THE EUROPEAN DIGITAL AGENDA & COMPETITIVE FRAMEWORK: SESSION WITH MARGRETHE VESTAGER

The need for Europe to find its own path becomes more and more essential. This was the context of Executive Vice President of the European Commission Margrethe Vestager’s address, “The European Digital Agenda and Competitive Framework,” during the enlightED 2022 conference held on November 17.

Vestager shared her views on the evolution of technology, climate change and the need to build societies that foster accountability, highlighting:

• With regard to AI, the aim is to regulate the use of technology to ensure no bias and give small businesses a fair chance.

• The groundbreaking Digital Services Act is safe for both EU democracy and its citizens.

• There is need to find a balance between enabling freedom of expression and ensuring that illegal activities, such as hate speech, are promptly taken down.

Taking questions on the European digital agenda, Vestager concluded with five key takeaways:

1. Asymmetrical legislation is essential for European competitiveness, leveling the playing field for small and big businesses alike.

2. Foster better conversations with Big Tech to broaden these relations to ensure technology is used in a way that enables human rights, not disables them.

3. Neutrality makes Europe an attractive place to do business.

4. The Digital Markets Act will create a harmonizing effect, with national competition authorities playing a key role in its implementation.

5. Competition leads to industries adopting essential standards, therefore providing a framework for innovation.