During its plenary session on Wednesday 5 July, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) voted on the opinion submitted by Tellervo Kylä-Harakka-Ruonala on the, “Implications of the digitalisation and robotisation of transport for EU policy-making".
Based on the observation that digitalisation and robotisation in the transport sector can, “provide society with several potential benefits”, the report also takes into account the concerns resulting from this transformation, such as the impact on respect for private life or jobs. In a backdrop to the vote on the text, the rapporteur for the text explained to EUROPE the different problem areas identified in this opinion. According to Ms Kylä-Harakka-Ruonala, "We have to look at digitalisation and robotisation from several perspectives: business, jobs, citizens, environment. Digitalisation and robotisation are global issues. It is transversal and all the parts of the society will experiment that change. Transport is no exception with this regard".
In an effort to take full advantage of the technological progress made in the transport sector, the report makes a number of recommendations to the European institutions and member states. Tellervo Kylä-Harakka-Ruonala therefore highlights the need to invest in cutting-edge digital infrastructure, which she said requires the mobilisation of the Union’s financial instruments. She also said that the "the EU should strive to be the forerunner" for interoperability as a means of promoting cross-border connectivity.
The report explains that digitalisation and robotisation provide an opportunity to reap the rewards of a competitive edge with regard to the rest of the world and it supports the "introduction of new kinds of business models" based on European digital platforms. Although the economic opportunities are apparent, Ms Kylä-Harakka-Ruonala does not ignore concerns about employment and highlights the fact that "some of the jobs may be replaced" in the transport domain. This is why she is calling for a social dialogue and adapting training and education to new technologies.
The EESC subsequently identifies the societal challenges created by digitalisation and robotisation in the transport arena. It is therefore calling for the protection of private life and citizens’ data and also prioritises cybersecurity. Finally, the report also highlights the fact that the development of new technologies should be accompanied by environmental protection. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)