Brussels – The Computer & Communications Industry Association welcomes the European Parliament approval today of the new European Commission team, which will take up office on 1st November.
The digital portfolio will be shared by Vice-President for the Digital Single Market, Andrus Ansip, and the Commissioner for Digital Economy & Society, Günther Oettinger.
The following can be attributed to James Waterworth, Vice President, CCIA Europe:
“This experienced duo has the historic opportunity to ensure that Europe embraces the Internet as a tool to modernize Europe’s industrial, social and democratic fabric. Their main challenge will be to address legitimate consumer concerns while enabling Europe to become a digital leader globally.
“In his speech before today’s vote, President Juncker stressed that Europe is losing out on jobs and economic opportunities by not unlocking the potential of its huge digital single market. It is encouraging that digital will now get top priority. EU-wide rules for the digital economy could boost the EU’s GDP 4 percent according to the European Policy Centre. Europe has the talent to lead in this area. Policy makers need to set this talent free.”
For more information on Europe’s digital opportunities, please see our report.