On Digital Policy Priorities for the European Elections in 2024
“A Europe Fit for the Digital Age” has been the most comprehensive and most ambitious work program for digital policy ever proposed at the European level. Since 2019, the European Commission has initiated an overhaul of virtually the entire legal framework for Europe’s digital economy with profound implications for citizens, businesses, and the public sector. Most legislative initiatives aimed at addressing specific risks associated with digital technologies and establishing European values in the digital economy. However, when it comes to Europe’s ambitions for digital sovereignty, innovation and competitiveness, this approach only moves the needle halfway.
The European elections in 2024 are a much-needed opportunity to refocus the EU’s digital policy priorities. Bitkom calls on lawmakers in the Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council to not only address the risks of new technological developments, but also promote their potential for society and economy. Europe must not only uphold its values in the digital economy, but also foster technological and innovative capacities here in Europe. This requires to not only ensure that companies play by the rules, but also demands creating the conditions for businesses to thrive in Europe’s digital economy. It is time for a Zeitenwende in EU digital policy.
