A Europe fit for the digital age

EU

The new President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has stated that one of her overarching ambitions for the upcoming mandate is a Europe fit for the digital age. In her programme statement, she said that she wants Europe to become more ambitious by seizing the opportunities of the digital age.

Ursula von der Leyen mentions common standards for 5G networks. Standards for the new generation of technologies that will become the global norm. In the program statement, Ursula von der Leyen also mentions an EU strategy for AI and an action plan for digital education, among many other things.

The new Commission and digital issues

Ursula von der Leyen has now also presented the proposed responsibilities of the Commissioners-designate. In the digital field, there will be a number of commissioners and directorates-general with different responsibilities to keep track of. The overall responsibility for Europe Fit for the Digital Age is proposed to be held by Danish Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who is also proposed to be given the title of Executive Vice-President. She is also proposed to retain her responsibility for competition issues, supported by DG COMP.

French Commissioner Sylvie Goulard is proposed to be in charge of single market issues including the digital single market and industrial policy. She will work on an action plan for digital education and on cybersecurity. She will be supported by several directorates-general, including DG CNECT (Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology).

Responsibility for the digitization of the Commission and DG DIGIT is proposed to be given to the Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Johannes Hahn, while former Commissioner for Digital Affairs, Mariya Gabriels, is proposed to be responsible for the area of innovation and youth.

The process of formally appointing the new Commission continues. Next, the Commissioners-designate will be questioned in European Parliament committees. In October, the Parliament will vote to approve the Commission as a whole. If approved, it can take office on November 1.

More information

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/interim_sv

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/sites/beta-political/files/commissioners-designate-vdl_sv.pdf
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/sites/beta-political/files/allocation-portfolios-supporting-services_en.pdf