The MEP, Andreas Schwab (EPP, Germany), briefed members of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, on Tuesday 25 January, on the progress of the interinstitutional negotiations (‘trilogues’ with the EU Council on the Digital Markets Act (DMA) (see EUROPE 12854/21).
“There was a first trilogue on 11 January. We have had high-level discussions but we have not gone into any detail”, said Mr Schwab.
Nevertheless, he insisted, negotiations will be successful if there is mutual trust. “Some things may have been reported in the press. This is not a concern for us, but the EU Council is a bit more fussy and we will have to work on the basis of a certain confidentiality”, he added.
In addition, there are a number of issues that will require particular attention from the European Parliament negotiators. “We have to follow very closely the changes in the scope and control of mergers, as well as the issue of system interoperability”, said Andreas Schwab.
The rapporteur also reiterated his ambition to reach an agreement by the end of April, while stressing that it is difficult to set dates for future trilogues due to the number of people who need to take part. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)