The European Commission has decided to withdraw the ePrivacy Regulation and the Artificial Intelligence Liability Directive (AILD), a move welcomed by CCIA Europe. This decision is part of the 2025 Commission work programme, which includes scrapping several pending legislative proposals. The withdrawal reflects an understanding that the EU must maintain competitiveness by avoiding a complex digital framework.
However, CCIA Europe remains concerned as 30% of new initiatives still target the digital economy. Four major legislative acts are expected to impact technology in the coming year, raising questions about regulatory simplification.
CCIA Europe expressed disappointment over the Financial Data Access Regulation (FiDA). Initially seen as a means to boost innovation and consumer choice, it was significantly altered due to lobbying from banks and insurers.
The shelving of standard essential patents (SEP) legislation is seen as a missed opportunity for modernizing outdated rules. The withdrawal of ePrivacy Regulation and AILD is viewed positively, reflecting concerns from industry stakeholders and Member States.
CCIA Europe urges systematic regulation grounded in evidence rather than political motives. Their Guide to Effective EU Tech Regulation offers principles for balanced rule-making. As new legislative cycles begin, there is an emphasis on learning from past lessons and prioritizing digital competitiveness.
Daniel Friedlaender, Senior Vice President and Head of CCIA Europe, stated: “The Commission has shown a willingness to review past work, which is laudable. Withdrawing legislation on a regular basis should become normal in a well-functioning EU.”
He added: “Despite the need for pro-competitive rules, the Commission has chosen to slash the patent proposal while open-finance rules have been diluted by EU co-legislators to favour big banks. This whole process feels haphazard with many unnecessary proposals still left in place.”
Friedlaender also noted: “What’s more, at least 14 of the 45 new initiatives in the Commission’s 2025 plan will impact the digital economy with little effort to streamline the 70+ existing laws regulating the sector introduced in recent years.”
Finally, he urged: “CCIA Europe urges the executive to review all upcoming pre-agreed legislation and focus on simplifying existing rules. Moving forward, the EU must ensure that any new digital proposals are fully justified and not driven by institutional inertia.”
