Europe is at a crucial turning point: The upcoming European elections on 6-9 June 2024 are approaching and, in this context, the digital policy for the German electorate is of increasing importance. According to a recent eco survey involving around 2,500 citizens, digital issues could have a significant influence on voting decisions. Exactly 24 per cent of respondents consider the parties’ digital policy to be a decisive factor in their electoral preference. Network policy in particular is seen by many as a top priority. At the same time, the survey also reveals a clear signal: Most Germans see an urgent need for action with regard to digital transformation in Europe. Only 4.1 per cent currently consider the EU to be a leading nation in the field of digitalisation.
In view of the challenges ahead, such as the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of international conflicts, and advancing climate change, it is imperative that Europe acts collaboratively. Digitalisation not only offers solutions to these challenges, but also the opportunity to strengthen European security, sustainability and competitiveness.
It is time for the EU Member States to develop a common vision for Europe’s digital future: a vision that takes advantage of technological opportunities, offers companies in Europe a uniform digital regulatory framework, and at the same time ensures legal certainty.
On the occasion of the upcoming EU elections, eco – Association of the Internet Industry has published the agenda for the Digital Policy for Europe 2024 – 2029. In a total of eight fields of action, the association formulates the industry’s key demands for European digital policy in the coming legislative term.
From eco’s perspective, the upcoming European elections offer great opportunities to set the course for Europe’s digital future. It is up to all of us to seize these opportunities and work together to pave a path that not only makes Europe safer and more competitive, but also makes it fit for the future for future generations.
In this newsletter edition we also report on 75 Years of the German Basic Law, the AI ​​Act and the eco Alliance on the German Energy Efficiency Act Amendment Bill, which calls for the German federal government to now prioritise implementability.
An exciting read!
