Is it necessary a Digital Single Market Act in the European Commission?

A look to the European policies about the Digital Single Market

The Digital Single Maket in Europe, something that the European Commission considers a “key priority“, was supported by the decision took, in plenary on 19 January, by the European Parliament. The European highest governance body voted for an unique digital market in the EU, as adopted jointly by the Commitees on Industry, Research and Energy.

But, what means this possibility for the European economy? Is the Digital Single Market so important for the future economy of the EU countries? If we take a look to the data given by the European Commission we see that adopting these meassures would contribute with an additional EUR 415 billion to European GDP, and by creating 3.8 million jobs, something that supposes a great opportunity for the European labour market that can´t be wasted.

Supported by these numbers, Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, has commited to encourage a Digital Single Market in the framework of Europe, as you can see in the following video:

16 key actions under 3 pillars

But, what is the European Commission planning? How is Europe going to transform a “key priority” into a reality? 

By the end of this year, the Commission will deliver 16 key actions that are grouped under 3 main pillars. Let´s take a look to them:

Better access for consumers and businesses to digital goods and services across Europe

What will propose the European Commission?

1. Rules to make cross-border e-commerce easier
2. To enforce consumer rules more rapidly and consistently
3. More efficient and affordable parcel delivery
4. To end unjustified geo-blocking – a discriminatory practice used for commercial reasons
5. To identify potential competition concerns affecting European e-commerce markets
6. A modern, more European copyright law
7. A review of the Satellite and Cable Directive
8. To reduce the administrative burden businesses face from different VAT regimes

Creating the right conditions and a level playing field for digital networks and innovative services to flourish

What will the Commission do?

1. Present an ambitious overhaul of EU telecoms rules
2. Review the audiovisual media framework to make it fit for the 21st century
3. Comprehensively analyse the role of online platforms
4. Reinforce trust and security in digital services, notably concerning the handling of personal data
5. Propose a partnership with the industry on cybersecurity

Maximising the growth potential of the digital economy

What will the Commission do?

1. Propose a ‘European free flow of data initiative’ to promote the free movement of data in the European Union
2. Define priorities for standards and interoperability in areas critical to the Digital Single Market
3. Support an inclusive digital society where citizens have the right skills to seize the opportunities of the Internet and boost their chances of getting a job

All these actions will be present on the agenda of the European Council meeting, on 25-26 June.

Fore more information, you can find the full text of the European Parliament report here.