Today, the Competitiveness Council will convene to discuss the regulations on the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These two legislative initiatives are part of the Digital Services Act package, which was proposed by the European Commission to create a safer digital space for citizens and businesses. The ministers are expected to agree on a general approach with the two proposals. 

The DSA ensures a safe and accountable online environment through the implementation of rules that foster innovation, growth and competitiveness. Citizens take centre stage, as the responsibilities of users, platforms and public authorities are rebalanced according to European values. This act aims to better protect consumers and their fundamental rights online and to establish a powerful transparency and a clear accountability framework for online platforms. The DMA ensures fair and open digital markets. Through this act, large online platforms would be defined as “gatekeepers”, which would enable the DMA to set the rules on what these platforms will be allowed to do and not to do in the EU. Hence, the benefits range from a fairer business environment to more opportunities to compete for innovators and technology start-ups. 

The Digital Services Act package is embedded in a bigger framework of EU policies aiming to shape the digital transformation in Europe. Besides digital services, other key policy areas of the EU digital strategy are: data economy, digital taxation, artificial intelligence, connectivity, cybersecurity, European digital identification (e-ID) and the digitalisation of justice. Striving to set specific digital targets and milestones to be reached by 2030, the European Commission initiated the Digital Compass strategy proposal, which puts digital skills and education at the forefront and is structured around four areas: skills, business, government and infrastructure.

Key Texts

Council of the EU: A digital future for Europe

European Commission: The Digital Services Act package

European Parliament: Report on shaping the digital future in Europe

Upcoming Dates

30 November 2021: European Parliament’s ITRE Committee Meeting

1 December 2022: European Commission’s College Meeting

European Movement International position

As outlined in our new policy position on Digital Sovereignty and Citizens’ Rights, effective regulation on digital policy should guarantee consumers’ fundamental rights and environmental standards as well as promote fair competition and innovation. With particular regard to the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act, the European Movement International calls on clear and precise guidelines in which actors can operate effectively and with legal certainty.

The EMI further advocates for an independent EU authority, such as a pan-European supervisory structure, that could monitor practices and enforce regulations on a fair and scaled basis to limit the market power of big corporations without suppressing the rest of Europe’s digital sector. Digital education and literacy must be enhanced and receive investments, while ensuring accessibility for all citizens. The EU must optimise the digital transition to improve environmental standards and foster long-term sustainability.