The Member States of the European Union discussed the ‘Digital Compass’ for 2030 at the Telecommunications Council on Friday 4 June. This aims to chart the way forward for the European Union’s digital future, in line with the Commission’s specific Communication from March (see EUROPE 12674/13).
Member States welcomed the work of the Portuguese Presidency of the EU Council on the subject, and welcomed the Digital Compass plans for the next decade. However, the ministers in Luxembourg also made a number of recommendations for key actions.
“We need to strengthen our efforts and it is essential to support training, culture and digital talents for all European citizens”, said France.
A point supported by several countries, which also highlighted that the digital transition should also respect environmental objectives.
In addition, a number of Member States noted that the targets set by the Digital Compass should not further exclude those parts of the European population that have no or limited access to digital services.
“It would be a real failure if the digital revolution widened the divide. We must first of all think about this and retain face to face services for those who do not have access to digital”, stressed Belgium.
The issues of 5G and AI remain at the heart of most Member States’ concerns. They confirm and welcome the Commission’s approach, which places European values and fundamental rights at the centre of the process.
Finally, several Member States, such as France, stressed the need to “ensure that the DSA, DMA, and DGA regulations facilitate innovation and do not create barriers to business”.
See the document ‘Digital Compass 2030 “How to chart the way towards the EU’s digital future?”’, https://bit.ly/2SYjWbI (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)