Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) The European Commission welcomed agreement between the EU Parliament and EU Council on digitalisation plans.
In a statement released on Thursday, the EC pointed out that EU bodies agreed on the Path to the Digital Decade programme that sets up cooperation and monitoring mechanisms.
These mechanisms will help the EU to achieve targets set out in the 2030 Digital Compass, aiding in the planned digital transformation of the bloc.
Mrgrethe Vestager, European Commissioner for Competition, pointed out that “the Digital Decade is about making digital technology work for people and businesses… it is about enabling everyone to have the skills to participate in the digital society.”
She added that the plan will increase availability of and improve access to government services, stressing that the EU’s “digital transformation will give opportunities for everyone.”
Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for Internal Market, pointed out that the programme will open doors to more innovation and sustainability.
“Unlocking the potentials of the digital transformation, specifically by setting up and implementing multi-country projects, will pave the way for a competitive and sovereign Europe,” he added.
Breton concluded that the EU has to speed up its digital transition to make sure it is “ready for the challenges in an evolving and interconnected world.”
Plans to monitor the process
The Commission pointed out that it will set targets in cooperation with member states to monitor the process effectively.
“In turn, the member states shall propose national strategic roadmaps, outlining their national projected trajectories and actions to achieve the objectives and targets, including planned regulatory measures and investments,” the body added.
The EC announced plans to review the targets by 2026 to keep track of economic, technological and societal changes.
It stressed the importance of large projects for achieving targets, pointing out that such projects help EU member states to improve cooperation and pool resources.
The body noted that multi-country projects should include 5G deployment, connection of public administration, common data infrastructure and high-performance computing, among other.
The Commission pointed out that it is prepared to suggest multi-country projects and guide EU member states in development of such projects.
The body concluded that the agreement still needs to be approved formally before it comes into effect.
