As the European Parliament gears up for the hearings of candidate European Commissioners in November, pressing questions loom over Europe's digital sector. The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA Europe) has introduced two publications aimed at guiding and supporting the next Commission and new Members of the European Parliament to shape Europe's digital future.
The Digital Innovation Blueprint and Guide to Effective EU Tech Regulation provide recommendations and insights to lawmakers. These come at a critical time as the EU grapples with regulatory complexity and declining competitiveness, particularly in the digital realm.
Central to the Blueprint are key questions that candidate Commissioners must address to foster digital innovation and enhance EU competitiveness. Henna Virkkunen, candidate Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, faces significant challenges due to overlapping rules hindering digital progress. The Draghi Report highlights EU over-regulation as a primary issue.
Tech firms question: “Does Virkkunen plan to prioritise proper implementation of existing EU tech rules, and fix what we already have, or will she continue the recent trend of rushing to create even more rules?”
Stéphane Séjourné is expected to combat threats against the Single Market while overseeing it. Concerns arise: “What do businesses and consumers actually get in return for years of tech regulation? A poorly enforced Single Market with national governments introducing digital barriers and deviating from EU digital rules?”
With over 70 new tech regulations adopted since 2019, CCIA Europe's Guide emphasizes reflecting on past lessons, ensuring more scrutiny and coordination between institutions, and improving implementation. It offers practical advice for enhancing the overall legislative process.
EU lawmakers previewed these publications during CCIA Europe’s 15th anniversary event in Brussels. They are now publicly accessible.
Daniel Friedlaender, Senior Vice President and Head of CCIA Europe stated: “Europe’s digital agenda needs a fresh start. As Commission and Parliament prepare for a new term, it’s time to focus on fostering tech innovation rather than adding regulatory hurdles.”
He added: “Unlocking Europe’s digital potential is not just a challenge for policymakers; it’s an opportunity to deliver benefits for all Europeans. CCIA Europe looks forward to working with the next Commission and new MEPs to ensure that future EU tech regulation is more effective, smarter, and innovation-friendly.”
The Blueprint identifies three key priorities for the 2024-2029 Commission:
1. Deliver a true Digital Single Market with a strong pro-innovation agenda.
2. Make EU laws more effective by design.
3. Strengthen global relations to boost growth.
CCIA Europe aims to launch broader discussions on improving EU policy-making through its new Guide which addresses preparation of new rules, legislative scrutiny enhancement, as well as implementation significance.
