Today’s decision by the British Parliament has once again delayed Britain’s withdrawal agreement with the EU.
eco – Association of the Internet Industry also sees an opportunity here – namely, that legislators on both sides of the English Channel have gained more time to come up with relevant deals in the areas of data flow, business processes, and the regulation of contracts. Regulation of these areas is of central importance to the digital industry’s ability to continue to work effectively.
“The European institutions must use the newly acquired time productively in order to find timely and practicable solutions which would allow for the continued legally-compliant international transfer of data. European and European-based international companies in the digital industry urgently need legal security and a reliable basis for the seamless continuation of their business models and business processes,” says Oliver Süme, Chair of the eco Association.
The arduous earlier negotiations with the USA on the Privacy Shield Agreement provide some insight into the type of negotiation marathon Europe might now be heading into with England. With today’s decision, an unregulated Brexit has become increasingly likely. The English government and the Parliament are urged to avoid uncertainty and chaos: “Brexit brings with it enormous legal uncertainties for companies, not to mention foreseeable declines in revenues. The decision in favor of Brexit is essentially a serious setback on the path taken by the EU towards a unified digital single market. A fragmented European market lacks all competitiveness in comparison with countries like the USA,” says Süme.
