Over recent legislative periods, the European Union has emerged as a leading force in regulating technology and protecting private data. However, as we look forward, it’s crucial that the EU not only sets these regulations but also ensures their effective implementation and enforcement.
This article highlights the key areas where the EU needs to focus to truly create a value-driven technological ecosystem and a distinctive European digital model.
The Importance of Enforcement
The EU has crafted some of the world’s most comprehensive regulations on technology and data privacy. But having rules on paper is just the beginning. To make a real impact:
- Active Enforcement: Regulations must be actively enforced to be effective. This means regular monitoring and imposing penalties for non-compliance.
- Clear Guidelines: Businesses and organizations need clear, accessible guidelines to understand and implement these regulations correctly.
Investing in Digital Public Infrastructure
Relying on private infrastructure for essential services poses significant risks. Instead, the EU should invest in robust digital public infrastructure to ensure security and autonomy. Key steps include:
- Funding Public Projects: Allocate resources to develop and maintain public digital services.
- Enhancing Cybersecurity: Protect these infrastructures from cyber threats with advanced security measures.
Building Capacity for Data Use and Sharing
To foster a European digital model, we need to prioritize how we use and share data. This involves:
- Promoting Interoperability: Ensure different systems and organizations can work together seamlessly.
- Aligning with European Values: Use data in ways that respect privacy and avoid harmful extraction practices common in surveillance capitalism.
Insights from Policy Experts
These insights come from extensive discussions with digital policy experts at FEPS in September 2023 and a conference in the European Parliament in December 2023, titled “Shaping Europe’s Digital Model.” Over 30 speakers contributed their expertise, emphasizing:
- The Need for a Coherent Strategy: Experts agree that a unified approach is necessary to advance Europe’s digital agenda.
- Learning from Others: Europe can benefit from studying digital policies and practices worldwide, adapting the best elements to fit European values and needs.
Conclusion
The EU has made significant strides as a regulatory power in the digital realm. Now, the focus must shift to ensuring these regulations are effectively enforced and supported by strong public infrastructure. By building capacity for data use and sharing, aligned with European values, we can create a sustainable and value-led technological ecosystem.
The discussions and inputs from policy experts underline the importance of a coherent and strategic approach to shaping Europe’s digital future. Investing in our digital public infrastructure and promoting interoperability are critical steps in this journey.
