Digital transformation is one of the main challenges of this decade and one of Europe's top priorities. Over the past few years, the European Union has made significant advancements, proposing various legislations to strengthen Europe's capacities in new digital technologies, regulate online platforms and artificial intelligence, and open new opportunities for businesses and consumers, guaranteeing that Europeans are equally protected online and offline.
The Socialists and Democrats have been at the forefront of this transition, leading key files to the finish line, such as the Digital Services Act, the common charger, the AI Act, and the new rules on platform workers. As progressives, we played a crucial role in shaping the digital policies in Europe and ensuring that the digital transformation doesn't become a world of winners and losers but works for all and not for the few.
Despite all the achievements, 50 per cent of Europeans still feel their digital rights are not protected in Europe. To this end, we first need to reach our Digital Decade 2030 goals, and we are not there yet. We also need enforcement, enforcement and more enforcement in sync with the proper implementation of all the new rules to help consumers and businesses enjoy the rights and protections the European laws grant them.
50 per cent of Europeans still feel their digital rights are not protected
Second, Europe needs to continue being the global leader in digital policymaking, ensuring that future digital policies tackle discriminatory practices, addictive design of online services, biased algorithms, commercial surveillance, the exploitation of vulnerable groups, and the surge in online scams and payment fraud. For the next mandate, the European Commission should urgently update the current consumers' rights after it finalises the ongoing fitness check on digital fairness of EU consumer law.
Looking to the future, the wins achieved from the last five years and the emerging uses of technologies such as ChatGPT, the next Commission should build on the current advancements and continue its work and regulatory progress in the areas of quantum and edge computing, gigabit and 5G network deployments and connectivity, the metaverse, the virtual worlds initiative, including virtual and augmented reality, and artificial intelligence (AI) wearables, blockchain and nanotechnology "editing" nature.
When it comes to AI technologies, we need to continue with our work to ensure the effective regulation of AI with the 'human in control' principle is incorporated into EU law. The AI Act set the stage for a directive on AI systems in the workplace, but more is needed. Therefore, the next step must be for Europe to bring specific protections for people in their workplaces. We must also look into the ever more pressing issues, such as creative works and IP protection, AI liability, and an AI innovation package to support AI start-ups and SMEs.
Another area to advance is the social and regional digital divide by tackling education and digital literacy, the inclusiveness and accessibility of digital technologies, and ensuring access to quality high-speed internet. More investments are needed in digital infrastructure, diverse digital equipment, connectivity, interoperable software, and tools that are accessible to all, including people living in remote areas and those with disadvantaged backgrounds.
Last but not least, when it comes to European competitiveness and fostering European digital champions, entrepreneurs and innovators, we must create the right environment where it is easy to find financing, investment and predictability. There is still more work to deliver the digital single market supported by future-oriented regulatory policies that acknowledge and contain the risks and harvest the benefits of the digital transition in Europe.
For the next few years, building on the progress made so far, the EU will continue prioritising digital policy for an inclusive digital Europe, leaving nobody behind.