Brussels, 29/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 28 January, the Vice President at the European Commission, responsible for the Digital Single Market, Andrus Ansip, took part in a reception at the European Parliament, organised as part of the launch of the Intergroup for the Digital Agenda for Europe, which was set up in the middle of last December. Ansip alluded to the ongoing work with the European Commission on the Digital Agenda and pointed out “Europeans already enjoy a good deal of online competition, convenience and choice. But they could enjoy so much more. There's a whole list of problem areas to sort out. I really value your support”.
This inter-parliamentary group consists of 70 MEPs involved in the digital agenda. It is headed by Michal Boni (EPP), Josef Weidenholzer (S&D), Marietje Schaake (ALDE) and Julia Reda (Greens/EFA) and aims to play a proactive role to ensure the adoption of smart policies. It is also concerned about the protection of personal data and seeks to improve citizens' knowledge about the way new technologies function and their impact. MEPs will also carry out their work by taking into account the intersectoral nature of digital subjects, which impact in all areas of the European economy and policy. By way of the different events and exchanges of views that it will be organising, the inter-Parliamentary group will attempt to provide clarification to European policies and subsequently make them smarter and more in keeping with the actual situation, while supporting the European Commission in its work. This work is expected to produce new digital single market orientations this May. Michal Boni explained “If we want to avoid any drift in Europe, we must use and develop all digital forces. This will begin with a serious debate with all stakeholders and thinking in a holistic way, as well as speeding up implementation of the digital single market”. (IL)