Brussels, 18/12/2014 (Agence Europe) - In its 2015 work programme, the European Commission gives pride of place to the digital economy. It is committed to presenting new texts before the end of the first quarter of 2015 to help complete the digital single market.
The European Commission vice-president in charge of this dossier, Andrus Ansip, gave an insight into the guidelines he would like to provide for this policy, in Riga on 11 December (EUROPE 11216). As part of a Blog Post, Ansip explained that, “In 2015, we will set out a long-term strategy for the years ahead” . In this perspective, he confirmed that modernisation of copyright rules will be at the core of the work. He stated that they wanted to make their copyright rules “fit and relevant for the Digital Single Market so that everyone, citizens and businesses, has online access to digital services”. He also underlined the dynamism of the cultural and creative industries.
The vice-president will also be prioritising: 1) the simplification of rules for online purchases; 2) the adoption of measures developing e-commerce, with emphasis on small businesses; 3) strengthening cyber security; 4) extending the digital elements to all European policies. Andrus Ansip also wants to conclude negotiations as early as possible on data protection and is urging the Council and European Parliament to begin negotiations as soon as possible on the Connected Continent package negotiations (the Council of Ministers has still not adopted a position, Ed). In 2015, the Commission will also propose a programme of legislative and nonlegislative measures, based on key principles such as trust, breaking down restrictions and guaranteeing data access.
On 24 February 2015, the Commission will organise a forum in Brussels on digital matters for all stakeholders, as a means to discuss the priorities mentioned above. This forum will be chaired by Andrus Asip and the European Commissioner for the Digital Economy, Günther Oettinger. They will provide a detailed explanation to the 400 or so participants about the Commission's priorities and plans. They will also hear the different ideas from participants for continuing this reflection process afterwards. Ansip explained, “the idea is to extend the vision that each of us has about the digital Europe of the future”. Commission experts will travel to the 28 member states to meet those in charge of digital policy and discuss and exchange ideas with them. Ansip will organise a twitter discussion over the next few months “in a spirit of transparency and commitment” in an effort to sound out opinions among interested citizens. (IL)