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Open consultation and discussion in Europe’s Digital Decade

On the 12th of May, the Commission launched a public consultation on the formulation of a set of principles to promote and uphold EU values in the digital space. Through this consultation that will be open until the 2nd of September, citizens, non-governmental and civil society organisations, businesses, administrations and all interested parties will be able to give their point of views in this field.

The launch of the public consultation followed after the Communication: “Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade“, published on the 9th of March by the Commission. Through the Communication, the EC proposed a set of digital principles that complement existing rights that already protect and empower Europeans, covering areas such as access to internet services, to a secure and trusted online environment, to digital health services and to human-centric digital public services and administration. Through this, the intention is that everyone who is interested could share their points of view about this new area, about ethical principles for human centric algorithms, the protection and empowerment of children and young people in the online space or digital systems and devices that respect the environment. 

 

It is important to mention the statement by Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe fit for the Digital Age, who said that: “A fair and secure digital environment that offers opportunities for all. That is our commitment. The digital principles will guide this European human-centered approach to digital and should be the reference for future action in all areas. That's why we want to hear from EU citizens.”  

 

Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said: “This is Europe's Digital Decade and everyone should be empowered to benefit from digital solutions to connect, explore, work and fulfil one's ambitions, online as offline. We want to set together the digital principles on which a resilient digital economy and society will be built.” 

 

Both the consultation and the Communication are related to the recent proposal on Artificial Intelligence which aims to turn Europe into a global hub for trustworthy Artificial Intelligence, guaranteeing the safety and fundamental rights of people and businesses, while strengthening AI uptake, investment and innovation across the EU. 

 

Through contributions that the EC will gather from the consultation, the Commission for a joint inter-institutional declaration on Digital Principles of the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission will launch a proposal which is expected by the end of 2021. 

 

You can find further information here. Should you need some help or more information on this topic, please contact our colleague Julia COLOMER