.html
See the paper publication behind this podcast:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_STU(2023)751428
The internet is a critical technology infrastructure for almost two thirds of the global population. We use the internet for personal, civic, commercial and professional activities. Failure of the internet would majorly impact how our societies, lives and work is organised. While a total global collapse of the internet is unlikely, major disruptions may arise. Three aspects are key in understanding of how this could materialise: the underlying technological infrastructures, which are evolving with time; the fact that tech companies are increasingly shaping the Internet architecture to seek new commercial strategies; and the increasing control of the digital sphere for political reasons.
Subscribe to EPRS Policy Podcasts: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/audio-podcasts.html
See the paper publication behind this podcast:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_STU(2023)751428
![Future shocks 2023: Collapse of the Internet [Policy podcast]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/u6udsvsQfcA/mqdefault.jpg "Future shocks 2023: Collapse of the Internet [Policy podcast]
The internet is a critical technology infrastructure for almost two thirds of the global population. We use the internet for personal, civic, commercial and professional activities. Failure of the internet would majorly impact how our societies, lives and work is organised. While a total global collapse of the internet is unlikely, major disruptions may arise. Three aspects are key in understanding of how this could materialise: the underlying technological infrastructures, which are evolving with time; the fact that tech companies are increasingly shaping the Internet architecture to seek new commercial strategies; and the increasing control of the digital sphere for political reasons.
Subscribe to EPRS Policy Podcasts: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/audio-podcasts.html
See the paper publication behind this podcast:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_STU(2023)751428")
![The EUs role in promoting health and well-being for all - SDG 3 [Policy Podcast]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vIAS1wkRd1U/mqdefault.jpg "The EUs role in promoting health and well-being for all - SDG 3 [Policy Podcast]
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing crises, progress towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 3 (ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) is off track globally, and many of its targets may not be achieved by 2030. Within the EU, measures pertaining to SDG 3 focus on achieving more resilient, accessible and inclusive health systems; improving reproductive, maternal and child health; ending major communicable disease epidemics; and reducing non-communicable and mental disorders. They also focus on lowering behavioural and environmental health risk factors.
See the publication behind this podcast:
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): The EUs role in promoting health and well-being for all
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_BRI(2024)762380
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![What if Europe ran out of water? [Science and Technology Podcast]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xH3TErPluk4/mqdefault.jpg "What if Europe ran out of water? [Science and Technology Podcast]
Droughts and water scarcity are no longer rare or extreme events in Europe. About 20 % of the European territory and 30 % of Europeans are affected by water stress, especially in Southern Europe but also around some river basins in Western and Central Europe. And climate change will only make matters worse, increasing the frequency of extreme events and making the south even drier.
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https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/audio-podcasts.html")
![Strategic technologies for Europe platform (STEP) [Policy Podcast]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/y2tGk4M6oy4/mqdefault.jpg "Strategic technologies for Europe platform (STEP) [Policy Podcast]
In June 2023, the European Commission tabled a proposal for a regulation establishing a new strategic technologies for Europe platform (STEP). STEP would rely on the reprogramming of funds under existing EU instruments. It would also come with an additional budget of €10 billion. Overall, the platform could leverage up to €160 billion in investment, of which €110 billion would be triggered by the top-up. STEP would direct funding to strategic projects supporting the development and manufacturing of deep and digital technologies, clean technologies and biotechnologies, and the strengthening of their value chains, to meet the challenges of the green and digital transitions.
Subscribe to EPRS Policy Podcasts: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/audio-podcasts.html
See the paper publication behind this podcast:
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_BRI(2023)754547")
