Yesterday the EC held its first discussion over the Digital Single Market strategy, to be presented in May. The EC determined the primary areas that will be dealt with in order to reach results that are beneficial to both consumers and entrepreneurs, namely improving their access to digital products and services, designing a suitable environment for digital networks and services, and creating the European digital economy and society with a long-term growth potential.
Soir Première notes that the task ahead is gigantic, and that no fewer than 14 Commissioners are implicated in the project. According to Delfi.ee, Delo and a few others, Vice-President Andrus Ansip said that all hindrances to the use of Internet, like geographical exclusions, must be eliminated, arguing that citizens must be in a position to freely cross borders when they are online just as they do in reality.
Jyllands-Posten explains that the purpose of the plan is to give all Europeans access to the same online services, such as Netflix and music services, regardless of their nationality. Mr Ansip added that Europe should use all the opportunities of the digital age: better services, larger participation and new jobs. In an interview with the FT however, he said: “I am under no illusions: it will be an uphill struggle.”
Indeed, Jyllands-Posten notes, the Commission’s plan will undoubtedly be met with opposition from various actors in the digital industry, including TV companies and film producers. In a debate in Brussels about the future of the internet, Commissioner Günther Oettinger for his part emphasised that the digital sector is fundamental for Europe’s economic development. Europe cannot be in charge of the digital revolution when the laws regulating telecommunication services, copy-right, IT-security and data protection are different in the 28 member states, he stressed, therefore advocating a strong digital sector in Europe and claiming that the adoption of digital technologies in all European sectors must be facilitated, in order to prevent Europe from being left behind.
Naftemporiki and Mediapool.bg underline that President Jean-Claude Juncker has defined as the main goal the elimination of differences in VAT regimes among the EU countries in order to boost SME’s cross-border activities. In an op-ed published inRzeczpospolita, the EPP President at the EP Manfred Weber advocates among other things for the lift of roaming fees in the EU, and says the EPP wants to prevent Internet giants from abusing their dominant position because the Internet should be a place of free competition. @europeanunion2015
