Rule of Law in the Digital Era
Study trip on exploring the European legal framework in Digitalization, AI and Digital Economy
The delegation had the honour of holding a discussion with Mr. Markus Ferber, Member of the European Parliament and Chairman of the Hanns Seidel Foundation.
HSF
The study trip to Germany and Belgium, held from 6 to 12 April 2025 under the framework of the Rule of Law Dialogue between Germany and Vietnam, provided the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice delegation with a timely and in-depth exploration of European approaches to lawmaking in the digital age. The delegation engaged with a range of stakeholders—from Bavarian state ministries and judiciary experts to European Union institutions, Members of the European Parliament, digital policy specialists, and civil society organisations—focusing on regulatory responses to digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), e-governance, and digital economy.
The study programme began in Bavaria, where the Vietnamese delegation met with representatives from the Bavarian State Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Digital Affairs, and the Bavarian AI Agency. These meetings provided a comprehensive look at how Bavaria is implementing the EU’s digital strategy at the state level. Key takeaways included the strategic integration of AI into public service delivery—particularly in healthcare and long-term care—the implementation of AI support programmes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the critical role of public-private partnerships in driving innovation. Special attention was paid to flagship initiatives like KI Transfer+ and KI-Innovation, which aim to lower regulatory barriers for smaller enterprises and accelerate responsible AI deployment. Discussions also touched on the concept of regulatory sandboxes and their feasibility as a tool for fostering innovation while ensuring oversight.
Follow-up technical discussion with Dr. Till Gutenberger of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice on the topic of platform regulations.
HSF
One of the most valuable insights from the Bavarian experience was the strong cross-sectoral collaboration among government ministries, research institutions, and the private sector in shaping and implementing digital policies. Rather than working in silos, Bavarian stakeholders have adopted a cooperative model to support coherent, adaptive responses to technological developments. This approach resonated with the Vietnamese delegation, particularly as Vietnam considers how to institutionalize similar mechanisms for coordination in the drafting and implementation of its digital and AI-related legislation.
In Brussels, the focus shifted to understanding the broader digital governance architecture of the European Union. The delegation engaged in a series of high-level meetings exploring the EU’s multistakeholder model of regulation, which emphasizes transparency, accountability, and inclusive consultation throughout the policymaking cycle. This was exemplified in discussions about how major digital regulations such as the AI Act, Digital Services Act (DSA), and Digital Markets Act (DMA) are shaped through the trilogue process among the European Commission, Parliament, and Council. Meetings with Members of the European Parliament and representatives from the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) further highlighted the EU’s commitment to ethical AI development, algorithmic transparency, and strong data protection as central to building public trust.
Meeting with Mr. Juha Heikkilä from DG CONNECT, the Directorate-General responsible to develop and implement the AI Act
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Additionally, exchanges with DG CONNECT and the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) underscored the importance of harmonised AI standards, risk-based regulation, and support for labour transitions in the digital economy. The discussions emphasized trust as both a guiding principle and an outcome of effective regulation. Concrete strategies such as upskilling initiatives, just transition frameworks, and ethical labour standards were identified as relevant for Vietnam’s own digital and labour policy development. The delegation also met with the Council of Europe to discuss the draft Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law. This dialogue reinforced the importance of embedding accountability, redress mechanisms, and human oversight into AI systems—offering critical insights as Vietnam advances its legal and institutional frameworks in alignment with international norms.
Meeting with Mr. Humbert De Boiley, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe, on AI and human rights – framework Convention
HSF
Overall, the study trip provided a multidimensional understanding of how Europe is responding to the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation through robust legal and institutional mechanisms. Insights gained during this trip will contribute meaningfully to Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to enhance the country’ Rule of law that is responsive to both domestic needs and international standards.
Since 2022, HSF has been part of the Rule of Law Dialogue between Vietnam and Germany under which umbrella this visit was organised. This study trip has underscored HSF’s ongoing support for MoJ in enhancing legal institutions, promoting inclusive justice, and advancing the rule of law in line with national reforms. It also reaffirmed HSF's commitment to strengthening Vietnam-Germany cooperation, especially during the 50th anniversary of the two countries diplomatic relationship.