Access Partnership’s EU briefing sessions in Brussels bring together a network of industry executives and political leaders to discuss the implications of upcoming EU digital policies. Our event in July 2024 emphasised the need for clarity and effective implementation to ensure a balanced approach for businesses and regulators.
The digital landscape in Europe is rapidly evolving, with significant legislation like the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) set to reshape the industry. These policies aim to enhance digital sovereignty, ensure fair competition, and protect consumers. However, their successful implementation requires a delicate balance.
Policymakers must provide clear guidelines to avoid confusion and compliance challenges for businesses. Effective implementation is crucial to achieve the intended benefits without stifling innovation. This balance is vital for fostering a secure, competitive digital environment that supports economic growth and consumer protection.
The DSA, for example, seeks to create a safer digital space where users’ fundamental rights are protected. It imposes stricter rules on how platforms moderate content, advertise, and handle user data. The DMA, on the other hand, aims to ensure fair competition by preventing large online platforms from abusing their market power. These legislative measures are designed to create a safer, fairer, and more transparent digital environment. However, the complexity and scope of these regulations present significant challenges for businesses, particularly smaller enterprises that may lack the resources to navigate new compliance requirements effectively.
Digital tech diffusion
Following her successful re-election on 18 July 2024, President Ursula von der Leyen outlined her vision for a “prosperous, competitive, and fair Europe”, with a significant emphasis on digital tech diffusion. Her European Prosperity Plan focuses on deepening the Single Market, reducing administrative burdens, and supporting innovative companies. This plan aims to make business easier, foster innovation, and ensure that digital transformation benefits all sectors of the economy.
Von der Leyen’s re-election with a stronger mandate indicates robust support for her digital and economic policies. Her approach to digital tech diffusion emphasises the need for Europe to become a global leader in frontier technologies, including AI, supercomputing, and quantum computing. She has highlighted the importance of a cohesive regulatory framework that ensures clarity and effective implementation of digital policies. This vision aligns with the need to balance regulatory measures with the flexibility required for businesses to innovate and grow.
Von der Leyen’s plan includes specific measures to enhance Europe’s digital capabilities, such as increasing investments in digital infrastructure, promoting the use of AI across various sectors, and ensuring robust cybersecurity measures. Her commitment to reducing bureaucratic hurdles and fostering a competitive business environment underscores the importance of clear and effective policy implementation. This approach aims to create a digital ecosystem that is not only innovative but also secure and fair for all stakeholders.
Amplifying industry voices
To effectively engage with policymakers, industry players should proactively participate in consultations and policy development processes. By providing valuable insights and feedback, businesses can help shape regulations that are practical and conducive to growth. Engaging in the policymaking process allows companies to highlight potential challenges and propose solutions that ensure regulations are both effective and manageable.
Building coalitions with other stakeholders, including trade associations and advocacy groups, can amplify industry voices and influence policy outcomes. These coalitions can represent a unified industry stance on key issues, making it easier to negotiate favourable regulatory terms. Additionally, leveraging public affairs expertise to navigate the legislative landscape and engage with key decision-makers is essential. Public affairs professionals can provide strategic advice on how to approach policymakers, present industry concerns, and advocate for favourable policy adjustments.
Industry players should also focus on continuous dialogue with regulators to ensure that the implementation of new policies considers the operational realities of businesses. This ongoing engagement can help prevent unintended consequences that might arise from well-intentioned but impractical regulatory measures. By working closely with policymakers, businesses can contribute to creating a regulatory environment that fosters innovation, ensures fair competition, and protects consumer interests.
Strategic foresight
As the EU’s digital policies take shape, tech companies must navigate this complex landscape with strategic foresight to ensure clarity and effective implementation. Access Partnership provides expert advice and support, helping businesses influence policy and secure a competitive advantage in Europe. To learn more, please contact Matthew McDermott at [email protected].
