Spotlight on the European Digital Single Market

November - EU publications - Publications Office of the EU

Spotlight on the European Digital Single Market

In a rapidly evolving digital age, the European Union aims to foster a thriving digital single market, eliminating barriers in the free flow of data and digital services across its Member States. The recent introduction of the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act is a substantial leap forward. The Digital Services Act outlines the obligations and accountability of intermediaries across the single market to ensure robust user protection. It suggests rules on platform content moderation, advertising, algorithmic processes and risk mitigation, aiming to hold platforms, accountable for their actions and the systemic risks they present. The Digital Markets Act strives to ensure that large online platforms, serving as 'gatekeepers' in digital markets, operate fairly. Both acts are pivotal in creating a safer and more transparent digital space, safeguarding consumers and their fundamental rights.

Overall, the Digital Single Market strategy ̶ initiated by the European Commission in 2015 and building upon earlier foundations such as the e-Commerce directive - addresses the dynamic needs of citizens, businesses and the wider EU economy. It has been projected that a fully functional digital market could bolster the EU's economy by up to €415 billion annually.

For citizens, the strategy promises easier access to digital services and goods across Europe, with enhanced consumer protection and data privacy. Businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, stand to benefit from a level playing field, fostering their growth and expansion. Besides the two mentioned acts, other notable milestones since the inception of the strategy include the end of roaming surcharges, modernised data protection, cross-border portability of online content and the initiative to boost e-commerce by halting unjustified geo-blocking.

The EU's journey towards a unified digital market showcases its proactive engagement with the digital transformation that is redefining the global landscape. It embodies a strategic approach to ensure the wider dissemination of digital dividends for all, aiming for a more inclusive and prosperous Europe.

Our November newsletter shines a spotlight on the European Digital Single Market, along with other interesting topics, from digitalisation in a wider sense to the issue of brain drain. Enjoy the good reads! (...)