The European Parliament, Member States and the European Commission have reached a deal on the Electronic Freight Transport Information (EFTI) proposal late yesterday. The new law will speed up the digitalisation of the transport of goods by creating an e-platform where businesses and authorities can digitally exchange information on road operations. “We laid down the foundations…
Digital Market
AI Needs Human Face
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is adopting a firm stance on artificial intelligence and has insisted, at a high-level conference held in Helsinki on 21 November that the digital revolution must have a human face, be inclusive and bring benefits for all Europeans. Artificial intelligence and the digital transformation must be inclusive and…
Taxing Digital Business
EU finance ministers are set to discuss the state of play of their work on digital taxation and the ongoing reforms in the framework of the G20 and OECD. These international reform efforts aim to regulate where and how much taxes companies pay, thereby bringing tax laws into the digital age, limiting tax competition and ensuring…
Thierry Breton’s Nomination Supported by EPP
France’s choice for its next commissioner has won the support of the EPP group. “Thierry Breton showed himself to be a very experienced person who possesses both knowledge of the content and the managerial skills to take up the position as Commissioner for the Internal Market. He has the green light from us”, said Christian Ehler MEP,…
European Cyber Security Month
October marks the kick-off of the European Cyber security month coordinated by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), the European Commission and supported by the Member States. This campaign will focus on expanding awareness about cybersecurity to citizens across Europe. The 2019 campaign focuses on different themes addressing the need for behavioural change and…
Nobel Laureates urge Commission to include photonics partnership or risk jobs
Three leading European Nobel Laureates from France and Germany have warned that failure to include a dedicated photonics programme in the EU’s next Horizon programme will jeopardise all long-term technology capability and capacity, essential in powering the future European digital economy. “Failure to do so will jeopardise Europe’s deep tech capability, its digital ambitions and…
Anniversary of EU Data Protection Rules
The controversial General Data Protection Regulation celebrates today (25th May) its first year of entry into application. To mark the occasion, Andrus Ansip, Vice-President for the Digital Single Market and Věra Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, issued a statement. Andrus Ansip said, “25 May marks the anniversary of Europe’s new data protection rules, the…
Sanctions to be Applied Against Cyber Attackers
Cyber attackers around the world could now face EU sanctions, thanks to a new regime pushed for by the UK and its partners. The new sanctions regime, which was signed off this week in Brussels, sends a clear message to hostile actors everywhere that the UK, and the EU, will impose tough consequences for cyber-attacks….
Copyright Directive will make Internet Ready for the Future
Developers of creative content and news publishers will be empowered to negotiate with internet giants thanks to new copyright rules which also contain safeguards on freedom of expression. MEPs adopted the directive in plenary by 348 votes in favour, 274 against and 36 abstentions. This marks the end of the legislative process for the European…
Strengthening EU Cybersecurity
Multiple challenges in strengthening EU cybersecurity remain despite the progress made, according to a new Briefing Paper from the European Court of Auditors. As the risk of falling victim to cybercrime or a cyberattack increases, it is essential to build resilience through strengthening governance, raising skills and awareness, and improving coordination, say the auditors. They…