Just 10 days after the election of a new European Parliament, POLITICO, in partnership with the GSMA, hosted an insightful event titled “After the Elections: What’s Next for Europe’s Digital Agenda” with re-elected MEPs. This event came at a critical juncture for Europe, with the recent EU elections setting the stage for new legislative priorities and policies. The discussion highlighted the future of Europe’s digital agenda and the necessary steps to ensure the continent remains at the forefront of technological innovation and competitiveness.
New EU Parliament mandate at a critical moment
In his opening keynote, John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer of GSMA, underscored the urgency of the debate. The commencement of the new EU Parliament mandate is happening at a pivotal moment for Europe, driven by geopolitical dynamics, increased polarization, trade barriers, and conflicts. The global tech race is intensifying, with cutting-edge digital networks, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence becoming critical determinants of economic security and competitiveness. Europe’s position in this race will significantly impact its future prosperity and influence on the global stage, making this debate a matter of utmost importance.
Despite being an early leader in mobile connectivity, Europe now faces the challenge of radical reform to secure the necessary investments for next-generation networks. The continent needs to take bold and decisive steps to reclaim its leadership in digital technology and innovation. This involves policy changes that foster an environment for substantial investments from both public and private sectors, underlining the urgency and necessity of these actions.
Digital infrastructure key to Europe’s digital agenda
In the following panel discussion, three prominent re-elected MEPs—Andreas Schwab (EPP, Germany), Anna Cavazzini (Greens/EFA, Germany), and Sandro Gozi (Renew Europe, France)—acknowledged the strategic importance of the telecom industry for building a more competitive, inclusive, and green Europe and as a foundational pillar for the continent’s economic and social infrastructure.
Andreas Schwab raised the need to enhance the resilience of Europe’s telecom networks. This resilience is vital to withstand future challenges and ensure uninterrupted services. However, he stressed that the approach to achieving this should not involve protectionism. Instead, it should focus on attracting more investment into the sector while maintaining an open and competitive market. He also called for creating a fully integrated digital single market and removing country-specific license fees that hinder cross-border operations. For Europe to fully harness the benefits of digital technology, mobile operators must be able to reach consumers across borders seamlessly. Such integration will enhance efficiency and provide consumers with better services.
For Sandro Gozi, competitiveness must be a top priority for the new parliament. Pro-business policies that foster innovation and growth are essential. This includes ensuring a balanced mix of public and private investments and that investors can see a return. Addressing implementation and investment challenges will be vital to moving forward. He also stressed the need to improve digital education and literacy for children and parents, ensuring they can navigate the digital world safely and effectively. He added that promoting best practices in cybersecurity across the union is also essential to protect the integrity of digital infrastructures.
Anna Cavazzini highlighted the need for more progress in linking digital with climate policy. Digital infrastructure can significantly contribute to sustainability goals by enabling the “greening” of other sectors. However, a clear political framework is needed to create a level playing field and help companies with their digital and sustainability policies. She also called for more progress in tackling targeted advertising and addictive social media algorithms.
The event underscored that Europe stands at a crossroads in its digital journey. The decisions made by the new EU Parliament will have far-reaching implications for the continent’s technological landscape. By focusing on strategic investments, fostering innovation, and integrating digital policies with broader economic, social and environmental goals, Europe can reclaim its leadership position in the digital world.