Tech Diplomacy Global 50

Henna Virkunnen

Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
European Commission
Finland

Henna Virkkunen is Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy in the European Commission, appointed in 2024. She also serves as European Commissioner for Digital and Frontier Technologies, overseeing the EU’s digital strategy and safeguarding democratic values.

Born in Joutsa, Finland, Virkkunen studied journalism and communication at the University of Jyväskylä, earning both a master’s and a licentiate in philosophy. Her early career was rooted in Finnish politics: she served as a Member of Parliament (2007–2014), holding ministerial posts in Education, Public Administration, and Transport. In 2014, she was elected to the European Parliament, where she focused on industry, research, and transport until her Commission appointment.

In her current role, she addresses complex security challenges while advancing Europe’s competitiveness in frontier technologies. She has engaged leading research institutions to strengthen Europe’s innovation ecosystem, aiming to secure digital sovereignty in an increasingly competitive world.

Virkkunen is recognized for a disciplined, methodical leadership style, committed to strengthening EU security and promoting inclusive digital growth.