Digital sovereignty and e-democracy: the balance between data security and transparency of the political process

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the interrelationship between digital sovereignty and e-democracy in the context of the rapid digitalisation of political processes. The study focuses on identifying a critical balance between the need to ensure cybersecurity and the protection of personal and state data, on the one hand, and the preservation of transparency and openness in political processes, on the other. It is substantiated that digital sovereignty is a multidimensional concept encompassing technological control over infrastructure, regulatory governance of the digital space, and the political autonomy of states within the global digital environment. E-democracy is conceptualised as an instrument for enhancing citizens’ political participation, strengthening governmental accountability, and reinforcing public trust in governing institutions. The EU experience is analysed as a leading model of “human-centred digitalisation”, grounded in the combination of high data protection standards, regulation of digital platforms, and the strategic development of artificial intelligence. It is demonstrated that the EU seeks to simultaneously ensure technological autonomy and safeguard democratic rights; however, it faces challenges related to algorithmic opacity, disinformation, and dependence on global technology corporations. Particular attention is devoted to mechanisms for countering information threats and to the development of digital participation tools, including e-voting, petitions, and open data platforms. It is determined that for Ukraine, the issue of balancing security and transparency is of particular relevance in the context of war and hybrid threats. The necessity of harmonising national legislation with European standards, strengthening cybersecurity, developing digital infrastructure, and enhancing citizens’ digital trust is emphasised. It is concluded that an effective model of digital sovereignty and e-democracy is only possible through an integrated approach combining legal, technological, and institutional mechanisms.