MEPs Christel Schaldemose (S&D, Denmark) and Andreas Schwab (EPP, Germany), rapporteurs for the Digital Services Act (DSA) (see EUROPE 12787/12) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) (see EUROPE 12780/2) respectively, highlighted on Tuesday 14 September, on the eve of the State of the Union speech, the priorities for completing the digital package presented by the Commission on 15 December last.
“This is one of the priorities of the Commission’s mandate. I hope that the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will take stock and go further on Wednesday. We have to go digital”, Ms Schaldemose insisted.
The Danish MEP also reiterated her call not to downgrade “the security of citizens” when they move from ‘offline’ to ‘online’ (see EUROPE 12784/4). “We need safety for consumers. What is illegal ‘offline’ must also be illegal ‘online’”, she said.
Harmonisation of national rules
The two rapporteurs also recalled the need to find points of balance between the Commission’s position and that of the Member States, as well as the need to harmonise existing national rules.
“Some subjects are illegal in some countries and accepted in others. The issue of anonymity also arises. We think it is important that people say who they really are. But in some countries we are aware that those who criticise a government run a risk”, Ms Schaldemose said.
“The open market is a common goal with the Parliament and the Commission on the one hand and the Member States on the other. We must be modest. The Commission needs the States to move forward and in the other direction, on technical issues, we cannot leave them to decide alone. The key decisions must be taken by the Commission”, added Mr Schwab.
Agreement hoped for summer 2022
In addition to these points, the rapporteurs also returned to the importance of a clear definition of gatekeepers (see EUROPE 12745/17), with Mr Schwab taking the opportunity to call for greater control over mergers in the digital sector.
The issue of targeted advertising (see EUROPE 12784/3) and algorithms was also raised.
Finally, both parliamentarians expressed their ambition to see agreements on the DSA and the DMA by summer 2022. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)