REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the 2030 Policy Programme “Path to the Digital Decade”

23.5.2022 - (COM(2021)0574 – C9‑0359/2021 – 2021/0293(COD)) - ***I

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
Rapporteur: Martina Dlabajová

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the 2030 Policy Programme “Path to the Digital Decade”

(COM(2021)0574 – C9‑0359/2021 – 2021/0293(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2021)0574),

– having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 173(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C9‑0359/2021),

– having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

– having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee[1],

– having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the opinions of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the Committee on Culture and Education,

– having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A9-0159/2022),

1. Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

2. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;

3. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

 

Amendment  1

AMENDMENTS BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT[*]

to the Commission proposal

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2021/0293 (COD)

Proposal for a

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

establishing the 2030 Policy Programme “Path to the Digital Decade”

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 173(3) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee[2],

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions[3],

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure[4],

Whereas:

(1) In its Communication “2030 Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade” of 9 March 2021[5] (“Digital Compass Communication”) the Commission laid out its vision for 2030 to empower citizens and businesses through the digital transition. The Union way for the digital transformation of economy and society should encompass digital open strategic autonomy, global leadership, accessibility, inclusion, equality, sustainability, resilience, security, improving the quality of life, the availability of services and respect of citizens’ rights and aspirations and should contribute to a dynamic, resource efficient, and fair economy and society in the Union.

(2) In its statement of 25 March 2021, the European Council considered the Digital Compass Communication as a step towards charting Europe’s digital development for the next decade and confirmed the vision there set, including the idea of a Policy Programme with a robust governance structure and a framework to facilitate the implementation of multi-country projects that are necessary for Europe’s digital transition in critical areas. It also invited the Commission to widen the European Union’s policy toolbox for digital transformation, both at the European Union and national level, and to use all available instruments from industrial, trade and competition policy, skills and education, research and innovation policy and long-term funding instruments to facilitate the digital transformation.

(2a) The 2030 Policy Programme “Path to the Digital Decade” should contribute to achieving the goals of the European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles for the Digital Decade (Signed XXXX), which puts people at the centre of the digital transformation.

(3) As outlined in the Commission’s Communication updating the 2020 new industrial strategy[6], it is necessary for the European Union to identify systems of critical technologies and strategic sectors, to address strategic weaknesses and high-risk dependencies which could lead to supply shortages or cybersecurity risks, and to foster digital transition. This underlines the importance for Member States to join forces and to support industry’s efforts to address these dependencies and to develop strategic capacity needs. This also responds to the analysis in the 2021 Strategic Foresight Report[7]. In the framework of the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the preparation of national recovery and resilience plans, the Commission encouraged Member States to coordinate their efforts in favour of Multi-Country Projects in the digital area. This experience highlighted the need for the Commission to support coordination efforts by Member States, and for the Union to dispose of implementation mechanisms that facilitate joint investments, in order for Multi-Country Projects to materialise. In conjunction with other Commission’s initiatives such as the Observatory for Critical Technologies[8], a governance structure implementing the Digital Compass Communication should be established and should help to identify the Union’s current and possible future digital strategic dependencies and contribute to strengthening its digital open strategic autonomy.

(4) The Commission’s Communication on the European Green Deal[9] emphasised that Europe should leverage the potential of the digital transformation, which is a key enabler for reaching the Green Deal objectives. The Union should promote and invest in the necessary digital transformation as digital technologies are a critical enabler for attaining the sustainability goals of the European Green Deal, the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in many different sectors. Digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G, 6G, blockchain, cloud and edge computing and the internet of things should accelerate and maximise the impact of policies to deal with climate change and protect the environment. This means that digital technologies and electronics need to become sustainable over their entire life cycle, including products, production processes, necessary infrastructures and waste management. Together with satellite navigation and localisation, digitalisation also presents new opportunities for distance monitoring of air and water pollution, and for monitoring and optimising how energy and natural resources are used. Europe needs a digital sector that puts sustainability at its heart, ensuring that digital infrastructures and technologies become verifiably more sustainable, renewable and energy- and resource efficient, and contribute to a sustainable circular and climate-neutral economy and society in line with the European Green Deal. The twin digital and green transitions should not replace reliance on fossil fuels with reliance on critical raw materials.

(4a) Policies and investments on digital infrastructure should also aim to ensure inclusive connectivity, with available and affordable Internet access, in order to close the digital divide across the Union with special attention to the territorial divide.

(5) The measures envisaged in the Digital Compass Communication should be implemented, to intensify actions defined in the strategy for Shaping Europe’s digital future, and building on existing Union instruments (such as Cohesion programmes, the Technical Support Instrument, Regulation (EU) 2021/694 of the European Parliament and of the Council[10], Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council[11] and Regulation (EU) 2021/523 of the European Parliament and of the Council[12]), Regulation (EU) 2021/690 of the European Parliament and of the Council[13] and Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 of the European Parliament and of the Council[14] and on the funds allocated for digital transition of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council[15]. By this Decision, a Policy Programme “Path to the Digital Decade” should therefore be established in order to achieve, accelerate and shape a successful digital transformation of the Union’s economy and society.

(5a) The European Pillar of Social Rights enshrines the right to access essential services of good quality, including digital communications as well as the right to quality and inclusive education, training and life-long learning.

(6) In order to follow the trajectory of the Union regarding the pace of digital transformation, digital targets should be established. These targets should be linked to concrete areas, where progress should collectively be made within the Union. The targets follow the four cardinal points identified in the Digital Compass Communication, identified as the essential areas for the digital transformation of the Union: digital skills, digital infrastructures, digitalisation of businesses and of public services.

(7) Digital skills, basic and advanced, are essential to reinforce the collective resilience of the Union’s society, to reverse the brain drain and to enhance the Union’s attractiveness for high-skilled professionals. According to the Commission’s annual report on European SMEs 2020/2021 of July 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic has positively accelerated the deployment of digital solution for business operations, and has increased the availability of e-government services available to citizens and businesses. However, severe gaps persist in the Union between the required number of professionals who have acquired advanced digital skills and their availability on the Union labour market. The Commission’s Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) 2021 states that even before the pandemic, Union businesses, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), struggled to find ICT professionals in sufficient numbers. Digitally empowered and capable citizens will be able to take advantage of the opportunities of the Digital Decade. To pursue that aim, there should be a focus on education to ensure that teachers and the education community as a whole are adequately trained, skilled and equipped to use technology effectively in their teaching methods and to teach digital technologies. Moreover, digital training and education should support the upskilling and reskilling as well as life-long learning of the active population in order to ensure that full advantage is taken of the opportunities of the digitisation of industry and services and students should, simultaneously, be better equipped to enter the labour market in the short and longer term. The non-formal digital training provided by employers in the form of learning-by-doing should also be encouraged. Education and training will bring concrete career incentives to eliminate and avoid gender divides..

(7a) An essential enabler for taking advantage of the benefits of digitisation, for further technological developments and for the Union’s digital leadership is a sustainable digital infrastructure for connectivity, microelectronics and the ability to process big data. In line with the Commission’s communication of 30 June 2021 on A long-term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas - Towards stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous rural areas by 2040, reliable, fast and secure connectivity for everybody and everywhere in the Union, including in rural and remote areas, such as islands, mountainous and sparsely populated as well as outermost regions, is needed. Societal needs for upload and download bandwidth are constantly growing. By 2030, networks with gigabit speeds should become available to those who need or wish to have such capacity. All Union households and businesses, in particular SMEs, should be able to use Gigabit services that can, in practice, be provided to the user by various underlying technologies, such as fibre, satellite, 5G, 6G and next-generation Wi-Fi, based on their efficiency, and that should also include the last segment up to the end-user’s device. Convergent conditions for investments in digital infrastructures will be needed, in particular to developing adequate frameworks so that all market actors benefiting from the digital transformation assume their social responsibilities and contribute to a competitive and functioning environment for public goods, services and infrastructures, for the benefit of all citizens in Europe.

(7b) A technologically neutral approach to connectivity is a principle that should guide Union and national digital policies. This should be without prejudice to the fact that the Union needs a digital connectivity infrastructure of the highest performance, resilience, security and sustainability to enjoy prosperity. All technologies able to contribute to the achievement of the connectivity and green targets, including the current and upcoming advancements of fibre, Wi-Fi, satellite, 5G and 6G, should be treated equally, while duly considering their specific objective characteristics.

(7c) Microprocessors are essential to most of the key strategic value chains and are expected to be in even higher demand in the future, in particular the most innovative areas. Climate-neutral, highly secure edge nodes that uarantee access to data services with low latency wherever businesses are located and also guarantee a significant contribution to achieving a reduction of energy consumption, and quantum capacity are also expected to be critical enablers.

(8) Beyond enablers, all the above mentioned technologies and the technologies of the future will be at the core of new products, new manufacturing processes and new business models based on fair and secure sharing of data in the data economy, while ensuring effective protection of privacy and personal data. The transformation of businesses will depend on their ability to adopt new digital technologies rapidly and across the board, including in industrial and services ecosystems that are currently lagging behind. That transformation is particularly important for SMEs, which continue to face a significant digitalisation gap with larger undertakings.

(8a) Member States are encouraged to apply the once-only principle within their public administration. In that context, public administration offices should take action if permitted to internally re-use this data, in accordance with the data protection rules, so that no additional burden falls on citizens or businesses.

(9) Democratic life and public services will also crucially depend on digital technologies and therefore they should be fully accessible to every citizen and business, as a best–in-class digital environment providing for easy-to-use, efficient and personalised services and tools with high security and privacy standards. Offline accessibility of services should nevertheless be maintained while transitioning to digital tools.

(9a) Digital technologies should contribute to achieving broader societal outcomes that are not limited to the digital sphere, but have positive effects on citizens’ everyday life and their wellbeing. If it is to be successful, the digital transition should go hand-in-hand with improvements as regards democracy, good governance, social inclusion and more efficient public services.

(10) The Commission should review these digital targets by June 2026  to assess whether they still meet the high level of ambition of the digital transformation and update them or introduce additional digital targets, if necessary.

(10a) Where public funds are used, it is crucial that maximum value is gained for society and businesses. Therefore, funding should be, whenever possible, contingent on the outputs of funded projects not being subject to any restrictions.

(11) A harmonious, inclusive and steady progress towards the digital transformation and towards the achievement of the digital targets in the Union requires a comprehensive, robust, reliable, flexible and transparent form of governance, based on close cooperation and coordination between the Union institutions, bodies and agencies, and the Member States. An appropriate mechanism should ensure coordination of convergence, the transfer of best practices and the consistency and effectiveness of policies and measures at Union and national level and should also encourage the activation of appropriate synergies between the Union and national funds, and also between the different Union initiatives and programmes. To that end, the Commission should develop clear, simple and practical guidelines to make best use of the most suitable types of synergies. Considering all this, it is necessary to lay down provisions on a monitoring and cooperation mechanism implementing the Digital Compass Communication.

(12) This mechanism should include an enhanced monitoring system to identify gaps in the strategic digital capacities of the Union. It should also include a reporting mechanism, among others, on the progress towards the 2030 vision and corresponding digital targets as well as on the more general state of compliance with the objectives set in this Decision. It should establish a cooperative framework between the Commission and Member States to identify solutions addressing weaknesses and to propose targeted actions for effective remedies.

(13) ▌DESI ▌[16] should become a part of the report on the state of the Digital Decade and should be used to monitor the progress towards the digital targets. This monitoring should include an analysis of the indicators measuring progress at Member States’ level, national policies and initiatives aimed at reaching the objectives of this Decision and the targets as well as horizontal and thematic analyses tracking the digital transformation of European economies and a ranking of Member States progress therein. In particular, DESI’s dimensions and indicators should be aligned with digital targets set out in this Decision. For each digital target, key performance indicators (‘KPIs) should be set out in delegated acts to be adopted by the Commission. The KPIs should be updated when necessary for continued effective monitoring and to take account of technological developments. The data collection mechanism within Member States should be reinforced to present a thorough state of play on the progress towards the digital targets, as well as information on the relevant policies, programmes, and initiatives at national level, and should include, where applicable, gender-disaggregated data. Based on the reviews and where needed, the Commission should prepare, in consultation with the Member States, a Union level roadmap to set out future data collection needs. In defining the DESI, the Commission should rely largely on official statistics collected in different Union surveys on the information society[17]. The Commission should use specific studies to collect data for those relevant indicators that are not measured in the Union surveys or collected through other reporting exercises, such as the Commission’s small business act strategy, including its annual SME performance review.

(13a) Since 2019, the DESI has incorporated the Women in Digital Scoreboard, which assesses Member States’ performance in the areas of internet use, internet user skills as well as specialist skills and employment, based on 12 indicators. The inclusion of the Women in Digital Scoreboard in the report on the “State of the Digital Decade” should enable monitoring of the digital gender gap.

(14) In order to keep the co-legislators informed about the progress of digital transformation in the Union, the Commission should submit to the European Parliament and the Council an annual report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, containing an overview and analysis of the digital transformation of the Union and an evaluation of the progress made with regard to the objectives of the Digital Decade and the digital targets for the period towards 2030. The report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, and in particular the DESI, should feed into the European Semester, including aspects relating to the Recovery and Resilience Facility, while the recommendations issued through the “State of the Digital Decade” report should complement the country specific recommendations.

(15) In particular, the Commission should report on how effectively the objectives of this Decision have been translated into the planning and development of projects, as well as the progress towards the digital targets, detailing the degree of Union progress in relation to the projected trajectories for each target, the assessment of the efforts necessary to reach each target, including investment gaps in digital capacities and innovation as well as raising awareness about the actions needed to increase digital open strategic autonomy. The report should also include an assessment of the implementation of relevant regulatory proposals as well as of the actions undertaken at Union and Member States level.

(16) On the basis of this analysis the report would include specific recommended policies, measures and actions. When recommending policies, measures or actions in the report, the Commission should take into account the most recent data available, the joint commitments undertaken, the policies and measures defined by Member States as well as progress regarding recommended actions identified in earlier reports and addressed in the course of the annual cooperation. In addition, the Commission should take into account the differences in individual Member States’ potential to contribute to the digital targets, as well as the policies, measures and actions already in place and considered appropriate to achieve the targets, even if their effects have not yet materialised.

(17) The annual report on the “State of the Digital Decade” should present the implementation of the digital principles as endorsed in the European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles for the Digital Decade.

(18) With a view to ensuring that the Digital Decade objectives and digital targets, as laid down in this Decision, are achieved, and that all Member States effectively contribute to that end, the design and implementation of the monitoring and cooperation mechanism should ensure exchanges of information and best practices through a constructive and inclusive dialogue between Member States and the Commission and timely exchanges of information with the European Parliament.

(19) The Commission should, together with Member States, develop projected trajectories for the Union to reach the digital targets as laid down in this Decision. These projected trajectories should then be translated by Member States into national trajectories, taking due account of the subnational dimension, where appropriate. The different potential and different starting points of Member States to contribute to the digital targets should be taken into account and reflected in national trajectories. These trajectories should help assess progress over time at Union and national level respectively.

(20) In order to ensure that cooperation between the Commission and the Member States is efficient and effective, Member States should submit to the Commission national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps covering the period up to 2030 (‘national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps’) proposing, where possible and measurable at national level, national trajectories, describing all the instruments adopted, planned or implemented with a view to contributing to the achievement at Union level of the objectives of this Decision and the digital targets. These national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps should be drafted after consulting key stakeholders, such as business organisations, including SME representatives, social partners and civil society, including older people and youth, as well as local and regional representatives and should be a crucial tool for the coordination of the policies of the Member States and for ensuring predictability for the market. Member States should take into account relevant sectoral initiatives, both at Union and national level, and ensure consistency with relevant initiatives at regional level. During the annual cycle of cooperation, Member States could propose adjustments to their national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps to take into account the evolution of the digital transition at Union and national level and to respond, in particular, to the Commission recommended policies, measures and actions.

(21) The timely availability of and access to radio spectrum are key for reaching the connectivity targets of the “Path to the Digital Decade”. In this context, the Member States and spectrum users require predictability and certainty that ensures sufficient access over time to ensure investment returns as well as, where the continuity of the services requires it, and at the same time flexibility (based on the evolving needs) for the planning of milestones for spectrum availability. Particularly under the fast evolving digital and green transformation process, early information about a future spectrum availability and input on setting any milestones from key stakeholders (such as public authorities, public and private operators and users) would increase legal certainty and investment predictability.

(22) Since spectrum is essential to achieve the digital targets, and in particular a secure, performant and sustainable digital infrastructure enabling users to benefit from connectivity, Member States should also report on their adopted and future policies and measures regarding the availability and possibility to use radio spectrum for existing users and prospective investors and operators. Without prejudice to the possibility for the Commission to propose new strategic spectrum policy orientations or mechanisms under Article 4 (4) of Directive (EU) 2018/1972 of the European Parliament and of the Council[18] appropriate guidance could be provided by the Commission in that regard in order to meet the general objectives and digital targets laid down in this Decision.

(23) The cooperative dialogue between the Commission and the Member States should commence with the assessment of their national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps and should be based on the data provided and assessment made in the report of the state of the Digital Decade, as well as on the feedback received by relevant stakeholders, such as business organisations, including SME representatives, social partners and civil society, as well as local and regional representatives.

(24) The cooperation should subsequently be structured within an annual cycle. The timing of the annual cooperation should take into account the need to reflect the results of the cooperation thus far, as well as measures, action and adjustments to the national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps proposed in the report of the following year.

(25) In order to progress towards achieving the targets in alignment with the projected trajectories, Member States which are considered in the report as having made insufficient progress in a given area, should propose adjustment measures and actions they intend to undertake to foster progress in that critical area. Furthermore, the Commission and Member States should examine how recommended policies, measures and actions made in the previous year’s report have been addressed by Member States collectively and individually. A Member State should request a peer review process to be launched in order to give other Member States an opportunity to comment on proposals it intends to present in its national Digital Decade strategic roadmap, in particular as regards their suitability to achieve a specific target. The Commission should also be able to propose the launch of a peer review process in respect of a Member State’s Digital Decade strategic roadmap.

(26) The Commission and one or more Member States may undertake joint commitments regarding coordinated actions they would like to undertake in order to achieve the targets, establish Multi-Country Projects, and agree on any other measures and actions at Union and national level with the objective to progress towards achieving the targets in alignment with the projected trajectories.

(27) The effective implementation of the recommended policies, measures and actions and of the national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps and their adjustments, is crucial for the achievement of objectives and digital targets. If a Member State fails to effectively implement these measures, and the reasons provided for failing to do so are considered to be insufficient, the Commission should adopt a distinct recommendation, without prejudice of Commission’s powers under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Such recommendations should take into account and be complementary to the latest country-specific recommendations issued in the context of the European Semester.

(28) The Member State concerned should take the recommendation into utmost account and where appropriate adjust its national Digital Decade strategic roadmap. In case a Member State does not intend to implement the recommendation, it should provide reasons as to why it decides not to do so and make those reasons public. 

(29) In order to ensure transparency and public participation, the Commission should engage with all interested stakeholders. To that end, the Commission should closely cooperate with stakeholders including private and public actors, such as bodies governed by public laws of the educational or health sector, and consult them on measures to accelerate the digital transformation at Union level. When consulting stakeholders, it is necessary to be as inclusive as possible and involve those bodies that are instrumental to promoting girls’ and women’s participation in digital education and professional careers, aiming to promote the most gender-balanced approach when implementing the national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps. The involvement of stakeholders would be important at the level of Member States as well, in particular when adopting their national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps and their adjustments. Both at Union and national level, the Commission and the Member States should involve business organisations, including SME representatives, social partners and civil society, in a timely manner, while setting deadlines for feedback that are consistent with their limited resources.

(29a) Science, research, development and innovation is indispensable to attain the objectives of an inclusive digital transformation and European digital sovereignty. Therefore, more investment in research, development, innovation, science and the scientific community is needed, as they are the driving force of the technological and digital revolution.

(30) Multi-Country Projects involving several Member States should allow for large-scale intervention in key areas necessary for the achievement of the digital targets, notably by pooling resources from the Union, Member States, and where appropriate private sources. Where necessary for the achievement of the digital targets, Member States can decide to involve the participation of Union associated countries in Multi-Country Projects. They should be implemented in a coordinated manner, in close cooperation between the Commission and Member States. For that reason, the Commission should play a central role in accelerating the deployment of Multi-Country Projects through the identification of Multi-Country projects ready for implementation among the projects categories indicatively included in Annex, in advising Member States on the choice of the most suitable existing implementation mechanism, on the choice of the sources of funding and their combination, on other strategic matters related to the implementation of those projects. Where existing implementation mechanisms are not suitable for the goals of a Multi-Country Project, the Commission should provide guidance on the setting-up of a European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (EDIC) as an implementation mechanism▌.

(31) Public support to the Multi-Country Projects should be used notably to address market failures or sub-optimal investment situations, in a proportionate manner, without distorting the level playing field, duplicating or crowding out private financing Multi-Country Projects should have a clear European added value, and should be implemented in compliance with applicable Union law and national law consistent with Union law.

(32) Multi-Country Projects should be able to attract and combine, in an efficient manner, various sources of Union and Member States and, where applicable, Union associated country funding, finding, where possible, synergies among them. Notably, the combination of the funds from centrally managed Union programme with resources committed by Member States should be possible, including, under certain conditions, contributions from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, as explained in Part 3 of the Commission guidance to Member States on Recovery and Resilience Plans[19], as well as contributions from European Regional Development and Cohesion funds. Whenever justified by the nature of a given Multi-Country Project, it should also be open to contributions from entities other than the Union and Member States, including private contributions.

(33) The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States and acting as the coordinator of Multi-Country Projects, should assist Member States in the identification of their interests in Multi-Country Projects, give guidance regarding the selection of optimal implementation mechanisms and provide assistance in the implementation, contributing to the widest possible participation.

▌

(34a) The power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the key performance indicators. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making[20]. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.

 

(35) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Decision implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission as regards ▌setting up the EDIC. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council[21],

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

 

Chapter 1

 Subject matter, objectives and definitions

Article 1

Subject matter

(1) This Decision establishes a Policy Programme “Path to the Digital Decade” and sets out a monitoring and cooperation mechanism for that programme consisting of measures to:

(a) set a clear direction for the digital transformation of the Union and for delivery of the digital targets by 2030 based on measurable indicators;

(b) structure and stimulate cooperation between the Union institutions and Member States;

(c) ensure the consistency, comparability, transparency and completeness of the monitoring and reporting by the Union.

(2) This Decision also establishes a framework for Multi-Country Projects.

Article 2

General objectives

The Union institutions and the Member States shall cooperate to support and achieve the following general objectives (objectives):

(a) promote a human-centred, inclusive, ethical, secure, open, transparent and interoperable digital environment where digital technologies and services respect and enhance Union principles, rights and values;

(b) reinforce Member States’ collective resilience and bridge the digital divides, whether social, economic, geographical or gender-based, in particular by promoting continuous opportunities for each individual, to develop basic and advanced digital skills ▌and competencies as well as by fostering the development of horizontal high-performing digital education and training systems through vocational and professional training, reskilling, upskilling and lifelong learning;

(c) ensure the Union’s digital, open strategic autonomy, in particular by a secure and accessible digital and data infrastructures capable of processing vast volumes of data that enables other technological developments, supporting the competitiveness and sustainability of the Union’s industry and economy, in particular of SMEs, and the resilience of the Union’s value chains;

(d) promote the deployment and the use of digital capabilities, reducing the geographical digital divide and giving access to digital technologies and data on open, accessible and fair terms, while ensuring the protection of fundamental rights including security, in order to achieve a high level of digital intensity and innovation in Union’s enterprises, in particular SMEs;

(da) develop a comprehensive and sustainable ecosystem of interoperable digital infrastructures where high performance, edge, cloud, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, data management and network connectivity work in convergence, to promote their uptake in the Union businesses, to create opportunities for growth and jobs through research, development and innovation;

(db) promote the development of regulatory standards to ensure that Union undertakings, especially SMEs, can compete fairly along global value chains;

(e) ensure that democratic life, public services and health and care services are accessible online for everyone, in particular disadvantaged groups including persons with disabilities, offering inclusive, efficient, interoperable and personalised services and tools with high security and privacy standards;

(f) ensure that digital infrastructures and technologies as well the supply of critical raw materials become more sustainable, resilient, and energy- and resource efficient, are used more efficiently and contribute to a sustainable circular and climate-neutral economy and society in line with the European Green Deal, including by promoting research and innovation which contribute to that end;

(fa) ensure that robust methodologies for measuring energy and resource efficiency are developed and used;

(g) facilitate convergent conditions for public and private investments in digital transformation throughout the Union, including by strengthening the synergies between the use of Union and national funds, and developing predictable regulatory and support approaches, that also involve the regional and local level;

(h) ensure that all policies and programmes which are relevant to the achievement of the digital targets, are taken into account in a coordinated and coherent way to fully contribute to the twin green and digital transition, while avoiding overlaps and minimising administrative burdens;

(ha) improve resilience to cyberattacks, contribute towards increasing risk-awareness and knowledge of cybersecurity processes, increasing the efforts of public and private organisations to achieve at least basic levels of cybersecurity.

Article 3

Definitions

For the purposes of this Decision, the following definitions apply:

(1) ‘Digital Economy and Society Index (‘DESI’)’ means an annual set of analysis and measurement indicators on the basis of which the Commission monitors the Union’s and Member States’ overall digital performance across several policy dimensions, including their progress towards the digital targets set out in Article 4;

(2) ‘Multi-Country Projects’ means large scale projects facilitating the achievement of the digital targets set out in Article 4, including the Union’s and Member States’ financing, and meeting the requirements set out in Article 12;

(3) ‘statistics’ means statistics as defined in Article 3(1) of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council[22];

(4) ‘peer review’ means a review mechanism whereby Member States ▌comment on specific aspects of the policies, measures and actions proposed by a given Member States, and in particular on their efficiency and suitability to contribute to achieving a specific target of the digital targets set out in Article 4, in the context of the annual cooperation established in Article 8 and which can serve to exchange best practices and promote further cooperation;

(5) ‘projected trajectory’ means the assumed path per digital target until 2030, to achieve the digital targets set out in Article 4 and based on historical data where available;

(5a) ‘digital intensity’ means the aggregated value attributed to an undertaking, based on the number of technologies it uses, against a scoreboard of different technologies, in line with the DESI;

(5b) ‘basic digital skill’ means a basic ability to use digital devices and online applications, for instance with the purpose of accessing, searching and managing information and personal data, creating and sharing content, communicating and collaborating as well as identifying and critically evaluating artificial intelligence technologies;

(5c) ‘advanced digital skill’ means a specialised ability to use digital technologies, such as skills in designing, developing, managing and deploying technologies;

(5 d) ‘unicorn’ means:

(a) realised unicorn, namely undertakings founded after 1990 that have had an IPO or trade sale above EUR 1 billion; or

(b)  unrealised unicorn, namely undertakings that have been valued at or over EUR 1 billion in their last private venture funding round (meaning the valuation has not been confirmed in a secondary transaction), according to the Digital Compass: Communication;

(5 e) ‘small or medium sized enterprise’ or ‘SME’ means a micro, small or medium-sized enterprise as defined in Article 2 of the Annex to Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC[23].

 

 

Chapter 2

Digital targets

Article 4

Digital targets

(1) The Union institutions and Member States shall cooperate to achieve the following digital targets in the Union by 2030 (digital targets):

(1) a digitally skilled population and highly skilled digital professionals:

(a) at least 80% of those aged 16-74 have at least basic digital skills;

(b) at least 20 million ▌information and communications technology (ICT) specialists are employed within the Union, promoting the access of women to this field, with the aim of achieving gender parity and increasing the number of ICT graduates;

(2) secure, performant and sustainable digital infrastructures:

(a) all European households, business premises and educational institutions are covered by a Gigabit network, reaching the last segment up to the end user device, with all populated areas covered by next generation high-speed networks, while keeping in mind the principle of technological neutrality;

(b) the sustainable production of cutting-edge and sustainable semiconductors in the Union is at least 20% of world production in value in accordance with Regulation [European Chips Act];

(c) at least 10 000 climate neutral highly secure “edge nodes” are deployed in the Union, distributed in a way that guarantees access to data services with low latency (few milliseconds) wherever businesses are located;

(d) by 2025, the Union has its first computer with quantum acceleration, paving the way for the Union to be at the cutting edge of quantum capabilities by 2030.

(da) by 2030, the Union has a competitive and sustainable data cloud infrastructure in place, with high security and privacy standards and complying with the Union’s data protection rules.

(3) digital transformation of businesses:

(a) at least 75% of Union enterprises have taken up one or more of the following, in line with their business operations:

(1) cloud computing services;

(2)  big data;

(3)  artificial intelligence;

(b) more than 90% of Union Small and Medium Enterprises (‘SME’) reach at least a basic level of digital intensity;

(c) the Union facilitates the growth of its innovative scale ups and improves their access to finance, leading to at least doubling the number of unicorns and ensures the smooth functioning of the European Digital Innovation Hubs in order to increase the Union’s strategic open autonomy in terms of providers of European digital products, services and solutions;

(4) digitalisation of public services:

(a) 100% online accessible provision of key public services and administration for Union citizens and businesses;

(b) 100% of Union citizens have access to their medical records (electronic health records (EHR));

(c) 100% of Union citizens have access to a secure digital identification (ID) solution recognised throughout the Union and ensuring users’ full control of their personal data.

(2) The Commission shall review the digital targets set out in paragraph 1 by 2026. The Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council regarding the outcome of the review and shall submit a legislative proposal to revise the digital targets in paragraph 1 where it considers this to be necessary to address technical, economic and societal developments for a successful digital transformation of the Union.

Chapter 3

Governance: Monitoring and Cooperation Mechanism

Article 5

Monitoring of progress

(1) The Commission shall monitor the progress of the Union against the objectives and digital targets set out in Articles 2 and 4. To this end, the Commission shall rely upon ▌DESI ▌, and for the purpose of this decision, in accordance with Article 25(2), shall adopt a delegated act setting out the key performance indicators (‘KPIs’) for each digital target. .

(2) Member States shall provide to the Commission in a timely manner the necessary statistics and data required for the effective monitoring of the digital transition and of the degree of achievement of the objectives and digital targets with data disaggregated where possible to the regional level. This shall include relevant information on the availability and accessibility of spectrum. Where the relevant statistics from Member States are not yet available, the Commission may use an alternative data collection methodology, such as studies or direct collection of data from the Member States, in consultation with the Member States, in order to ensure that the regional level is properly documented. The use of that alternative data collection methodology shall not affect the tasks of Eurostat as laid down in Commission Decision 2012/504/EU[24]. Where applicable, data shall be gender-disaggregated.

(3) ▌In close cooperation with Member States and the European Parliament, the Commission shall define Union-level projected trajectories for the attainment of each of the digital targets, which would serve as basis for the monitoring and the national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps. Where necessary, in light of technical, economic or societal developments, the Commission shall update one or more of these projected trajectories.

(4) Member States shall provide to the Commission in a timely manner the necessary information required for the effective monitoring of the progress in the implementation of the principles enshrined in the ▌Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles for the Digital Decade.

Article 6

Report on the “State of the Digital Decade”

(1) The Commission shall submit and present annually to the European Parliament and to the Council a comprehensive report on the “State of the Digital Decade”. The comprehensive report shall cover progress with regard to the digital transformation of the Union and it shall include the ▌ DESI ▌. The first report shall be submitted by ... [16 months after the date of entry into force of this Decision].

(2) In the report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, the Commission shall provide an assessment of the progress of the Union’s digital transition against the digital targets ▌as well as the state of compliance with the objectives and the principles enshrined in the ▌ Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles for the Digital Decade. The assessment of the progress made shall be based, in particular, on the analysis and key performance indicators in the DESI as compared to Union, Member State and, where possible, regional level as well as national projected trajectories, and, where applicable, on the establishment of and progress regarding Multi-Country Projects.

(3) In the report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, the Commission shall identify significant gaps and shortages and recommend policies, measures or actions to be taken by Member States in areas where progress was insufficient to achieve the objectives and digital targets ▌. Those recommended policies, measures or actions may, in particular, address:

(a) the collective level of ambition of contributions and initiatives proposed by Member States, with a view to ▌achieving objectives and digital targets set out in Articles 2 and 4;

(b) policies, measures and actions at Member State and regional level and other policies and measures of potential cross-border relevance;

(c) any additional policies, measures or action that might be required in the adjustments of national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps;

(d)  interactions between and consistency of existing and planned policies, measures and actions.

(4) The report shall take into account joint commitments as referred to in Article 8(4) as well as their implementation.

(5) The report shall also include information on progress regarding recommended policies, measures or actions referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article and recommendations adopted pursuant to Article 9 and their implementation.

(6) The report shall also assess the need for any additional policies, measures or actions that might be required at the Union level.

 

Article 7

National Digital Decade strategic roadmaps

(1) By ... [six months after the date of entry into force of this Decision ▌], each Member State shall submit to the Commission its national Digital Decade strategic roadmap (national roadmap). The national roadmaps ▌ shall be consistent with, and shall contribute to, achieving at Union level, the objectives and digital targets. They shall take into account relevant sectoral initiatives and ensure consistency with them.

(2) Each national roadmap shall comprise the following:

(a) the Member State’s main implemented, adopted and planned policies, measures and actions that contribute to the objectives and digital targets ▌;

(b) national projected trajectories contributing to relevant digital targets measurable at national and regional level and a description of how the objectives are translated in these trajectories;

(c) the timing and expected impact of the implemented, adopted and planned policies, measures and actions referred to in point (a) on the objectives and each of the targets;

(d) the timing for implementation of the adopted and planned policies, measures and actions as well as an estimate of the timing when those policies, measures and actions are expected to produce an impact on the achievement of the digital targets.

(3) The policies, measures and actions referred to in paragraph 2 shall relate to ▌one or more of the following▌:

(a) directly applicable Union or national laws are in force;

(b) one or more commitments to adopt policies, measures or actions have been undertaken;

(c) allocated financial resources ▌;

(d) mobilised human resources ▌;

(e) radio spectrum resources have been or are committed to be allocated or assigned by the relevant national authorities;

(f) they constitute other important enablers related to objectives and digital targets.

(4) Member States shall provide a general overview of the investment needed to contribute to the achievement of objectives and digital targets as set out in their national ▌ roadmaps, as well as a general description of the sources of that investment, including, where applicable, planned use of Union programmes and instruments. The national ▌roadmaps may include proposals for Multi-Country Projects.

(4a) Member States may provide regional roadmaps (regional roadmaps). The regional roadmaps shall be aligned with the Member States’ national roadmaps in order to ensure that the objectives and digital targets are pursued throughout their territory.

(5) Member States shall ensure that their national ▌roadmaps take into consideration the latest country-specific recommendations issued in the context of the European Semester. Adjustments to national ▌roadmaps shall take into account the recommended policies, measures and actions under Article 6(3) and the recommendations adopted under Article 9.

(6) The Commission shall issue guidelines to assist Member States in the preparation of their national ▌roadmaps, including on how to establish at national level, and, where possible, at regional level, appropriate projected trajectories which can effectively contribute to the achievement of Union-level projected trajectories. The Commission shall also provide support to Member States in the preparation of their national roadmaps.

Article 8

Annual cooperation between the Commission and the Member States

(1) Member States and the Commission shall closely cooperate to identify ways to address deficiencies in areas where progress was insufficient to achieve one or more of the digital targets ▌ or where significant gaps and shortages have been identified based on the results of the report on the ”State of the Digital Decade”. This analysis shall take into account, in particular, the different capacities of Member States to contribute to some of the digital targets and the risk that delays on certain of these targets may have a detrimental effect on the achievement of other digital targets.

(2) Within two months from the publication of the report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, the Commission and the Member States shall ▌ discuss the Member State’s preliminary observations, notably as regards policies, measures and actions recommended by the Commission in the report on the “State of the Digital Decade”.

(3) Within five months from the publication of the report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, the Member States concerned shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Commission adjustments to their national ▌roadmaps consisting of policies, measures and actions they intend to undertake, including, where relevant, proposals for Multi-Country Projects, to foster progress in the areas concerned by the digital targets ▌and to achieve theobjectives ▌. The European Parliament and its competent committee may invite the Member State concerned to present the adjustments. If a Member State considers that no action is required and that its national ▌roadmap does not require updating, it shall provide its reasons in writing.

(4) At any point of the annual cooperation, the Commission and one or more Member States may undertake joint commitments, consult with other Member States on policy, measures or actions or establish Multi-Country Projects as provided for in Article 12. The Commission or a Member State which has proposed a policy, a measure or an action may also request a peer review process to be launched regarding specific aspects of that policy, measure or action, and in particular on its suitability to contribute to achieving a specific digital target. The outcome of the peer review process may be included in the following Report on the “State of the Digital Decade”.

(5) The Commission shall ▌inform Member States about the recommended policies, measures and actions it intends to include in the report on the “State of the Digital Decade” before the publication of the report.

Article 9

Recommendations

(1) If a Member State fails to implement the appropriate adjustments to its national ▌roadmap following policies, measures or actions recommended by the Commission under Article 6 (3) without providing sufficient reasons, the Commission may adopt a recommendation, including a specific analysis of how this failure could impact the achievement of the objectives and digital targets of this Decision.

(2) The Member State concerned shall take the Commission’s recommendation into utmost account and, where appropriate, adjust accordingly its national ▌roadmap within three months. If the Member State concerned considers that it should not adjust the national ▌roadmap in accordance with the recommendation or a substantial part thereof, it shall provide its reasons to the Commission in writing and make it public within three months.

(3) The recommendations shall be complementary to the latest country-specific recommendations (CSRs) issued in the context of the European Semester, and shall be consistent with the recommendations included in the Commission’s SME Performance Review and the Industrial and SME Strategies Implementation Reports.

(4) In addition, where the Commission concludes that national measures are insufficient and put at risk the timely achievement of the objectives and digital targets ▌, it may propose measures as appropriate and exercise its powers under the Treaties in order to ensure the collective achievement of those objectives and digital targets.

(5) In case a Member State continuously deviates from the national projected trajectory for several years, or alternatively does not intend to adopt corrective action based on a previous Commission recommendation, the Commission  shall initiate a targeted dialogue with the Member State in question and inform the European Parliament and Council thereof. The European Parliament and its competent committee may invite the Commission and the Member States concerned to participate in an exchange of views on the matter.

(6) The Commission shall inform the European Parliament and the Council of any recommendation adopted pursuant to this Article.

Article 10

Cooperation

(1) The Commission and the Member States shall closely cooperate for the purposes of the implementation of the obligations and tasks established in this Decision. To that end Member States may initiate a dialogue either with the Commission or with the Commission and the other Member States on any subject relevant to achieving the digital targets and objectives. The Commission shall provide all appropriate technical assistance services, expertise and shall organize a structured exchange of information, ▌best practices and coordination.

(1a) The Member States concerned or the Commission may request launching a peer review process for the purposes of the implementation of the obligations and tasks established in this Decision.

Article 11

Stakeholder consultations

(1) The Commission shall, in a timely and transparent manner, closely and on an ongoing basis, cooperate with private and public stakeholders, including SME representatives, social partners and civil society, to collect information and develop recommended policies, measures and actions for the purposes of the implementation of this Decision. All meetings shall be recorded in the EU Transparency register.

(2) The Member States shall, in a timely manner, cooperate with private and public stakeholders, including SME representatives, social partners, civil society, as well as local and regional local representatives in line with the national legislation, when adopting their national ▌roadmaps and their adjustments.

Chapter 4

framework for Multi-Country projects

Article 12

Multi-Country Projects

(1) The ▌objective of the Multi-Country Projects shall be to facilitate the achievement of the digital targets.

(2) Multi-Country Projects shall aim at one or more of the following specific goals:

(a) improving the cooperation of the Union and of Member States in the achievement of the objectives of the Digital Decade by respecting the principles of technological neutrality and sustainability in the allocation of funds;

(b) reinforcing the Union’s technological excellence and industrial competitiveness in critical technologies, complementary technology combinations, digital products, services and infrastructures that are essential for economic recovery and growth and for the security and safety of individuals;

(c) addressing strategic vulnerabilities and dependencies of the Union along the digital supply chains in order to enhance their resilience;

(d) increasing the availability of and promoting best use of safe digital solutions in areas of public interest and the private sector;

(e) contributing to an inclusive and sustainable digital transformation of society and the economy that benefits all citizens and businesses and citizens, in particular SMEs, across the Union;

(ea) promoting digital skills for citizens through education, training and life-long learning, with focus on fostering a gender balanced participation to education and career opportunities;

(eb) strengthening the functioning of the Digital Single Market and its competitiveness through facilitating cross-border operations and removing unjustified barriers to trade.

The Annex sets out an indicative list of possible areas of activity in which Multi-Country Projects addressing these specific objectives could be established.
 

(3) A Multi-Country Project shall involve the participation of at least three Member States.

(3a) Where appropriate, a Member State participating in a Multi-Country Project may delegate the implementation of its part of that project to a region, in line with its national roadmap.

(4) Applicable Union law and national law consistent with Union law shall continue to apply to Multi-Country projects.

(5) The Commission may recommend, pursuant to Article 6(3) and Article 8(4), that Member States set up a Multi-Country Project or to invite a Member State to participate in a Multi-Country Project meeting the requirements of paragraphs (1) to (3) , taking into account the progress in implementing the national ▌roadmaps ▌. The Commission and Member States may also undertake to set up, or join, a Multi-Country Project as a joint commitment.

Article 13

Selection and implementation of Multi-Country Projects

(1) Taking into account proposals for Multi-Country Projects in the national ▌roadmaps and joint commitments, the Commission shall, in close cooperation with Member States, prepare and publish, as an annex to the report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, the strategic principles and priorities in the implementation of Multi-Country Projects and a progress report on the Multi-Country Projects selected for implementation at the time of the publication of the report of that year.

(2) All Union programmes and investment schemes ▌  may contribute to a Multi-Country Project, in line with the rules arising from the programmes’ legal basis.

(2a) A Union associated country can be involved in the participation of a Multi-Country Project, where this participation is necessary to facilitate the achievement of the digital targets of the Union and of the Member States. Such an associated country, including its financial contributions, shall comply with the rules arising from the Union programmes and investment schemes deployed in the Multi-Country Project.

(3) Other entities, whether public or private, may contribute to Multi-Country Projects where appropriate. Private contributions must not result in restrictions to the availability of the outcomes of the projects for individuals and businesses in the Union.

(4) Multi-Country Projects may be implemented by the following implementation mechanisms:

(a) Joint Undertakings;

(b) European Research Infrastructure Consortia;

(c) the Union’s agencies;

(d) independently by Member States concerned;

(e) to promote the execution of Important Projects of Common European Interest under Article 107(3), point (b), ▌TFEU;

(f) European Digital Infrastructure Consortia in accordance with Chapter 5 of this Decision;

(g) any other appropriate implementation mechanism.

Article 14

Multi-Country Projects Accelerator

(1) Following a Commission’s recommendation referred to in Article 12(5), joint commitments or at the request of the participating Member States, the Commission shall coordinate the implementation of a Multi-Country Project, acting as a Multi-Country Project Accelerator.

(2) In a first step of coordination, the Commission publishes a call for expression of interest addressed to all Member States. The call for expression of interest shall aim to establish whether a Member State intends to participate in the Multi-Country Project and what financial or non-financial contribution it proposes to provide.

(3) In a second step of coordination, if at least three Member States express interest in a Multi-Country Project and at the same time propose financial or non-financial commitments to that project, the Commission, having consulted all Member States, shall give guidance on the choice of the appropriate implementation mechanism, on the sources of funding and on their combination within the project, as well as other strategic aspects related to the implementation of that project. The Commission may also propose on its own initiative to coordinate a Multi-Country Project in accordance with the steps described in paragraphs 2 and 3 to the participating Member States.

(4) The Commission may give guidance regarding the setting-up of a new European Digital Infrastructure Consortium, in accordance with Article 15.

(5) The Commission shall support the implementation of Multi-Country Projects by providing, as appropriate, services and resources referred to in Article 10.

Chapter 5

European Digital Infrastructure Consortium

Article 15

Objective and status of the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (EDIC)

(1) Member States may implement a Multi-Country Project by means of an European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (‘EDIC’).

(2) An EDIC shall have legal personality from the date of entry into force of the Commission decision referred to in Article 16 (3), point (a).

(3) An EDIC shall have in each Member State the most extensive legal capacity accorded to legal entities under the law of that Member State. It may, in particular, acquire, own and dispose of movable, immovable and intellectual property, conclude contracts and be a party to legal proceedings.

(4) An EDIC shall have a statutory seat, which shall be located on the territory of one of the participating Member States.

Article 16

Setting up the EDIC

(1) Member States applying for the setting-up of an EDIC (“applicants”) shall submit an application to the Commission. The application shall be submitted in writing and shall contain the following:

(a) a request to the Commission to set up the EDIC;

(b) the proposed Statutes of the EDIC;

(c) a technical description of the Multi-Country project to be implemented by the EDIC;

(d) a declaration by the host Member State recognising the EDIC as an international body within the meaning of Articles 143, point (g) and 151(1), point (b) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC[25] and as international organisation within the meaning of Article 12(1), point (b), of Council Directive 2008/118/EC[26], as of its setting up. The limits and conditions of the exemptions provided for in those provisions shall be laid down in an agreement between the members of the EDIC. 

(2) The Commission shall assess the application, taking into account the objectives of this Decision and practical considerations related to the implementation of the Multi-Country project to be implemented by EDIC.

(3) The Commission shall, taking into account the results of the assessment referred to in paragraph 2, and in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 25(2) adopt one of the following decisions by means of implementing acts:

(a) setting up the EDIC after it has concluded that the requirements laid down in this Chapter are met;

(b) rejecting the application if it concludes that the requirements laid down in this Chapter are not met, including in the absence of the declaration referred to in Article 16(1), point (d). In this case, Member States may still form a consortium by way of an agreement but it shall not carry the name EDIC, nor benefit from the implementation structure laid down in this Chapter.

(4) The decision referred to in paragraph 2 shall be notified to the applicants. Where the application is rejected, the decision shall be explained in clear and precise terms to the applicants.

(5) The decision setting up the EDIC shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The Commission shall create a public register of the EDICs and update it in a timely manner.

(6) The essential elements of the Statutes of the EDIC, as set out in Article 19(1), points (a) and (c), and, if applicable, contained in the application shall be annexed to the decision setting up the EDIC.

Article 17

Membership

(1) The membership of EDIC shall include at least three Member States. Only Member States that provide a financial or non-financial contribution shall be members of EDIC with voting rights.

(2) Following the adoption of a decision setting up an EDIC, other Member States may join as members at any time on fair and reasonable terms specified in the Statutes.

(3) Member States that do not provide a financial or non-financial contribution may join EDIC as observers without voting rights.

(4) An EDIC may be open to the participation of entities other than Member States, which may include inter alia Union associated countries, international organizations of European interest and private entities, as specified in the Statutes. If this is the case, Member States shall hold jointly the majority of the voting rights in the assembly of members regardless of the amount of contributions from entities other than Member States.

Article 18

Governance

(1) An EDIC shall have at least the following two bodies:

(a) an assembly of members made up of the Member States, other entities referred to in Article 17(4) and of the Commission as the body having full decision-making powers, including the adoption of the budget;

(b) a director, appointed by the assembly of members, as the executive body and legal representative of the EDIC.

(2) The Commission shall participate in the deliberations of the assembly of members without voting rights. However, where a centrally-managed Union programme financially contributes to a Multi-Country Project, the Commission shall have a veto right on the decisions of the assembly. Decisions of the assembly including results of votes and a particular vote decision of each member shall be publicly available within 15 days of its adoption.

(3) The Statutes of an EDIC shall establish specific provisions concerning the governance, within the requirements of paragraphs 1 and 2.

Article 19

Statutes of the EDIC

(1) The Statutes of an EDIC shall contain at least the following:

(a) a list of members, observers and the procedure for changes in membership and representation, which shall respect the right of non-participating Member States to join an EDIC;

(b) the detailed description of the Multi-Country Project, the tasks of Members, if applicable, and indicative timeline;

(c) the statutory seat and name;

(d) the rights and obligations of the members, including the obligation to make contributions to the budget;

(da) the liability regime, in accordance with Article 20;

(e) voting rights;

(f) rules on the ownership of infrastructure, intellectual property, profit and other assets, as applicable.

(2) The amendments of the essential elements of the Statutes annexed to the decision setting up an EDIC pursuant to Article 16(6) shall be subject to the procedure referred to in Article 16.

Article 20

Liability

(1) An EDIC shall be liable for its debts.

(2) The financial liability of the members for the debts of the EDIC shall be limited to their respective contributions provided to the EDIC. The members may specify in the Statutes that they will assume a fixed liability above their respective contributions or unlimited liability.

(3) The Union shall not be liable for an EDIC’s debts.

Article 21

Applicable law and jurisdiction

(1) The setting-up and internal functioning of an EDIC shall be governed:

(a) by Union law, in particular this Decision;

(b) by the law of the Member State where the EDIC has its statutory seat in the case of matters not, or only partly, regulated by acts referred to in point (a);

(c) by the Statutes and their implementing rules.

(2) Without prejudice to the cases in which the Court of Justice of the European Union has jurisdiction under the Treaties, the law of the Member State where the EDIC has its statutory seat shall determine the competent jurisdiction for the resolution of disputes among the Members in relation to the EDIC, between the members and the EDIC, and between an EDIC and third parties.

Article 22

Winding up

(1) The Statutes shall determine the procedure to be followed for the winding-up of an EDIC following a decision of the assembly of members. Winding-up may include the transfer of activities to another legal entity.

(2) The insolvency rules of the Member State where the EDIC has its statutory seat shall apply in the event that the EDIC is unable to pay its debts.

Article 23

Reporting and control

(1) An EDIC shall produce an annual activity report, containing a technical description of its activities and a financial report. It shall be approved by the assembly of members and transmitted to the Commission. This report shall be made publicly available.

(2) The Commission shall provide guidance regarding the matters covered in the annual activity report.

 

Chapter 6

Final Provisions

Article 24

Provision of information

(1) Upon request from the Commission, Member States shall provide the Commission with the information necessary to carry out its tasks under this Decision, in particular regarding information necessary for the implementation of Articles 7, 8 and 9. The information requested by the Commission shall be proportionate to the performance of those tasks. Where the information provided refers to information previously provided by undertakings at the request of a Member State, such undertakings shall be informed thereof no later than 10 days before providing information to the Commission.

Article 24 a

Exercise of the delegation

1.  The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article.

2.  The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 5 shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time from ...[date of entry into force of this Decision].

3.  The delegation of power referred to in Article 5 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

4.  Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making.

5.  As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council.

6.  A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 5 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of [two months] of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by [two months] at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

Article 25

Committee

(1) The Commission shall be assisted by a committee (‘the Communications Committee’). That committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

(2) Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply, having regard to Article 8 thereof.

Article 26

Entry into force

(1) This Decision shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels,

For the European Parliament For the Council

The President The President

ANNEX - Areas of activity

Non-exhaustive areas of activity:

(a) European common data infrastructure and services;

(b) Endowing the Union with the next generation of low‑power trusted processors;

(c) Developing the pan-European deployment of 5G corridors;

(d) Acquiring supercomputers and quantum computers, connected with the EuroHPC;

(e) Developing and deploying an ultra-secure quantum and space-based communication infrastructures;

(f) Deploying a network of security operations centres;

(g) Connected public administration;

(h) European blockchain services infrastructure;

(i) European digital innovation hubs;

(j) High‑tech partnerships for digital skills through the Pact for Skills;

(ja)   Skills and training in cybersecurity;

(k) Other projects which meet all the criteria of Article 12 of this Decision and which become necessary to the achievement of the objectives of the Digital Decade policy programme over time due to emerging social, economic or environmental developments.

ANNEX: LIST OF ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

The following list is drawn up on a purely voluntary basis under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur. The rapporteur has received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the report, until the adoption thereof in committee:

Entity and/or person

BusinessEurope

Eurochambres

SMEunited

European Digital SME Alliance

EuroCommerce

Wi-Fi Coalition

Dynamic Spectrum Alliance

GigaEurope

Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU

Permanent Representation of the Slovak Republic to the EU

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS (28.4.2022)

for the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the 2030 Policy Programme “Path to the Digital Decade”

(COM(2021)0574 – C9‑0359/2021 – 2021/0293(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Dragoş Pîslaru

 

 

 

 

 

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) are leading to fundamental and structural changes in the labour market, the workplace, work patterns and the work profile of workers, as well as in consumer behaviour and the way people live in general. These changes are expected to benefit citizens and society by improving quality of life and creating new employment opportunities and more sustainable business models, while also posing a number of risks and challenges that will require constant and dynamic evaluation and adaptation of the relevant legislative frameworks in accordance with EU rules and principles. Among these rules are the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR), the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and the European Social Charter, as well as the High-Level Expert Group on AI’s Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI.

The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasised the need for our economy and society to transform toward a more digitalised world, and has shown our ability to react and adapt quickly when needed.  The Path to the Digital Decade would ensure that the European Union achieves a digital transformation that is beneficial and leaves no one behind. . In this respect, the Digital Path has to create access to societal and personal growth and opportunity for all and include social, environment, education, and labour aspects in order to leave no one behind and prevent digital division within our society.

The Rapporteur also stresses the need to use the digital transformation to reduce the gender gap in society and the labour market, to create new opportunities for Europe’s youth and to improve the accessibility to digital and green skills and access to technology and high speed internet for disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, populations in rural and remote areas and the elderly.

In addition, it is necessary that the Path to the Digital Decade pushes the European Union and the Member States towards equal chances for our citizens to acquire and upgrade their skills and capacities in order to align with the labour market’s requirement.

The Rapporteur is of the opinion that the 2030 Policy Program for the Union’s digital transformation must improve the condition of EU citizens by encompassing a just transition to a green and sustainable economy.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs calls on the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, as the committee responsible, to take into account the following amendments:

Amendment  1

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1) In its Communication “2030 Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade” of 9 March 202131 (“Digital Compass Communication”) the Commission laid out its vision for 2030 to empower citizens and businesses through the digital transition. The Union way for the digital transformation of economy and society should encompass digital sovereignty, inclusion, equality, sustainability, resilience, security, improving quality of life, respect of citizens’ rights and aspirations and should contribute to a dynamic, resource efficient, and fair economy and society in the Union.	(1) In its Communication “2030 Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade” of 9 March 202131 (“Digital Compass Communication”) the Commission laid out its vision for 2030 to empower citizens and businesses through the digital transition. The Union way for the digital transformation of economy and society should encompass digital sovereignty, global leadership, accessibility, affordability inclusion, equality, sustainability, resilience, security, improving quality of life, availability of services and respect of citizens’ rights and aspirations. It should create quality employment, strengthen workers’ rights, job security and skills development, while contributing to competitiveness and a dynamic, resource efficient, inclusive and fair economy and society in the Union, and therefore contributing to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights in the digital age and to make Europe the entrepreneurial hotspot of the world.
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31 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions “2030 Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade” COM/2021/118 final/2.	31 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions “2030 Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade” COM/2021/118 final/2.

Amendment  2

Proposal for a decision

Recital 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(1a) Directive (EU) 2019/882 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a should be taken into consideration.
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	1a Directive (EU) 2019/882 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the accessibility requirements for products and services (OJ L 151, 7.6.2019, p. 70).

Amendment  3

Proposal for a decision

Recital 3

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3) As outlined in the Commission’s Communication updating the 2020 new industrial strategy32, it is necessary for the European Union to identify systems of critical technologies and strategic sectors, to address strategic weaknesses and high-risk dependencies which could lead to supply shortages or cybersecurity risks, and to foster digital transition. This underlines the importance for Member States to join forces and to support industry’s efforts to address these dependencies and to develop strategic capacity needs. This also responds to the analysis in the 2021 Strategic Foresight Report33. In the framework of the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the preparation of national recovery and resilience plans, the Commission encouraged Member States to coordinate their efforts in favour of Multi-Country Projects in the digital area. This experience highlighted the need for the Commission to support coordination efforts by Member States, and for the Union to dispose of implementation mechanisms that facilitate joint investments, in order for Multi-Country Projects to materialise. In conjunction with other Commission’s initiatives such as the Observatory for Critical Technologies34, a governance structure implementing the Digital Compass Communication should be established and should help to identify the Union’s current and possible future digital strategic dependencies and contribute to strengthening its digital sovereignty.	(3) As outlined in the Commission’s Communication updating the 2020 new industrial strategy32, it is necessary for the European Union to identify systems of critical technologies and strategic sectors, to address strategic weaknesses and high-risk dependencies which could lead to supply shortages or cybersecurity risks, and to foster digital transition. This underlines the importance for Member States to join forces and to support industry’s efforts to address these dependencies and to develop strategic capacity needs. This also responds to the analysis in the 2021 Strategic Foresight Report33. In the framework of the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the preparation of national recovery and resilience plans, the Commission encouraged Member States to coordinate their efforts in favour of Multi-Country Projects in the digital area. This experience highlighted the need for the Commission to support coordination efforts by Member States, and for the Union to dispose of implementation mechanisms that facilitate joint investments, in order for Multi-Country Projects to materialise. In conjunction with other Commission’s initiatives such as the Observatory for Critical Technologies34, a governance structure implementing the Digital Compass Communication should be established and should help to identify the Union’s current and possible future digital strategic dependencies and contribute to strengthening European businesses' digital development, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, and at the same time equipping European workers with more advanced tools and digital knowledge.
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32 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions updating the 2020 new industrial strategy: Building a stronger Single Market for Europe’s recovery”, 5.5.2021 COM(2021) 350 final.	32 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions updating the 2020 new industrial strategy: Building a stronger Single Market for Europe’s recovery”, 5.5.2021 COM(2021) 350 final.
33 COM(2021) 750 final of 8.9.2021 – “2021 Strategic Foresight Report - The EU’s capacity and freedom to act”.	33 COM(2021) 750 final of 8.9.2021 – “2021 Strategic Foresight Report - The EU’s capacity and freedom to act”.
34 Action Plan on synergies between civil, defence and space industries, 22.02.2021, COM(2021) 70 final, Action 4.	34 Action Plan on synergies between civil, defence and space industries, 22.02.2021, COM(2021) 70 final, Action 4.

Amendment  4

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 4

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(4) The Commission’s Communication on the European Green Deal35 emphasised that Europe should leverage the potential of the digital transformation, which is a key enabler for reaching the Green Deal objectives. The Union should promote and invest in the necessary digital transformation as digital technologies are a critical enabler for attaining the sustainability goals of the Green Deal in many different sectors. Digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G, cloud and edge computing and the internet of things can accelerate and maximise the impact of policies to deal with climate change and protect the environment. Digitalisation also presents new opportunities for distance monitoring of air and water pollution, or for monitoring and optimising how energy and natural resources are used. Europe needs a digital sector that puts sustainability at its heart, ensuring that digital infrastructures and technologies become verifiably more sustainable and energy- and resource efficient, and contribute to a sustainable circular and climate-neutral economy and society in line with the European Green Deal.	(4) The Commission’s Communication on the European Green Deal35 emphasised that Europe should leverage the potential of the digital transformation, which is a key enabler for reaching the Green Deal objectives. The Union should promote and invest in the necessary digital transformation as digital technologies are a critical enabler for attaining the sustainability goals of the Green Deal in many different sectors, and for ensuring that these policies benefit the current and future generations. Digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G, cloud and edge computing and the internet of things can accelerate and maximise the impact of policies dealing with the objectives of the European Green Deal and protect the environment. Digitalisation also presents new opportunities for sustainable transport, smart farming and smart grids, distance monitoring of air and water pollution, or for monitoring and optimising how energy and natural resources could be used, including for preventing energy poverty and ensuring energy efficiency and affordability. Europe needs a digital sector that puts sustainability, competitiveness, inclusion and fairness at its heart, ensuring that digital infrastructures and technologies become verifiably more sustainable and energy- and resource efficient, and contribute to a sustainable, just circular and climate-neutral economy and society in line with the European Green Deal.
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35 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions “The European Green deal”, 11.12.2019, COM/2019/640 final.	35 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions “The European Green deal”, 11.12.2019, COM/2019/640 final.

Amendment  5

Proposal for a decision

Recital 5

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5) The measures envisaged in the Digital Compass Communication should be implemented, to intensify actions defined in the strategy for Shaping Europe’s digital future, and building on existing Union instruments (such as Cohesion programmes, the Technical Support Instrument, Regulation (EU) 2021/694 of the European Parliament and of the Council36 , Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council37 and Regulation (EU) 2021/523 of the European Parliament and of the Council38 ) and on the funds allocated for digital transition of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council39 . By this Decision, a Policy Programme “Path to the Digital Decade” should therefore be established in order to achieve, accelerate and shape a successful digital transformation of the Union’s economy and society.	(5) The measures envisaged in the Digital Compass Communication should be implemented, to intensify actions defined in the strategy for Shaping Europe’s digital future, and building on existing Union instruments (such as Cohesion programmes, the Technical Support Instrument, Regulation (EU) 2021/694 of the European Parliament and of the Council36 , Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council37 and Regulation (EU) 2021/523 of the European Parliament and of the Council38 ) and on the funds allocated for digital transition of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council39 making use, where appropriate, of synergies between Union and national funds. By this Decision, a Policy Programme “Path to the Digital Decade” should therefore be established in order to achieve, accelerate and shape a successful digital transformation of the Union’s economy and society, leaving no one behind.
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36 Regulation (EU) 2021/694 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 establishing the Digital Europe Programme and repealing Decision (EU) 2015/2240 (OJ L 166, 11.5.2021, p. 1).	36 Regulation (EU) 2021/694 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 establishing the Digital Europe Programme and repealing Decision (EU) 2015/2240 (OJ L 166, 11.5.2021, p. 1).
37 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination, and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1290/2013 and (EU) No 1291/2013 (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1).	37 Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination, and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1290/2013 and (EU) No 1291/2013 (OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1).
38 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 March 2021 establishing the InvestEU Programme and amending Regulation (EU) 2015/1017 ( OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30).	38 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 March 2021 establishing the InvestEU Programme and amending Regulation (EU) 2015/1017 ( OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30).
39 Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17).	39 Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17).

Amendment  6

Proposal for a decision

Recital 6

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(6) In order to follow the trajectory of the Union regarding the pace of digital transformation, digital targets should be established. These targets should be linked to concrete areas, where progress should collectively be made within the Union. The targets follow the four cardinal points identified in the Digital Compass Communication, identified as the essential areas for the digital transformation of the Union: digital skills, digital infrastructures, digitalisation of businesses and of public services.	(6) In order to follow the trajectory of the Union regarding the pace of digital transformation, digital targets should be established, taking into account specific situations and differences in individual Member States’ capacities. These targets should be linked to concrete areas, where progress should collectively be made within the Union. The targets follow the four cardinal points identified in the Digital Compass Communication, identified as the essential areas for the digital transformation of the Union: education and digital skills, digital infrastructures, digitalisation of businesses and of public services. However, for these targets to be reached a cross-cutting approach needs to be adopted that provides for the full manifestation of the social dimension, in order to ensure that human beings are placed at the centre of digital transformation processes.

Amendment  7

Proposal for a decision

Recital 6 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(6a) Global competition and the values that are the heritage of Union citizens mean that these challenges have to be tackled at more than one level, by developing the social dimension of digitalisation alongside its economic dimension. The European Union has the right and the political, moral and cultural duty to put itself forward to chart an ethical and human-centred way forward for digitalisation processes, in which human beings are both a driving force and a beneficiary of innovation.

Amendment  8

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 7

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(7) Digital skills, basic and advanced, are essential to reinforce the collective resilience of the Union’s society. Digitally empowered and capable citizens will be able to take advantage of the opportunities of the Digital Decade. Moreover, digital training and education should support a workforce in which people can acquire specialised digital skills to get quality jobs and rewarding careers in much greater numbers than today, with convergence between women and men. In addition, an essential enabler for taking advantage of the benefits of digitisation, for further technological developments and for Europe’s digital leadership is a sustainable digital infrastructure for connectivity, microelectronics and the ability to process vast data. Excellent and secure connectivity for everybody and everywhere in Europe including in rural and remote areas40 is needed. Societal needs for upload and download bandwidth are constantly growing. By 2030, networks with gigabit speeds should become available at accessible conditions for all those who need or wish such capacity. Moreover, microprocessors which are already today at the start of most of the key, strategic value chains are expected to be in even higher demand in the future, in particular the most innovative ones. Climate neutral highly secure edge node guaranteeing access to data services with low latency wherever businesses are located and quantum capacity are also expected to be critical enablers.	(7) Digital skills, basic and advanced, for all, with a special focus on vulnerable groups, are essential to reinforce the collective resilience of the Union’s society, economy and sustainability of the environment, close the digital divide, ensure the Union’s global competitiveness and reduce its technological dependencies. Digitally empowered and capable citizens, of any age will be able to take advantage of the opportunities of the Digital Decade, get quality employment, acquire knowledge and have better access to their social and labour rights, offline and online. Moreover, digital training and education, through vocational and professional training, reskilling, upskilling and lifelong learning, should provide workers with the necessary skills with regard to literacy, numeracy and STEM subjects. There must be a particular focus on the inclusion of disadvantaged groups such as young people, women, persons with disabilities, older people and people living in rural and remote areas to get quality jobs and rewarding careers in much greater numbers than today and equal access to digital education or teleworking, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with convergence between women and men, having a strong gender perspective to ensure the equal participation of women in the digital transition. Particular emphasis should be put in promoting interdisciplinary studies related to digitalisation and ICT, and in adapting digital skills to employment in the job market and the new digital environment.
	In addition, an essential enabler for taking advantage of the benefits of digitisation, for further technological developments and for Europe’s digital leadership is a sustainable digital infrastructure for connectivity, microelectronics and the ability to process vast data. Excellent and secure connectivity, affordable internet and access to digital tools for everybody and everywhere in Europe including in rural and remote areas40 are needed to achieve an inclusive Union where no group is at a disadvantage. Societal needs for upload and download bandwidth are constantly growing. By 2030, networks with gigabit speeds should become available at accessible conditions for all those who need or wish to have such capacity. Moreover, microprocessors which are already today at the start of most of the key, strategic value chains are expected to be in even higher demand in the future, in particular the most innovative ones. Climate neutral highly secure edge node guaranteeing access to data services with low latency wherever businesses are located and quantum capacity are also expected to be critical enablers.
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40 Long-term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas. COM(2021) 345 final.	40 Long-term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas. COM(2021) 345 final.

Amendment  9

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 7 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(7a) Mental health issues related to remote working and education have increased dramatically in the Union in recent times, particularly among young people. New working methods and working environments, which require the use of digital tools, have blurred the delineation of private- and workspaces, have increased the pressure on workers to be permanently connected to virtual environments, a practice that has been shown to be detrimental to mental health and wellbeing in the absence of preventive and precautionary measures. The fostering of robust mental health and wellbeing, prevention, psychological support, recovery and after-care components are needed to ensure that workers can benefit from digitally reshaped working environments, with a particular focus on promoting their right to disconnect without fear of negative consequences and achieving work-life balance in the digital age.

Amendment  10

Proposal for a decision

Recital 8

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(8) Beyond enablers, all the above mentioned technologies will be at the core of new products, new manufacturing processes and new business models based on fair sharing of data in the data economy. The transformation of businesses will depend on their ability to adopt new digital technologies rapidly and across the board, including in industrial and services ecosystems that are currently lagging behind.	(8) Beyond enablers, all the above mentioned technologies will be at the core of new products, new manufacturing processes and new business models based on fair sharing of data in the data economy. The successful transformation of businesses will depend on their ability to adopt new digital technologies rapidly and across the board, including in industrial and services ecosystems that are currently lagging behind and to skilfully prepare their workforce for the new reality.

Amendment  11

Proposal for a decision

Recital 8 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(8b) Digitalisation can offer workers greater flexibility and independence, but it also can produce “technostress” due to the cognitive overload and mental and emotional distress caused by intensive working with IT tools. Digitalisation has worsened the situation of low-skilled workers who are not able to keep up with or access new technology and they risk being left behind or have to work at a machine-like rate due to human-machine interactions. If a threshold of protection is provided, positive aspects can emerge from digitalisation as it can facilitate labour market access for those with physical disabilities, neurodivergence, mental health issues and those with caring responsibilities if well implemented.

Amendment  12

Proposal for a decision

Recital 8 c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(8c) Teleworking has brought positive consequences such as better working opportunities for women, increased flexibility and autonomy, and in some cases, a better work-life balance; however these do not outweigh the perceived negative consequences such as over-connection and technostress, and lead to additional unpaid working hours, but also has negative impacts on health, breaching the right to disconnect and work-life balance, blurring of lines between professional and private life, longer working hours including working in free-time, increasing addiction to screens, lack of available ergonomic office equipment at home, increased worker surveillance by AI systems, and lack of social interaction.

Amendment  13

Proposal for a decision

Recital 8 d (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(8d) Digital work and telework can create privacy concerns in relation to workers’ rights, as it can create pressure on employees to stay long hours in front of screens, and therefore such tools should not be used to monitor the performance of workers; the rise of gig workers tends to incentivize new forms of employment such as zero hour contracts or self-employment which leads to lack of protection and instability to workers, raising psychosocial risks, income precariousness, insecurity and musculoskeletal disorders.

Amendment  14

Proposal for a decision

Recital 8 e (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(8e) There is a clear added value in streamlining and simplifying the Union framework for attracting international talent in the technology sector, in order to enable talent flow and mobility for those coming to work in the Union, and for those wishing to be mobile within the Union. In this regard, Member States should be encouraged to promote Union schemes on an equal level to national schemes, such as the revised Blue Card Directive which recognises third-country skills in the technology sector equivalently to qualifications, therefore overcoming one of the key barriers in attracting international talent in the technology sector. Furthermore, new innovative tools and legislations are needed to help match employers with prospective ICT workers, address labour market shortages, and facilitate recognition of international qualifications and skills.

Amendment  15

Proposal for a decision

Recital 8 f (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(8f) The development of effective curricula for digital education requires political will, sufficient resources and scientific research; Commission and Member States should prioritise the development of innovative teaching methods and curricula in the field of STEM and programming, and in particular to strengthen the level of mathematics, statistical and econometric analysis for the purpose of understanding the probabilistic nature of AI algorithms; the access of women in STEM education and training should be facilitated assuch skills development is needed in adult education as much as in primary or secondary education; digital education should also raise the awareness of machine learning based elements of daily life, including recommendation engines, targeted advertising, social media algorithms and deep fakes.

Amendment  16

Proposal for a decision

Recital 8 g (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(8g) The existing digital gaps can only be closed with targeted and inclusive measures towards both women and the elderly and there is, therefore a need for substantial investments in targeted re-and upskilling and educatory measures to close such digital gaps; the lack of targeted and systematic measures in professional training for adults should be tackled.

Amendment  17

Proposal for a decision

Recital 8 h (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(8h) Every education facility should have broadband access as well as strong digital learning infrastructure; teachers should have the necessary AI skills and tools to provide a digital learning environment; investment should be requested in youth coding skill initiatives to foster AI skills and high-level qualifications, including coding academies, summer school programmes and AI-specific scholarships; the EU’s Digital Opportunity Traineeships (DOT) should be further expanded to vocational training.

Amendment  18

Proposal for a decision

Recital 8 i (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(8i) The Commission should follow up on its goal of having 20 million ICT specialists employed in the Union, to close the large gender gap in this sector.In order to retain top ICT talent and prevent brain drain, the Union needs to enable competitive salaries, working conditions, cross-border cooperation and a competitive innovation infrastructure.

Amendment  19

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 9

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(9) Democratic life and public services will also crucially depend on digital technologies and therefore they should be fully accessible for everyone, as a best–in-class digital environment providing for easy-to-use, efficient and personalised services and tools with high security and privacy standards.	(9) Democratic life and public services will also crucially depend on digital technologies and therefore they should be, together with the training in digital skills, fully accessible for everyone, in particular groups in a vulnerable situation, including persons with disabilities, people from disadvantaged backgrounds and areas, as well as older people. These services should take the form of a best–in-class digital environment providing for easy-to-use, efficient and personalised services and tools with high security and privacy standards. All public services should be available online as well as offline.

Amendment  20

Proposal for a decision

Recital 11

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(11) A harmonious, inclusive and steady progress towards the digital transformation and towards the achievement of the digital targets in the Union, requires a comprehensive, robust, reliable, flexible and transparent form of governance, based on close cooperation and coordination between the Union institutions, bodies and agencies, and the Member States. An appropriate mechanism should ensure coordination of convergence and the consistency and effectiveness of policies and measures at Union and national level. Therefore, it is necessary to lay down provisions on a monitoring and cooperation mechanism implementing the Digital Compass Communication.	(11) A harmonious, inclusive and steady progress towards the digital transformation and towards the achievement of the digital targets in the Union, requires a comprehensive, robust, reliable, inclusive, flexible and transparent form of governance, based on close cooperation and coordination between the Union institutions, bodies and agencies, the Member States and a wide range of stakeholders and social partners. An appropriate mechanism should ensure coordination of convergence and the consistency and effectiveness of policies and measures at Union and national level. Therefore, it is necessary to lay down provisions on a monitoring and cooperation mechanism implementing the Digital Compass Communication.

Amendment  21

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 13

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(13) The Digital Economy and Society Index (‘DESI’)41 should become a part of the report on the state of the Digital Decade and should be used to monitor the progress towards the digital targets. This monitoring should include an analysis of the indicators measuring progress at Member States’ level, national policies and initiatives aimed at reaching the objectives of this Decision and the targets as well as horizontal and thematic analyses tracking the digital transformation of European economies and a ranking of Member States progress therein. In particular, DESI’s dimensions and indicators should be aligned with digital targets set out in this Decision. For each digital target, key performance indicators (‘KPIs) should be set out in implementing acts to be adopted by the Commission. The KPIs should be updated when necessary for continued effective monitoring and to take account of technological developments. The data collection mechanism within Member States should be reinforced to present a thorough state of play on the progress towards the digital targets, as well as information on the relevant policies, programmes, and initiatives at national level. Based on the reviews and where needed, the Commission should prepare, in consultation with the Member States, a roadmap to set out future data collection needs. . In defining the DESI, the Commission should rely largely on official statistics collected in different Union surveys on the information society42 . The Commission should use specific studies to collect data for those relevant indicators that are not measured in the Union surveys.	(13) The Digital Economy and Society Index (‘DESI’)41, including the Women in Digital (‘WiD’) Scoreboard, should become a part of the report on the state of the Digital Decade and should be used to monitor progress towards the digital targets, including those aiming at closing the digital gender gap by 2030. This monitoring should include an analysis of the indicators measuring progress at Member States’ level, national policies and initiatives aimed at reaching the objectives of this Decision and the targets as well as horizontal and thematic analyses tracking the digital transformation of European economies and a ranking of Member States progress therein. In particular, DESI’s dimensions and indicators should be aligned with digital targets set out in this Decision and include social inclusion targets broken down by age groups and gender as well as environmental targets. For each digital target, key performance indicators should be set out in implementing acts to be adopted by the Commission. The KPIs should be updated when necessary for continued effective monitoring and to take account of technological developments. Member States should develop automated and simple data collection mechanisms that should be reinforced to present a thorough state of play on the progress towards the digital targets, information on the relevant policies, programmes, and initiatives at national level, and the impact and consequences that this has for working conditions and workers’ mental health. Based on the reviews and where needed, the Commission should prepare, in consultation with the Member States, a roadmap to set out future data collection needs. In defining the DESI, the Commission should rely largely on official statistics collected in different Union surveys on the information society42. The Commission should use specific studies to collect data for those relevant indicators that are not measured in the Union surveys.
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41 DESI is an annual set of analyses and measurement indicators, which since 2014 have been used to monitor Europe’s overall progress and to benchmark individual Member States’ progress in digital, feeding into the European Semester process and the country specific recommendations.	41 DESI is an annual set of analyses and measurement indicators, which since 2014 have been used to monitor Europe’s overall progress and to benchmark individual Member States’ progress in digital, feeding into the European Semester process and the country specific recommendations.
42 Regulation (EC) No 1006/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009 amending Regulation (EC) No 808/2004 concerning Community statistics on the information society (OJ L 286, 31.10.2009, p. 31–35).	42 Regulation (EC) No 1006/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009 amending Regulation (EC) No 808/2004 concerning Community statistics on the information society (OJ L 286, 31.10.2009, p. 31–35).

Amendment  22

Proposal for a decision

Recital 14

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(14) In order to keep the co-legislators informed about the progress of digital transformation in the Union, the Commission should submit to the European Parliament and the Council an annual report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, containing an overview and analysis of the digital transformation of the Union and an evaluation of the progress made with regard to the objectives of the Digital Decade and the digital targets for the period towards 2030. The report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, and in particular the DESI, should feed into the European Semester, including aspects relating to the Recovery and Resilience Facility.	(14) In order to keep the co-legislators informed about the progress of digital transformation in the Union, the Commission should submit to the European Parliament and the Council an annual report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, containing an overview and analysis of the digital transformation of the Union and an evaluation of the progress made with regard to the objectives of the Digital Decade and the digital targets for the period towards 2030, as well as an assessment of the impact of digital transformation on the living and working conditions of Union citizens. The report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, and in particular the DESI, should feed into the European Semester, including aspects relating to the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

Amendment  23

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 15

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(15) In particular, the Commission should report on the progress towards the digital targets, detailing the degree of Union progress in relation to the projected trajectories for each target, the assessment of the efforts necessary to reach each target, including investment gaps in digital capacities and raising awareness about the actions needed to increase digital sovereignty. The report should also include an assessment of the implementation of relevant regulatory proposals as well as of the actions undertaken at Union and Member States level.	(15) In particular, the Commission should report on the progress towards the digital targets, detailing the degree of Union progress in relation to the projected trajectories for each target, the assessment of the efforts necessary to reach each target, including investment gaps in digital capacities and raising awareness about the actions needed to increase digital sovereignty and the digitalisation of public services. The report should include an overview of the risks and benefits for workers in the process of achieving these targets. The report should also include an assessment of the implementation of relevant regulatory proposals as well as of the actions undertaken at Union and Member States level.

Amendment  24

Proposal for a decision

Recital 16

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(16) On the basis of this analysis the report would include specific recommended policies, measures and actions. When recommending policies, measures or actions in the report, the Commission should take into account the most recent data available, the joint commitments undertaken, the policies and measures defined by Member States as well as progress regarding recommended actions identified in earlier reports and addressed in the course of the annual cooperation. In addition, the Commission should take into account the differences in individual Member States’ potential to contribute to the digital targets, as well as the policies, measures and actions already in place and considered appropriate to achieve the targets, even if their effects have not yet materialised.	(16) On the basis of this analysis the report would include specific recommended policies, measures and actions. When recommending policies, measures or actions in the report, the Commission should take into account the most recent data available, the joint commitments undertaken, the policies and measures defined by Member States as well as progress regarding recommended actions identified in earlier reports and addressed in the course of the annual cooperation. In addition, the Commission should take into account the differences in individual Member States’ potential to contribute to the digital targets and rights, as well as the policies, measures and actions already in place and considered appropriate to achieve the targets, even if their effects have not yet materialised.

Amendment  25

Proposal for a decision

Recital 19

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(19) The Commission should, together with Member States, develop projected trajectories for the Union to reach the digital targets as laid down in this Decision. These projected trajectories should then be translated by Member States into national trajectories, where possible. The different potential of Member States to contribute to the digital targets should be taken into account and reflected in national trajectories. These trajectories should help assess progress over time at Union and national level respectively.	(19) The Commission should, together with Member States, develop projected trajectories for the Union to reach the digital targets as laid down in this Decision. The trajectories should be developed using clearly established criteria. These projected trajectories should then be translated by Member States into national trajectories, where possible. The different potential of Member States to contribute to the digital targets, their specific situation and different starting points, as well as regional differences should be taken into account and reflected in national trajectories. These trajectories should help assess progress over time at Union and national level respectively.

Amendment  26

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 29

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(29) In order to ensure transparency and public participation, the Commission should engage with all interested stakeholders. To that end, the Commission should closely cooperate with stakeholders including private and public actors, such as bodies governed by public laws of the educational or health sector, and consult them on measures to accelerate the digital transformation at Union level. The involvement of stakeholders would be important at the level of Member States as well, in particular when adopting their national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps and their adjustments.	(29) In order to ensure transparency and public participation, the Commission should engage with all interested stakeholders. To that end, the Commission should closely cooperate with social partners and other stakeholders including private and public actors, such as bodies governed by public laws of the educational or health care sector and consult them on measures to accelerate the digital transformation at Union level. The involvement of stakeholders would be important at the level of Member States as well, in particular when adopting their national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps and their adjustments.

Amendment  27

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 29 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29a) Early digital education, updated digital education curricula and lifelong learning are essential for the development of the qualifications necessary in the digital age, to tackle digital exclusion and overcome the digital divide in society. Lack of appropriate equipment or skills is a major barrier to access the latest technologies and sometimes even basic services, especially for children, young and older people, persons with disabilities, as well as people in rural and remote areas.

Amendment  28

Proposal for a decision

Recital 29 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29b) If it is to be successful, the digital transition should go hand-in-hand with improvements as regards democracy at work, good governance, social inclusion and good-quality public services.

Amendment  29

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 29 c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29c) The digital era and the wide-ranging impact of the digitalisation process on society, the economy and employment in the Union presents both opportunities of global leadership and challenges. The digital era also requires a broad and democratic digital policy dialogue with citizens, social partners and other relevant stakeholders in order to develop principles, regulatory frameworks and instruments that address the impacts of digitalisation on workers and society.

Amendment  30

Proposal for a decision

Recital 29 d (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29d) Trade unions access to the workplace and the workers themselves, including where work is carried out digitally has to be ensured. All workers, including those in the digital economy, have the right to collective bargaining and to take collective action.

Amendment  31

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 29 e (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29e) The digital gender gap and gender imbalance are key challenges, as women are underrepresented in the Union’s digital sector, in particular in ICT and STEM subjects. Concrete measures should be taken to ensure gender balance and equality at work in this regard, in particular to have equal access and opportunities including equal pay and equal representation in the labour market.

Amendment  32

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 29 f (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29f) Vocational education and training should not be neglected (VET) but should be given more weight in the digital decade. There is a need for some Member States to address the lack of attractiveness and prestige deficit of VET and dual education systems as it is recognised as promoting excellence in line with Council Recommendation of 24 November 2020 on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience. Member States should develop quality dual education systems and vocational systems based on flexible curricula, strong career guidance and connections to the labour market needs. Adult learning participation and apprenticeships should be increased in order to promote lifelong learning, which in turn foster equal opportunities in the labour market. The development of such educational curricula should involve teachers, learners, parents and civil society organisations for a successful education that can be digital where possible or desired, with a view to ensuring inclusive and accessible education and closing the gap between the most disadvantaged and those with sufficient resources.

Amendment  33

Proposal for a decision

Recital 29 g (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29g) The cooperation between governments, social partners, academics and other stakeholders, regarding the digital transition, including research and innovation in digital technologies, is important so that all social and human aspects are taken into account. Gender balance is needed in order to ensure the full participation of women in the design of the digital economy and a just digital transition.

Amendment  34

Proposal for a decision

Recital 29 h (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29h) Corporate investment in formal and informal training and life-long learning is of crucial importance in order to support the just transition towards the digital economy. Companies have the responsibility of providing adequate re-skilling and up-skilling for all their employees concerned in order for them to learn how to use digital tools and to work with co-bots and other new technologies, thereby adapting to changing needs of the labour market and staying in employment.

Amendment  35

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 29 i (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29i) The Union must become a global leader in promoting the socially responsible, ethical, transparent and accountable use of artificial intelligence. The Union’s employment and social acquis fully apply to artificial intelligence and it is of utmost importance that proper enforcement of employment law relating to digital services be ensured in order to protect the health and safety of workers.

 

Amendment  36

Proposal for a decision

Recital 29 j (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29j) A common European approach with regard to the ethical aspects of the digital transition is needed. Any regulatory framework in this regard must be adequate and based on a comprehensive impact assessment in order to avoid hampering future innovation and job creation. Special attention should be paid to new forms of work, such as gig platform work, resulting from the application of new technologies, in order to ensure decent working and employment conditions in the digital economy and the digitalisation of different economic sectors and professions.

Amendment  37

Proposal for a decision

Recital 29 k (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29k) The new Skills Agenda for Europe must address the challenges of adapting and acquiring qualifications and knowledge, in view of the ecological and digital transition, including ethical aspects. Developers, programmers, decision-makers and companies should be aware of their ethical responsibility. It is important to ensure that end users and consumers are provided with comprehensive information, that there are regular exchanges between all relevant stakeholders in this regard and also that a human review can be requested in all human resource decisions in order to have an automated decision reversed.

Amendment  38

Proposal for a decision

Recital 29 l (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29l) The digital transition should not reinforce gender inequalities and stereotypes by transforming analogue biases and prejudices into digital ones through algorithms. People from diverse backgrounds, including diverse ethnic origin, women, young people and people with disabilities, should be included in the development and use of the digital services. These services should be accessible for all, based on the design for all principle, and the digital development should be an essential tool for inclusion.

Amendment  39

Proposal for a decision

Recital 29 m (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29m) Science, innovation and R&D will be indispensable to attain the objectives of an inclusive digital transformation and European digital sovereignty. Therefore, more investment in research, innovation, science and the scientific community is needed, as they are the driving force of the technological and digital revolution. At the same time, it should be ensured that neither people nor regions are left behind.

Amendment  40

Proposal for a decision

Recital 29 n (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29n) Promoting the creation and expansion of digital knowledge and support the research programmes and networks created among European universities in order to help European businesses and entrepreneurs to attract the best talent and become the vanguard of digital innovation worldwide. Skills shortages and mismatches can be prevented by establishing better links between the education and training systems and companies, by improving working and employment conditions as well as by investments of undertakings in skills and qualifications of their staff. The public sector should ensure a fair digital transformation and promote social innovation.

Amendment  41

Proposal for a decision

Recital 29 o (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(29o) The DESI index shows that 90% of jobs require basic digital skills while 42% of Union citizens lack basic digital skills1a. In addition, the Women in Digital Scoreboard, part of the DESI index, shows that only 19% of ICT specialists and about one third of science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates are female, therefor there is still a substantial gender gap in specialist digital skills1b. Participation of girls and women in the field of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) must be actively promoted through concrete policy action to foster their full participation and inclusion in the digital economy, as they only represent 36% of STEM graduates1c, despite the fact that girls outperform boys in digital literacy1d.
	__________________
	1a https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/digital-economy-and-society-index-desi
	1b https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/women-digital-scoreboard-2021
	1c https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/9540ffa1-4478-11e9-a8ed-01aa75ed71a1/language-en
	1d 2018 InternationalComputer and InformationLiteracy Study (ICILS)

Amendment  42

Proposal for a decision

Recital 30

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(30) Multi-Country Projects involving several Member States should allow for large-scale intervention in key areas necessary for the achievement of the digital targets, notably by pooling resources from the Union, Member States, and where appropriate private sources. They should be implemented in a coordinated manner, in close cooperation between the Commission and Member States. For that reason, the Commission should play a central role in accelerating the deployment of Multi-Country Projects through the identification of Multi-Country projects ready for implementation among the projects categories indicatively included in Annex, in advising Member States on the choice of implementation mechanism, on the choice of the sources of funding and their combination, on other strategic matters related to the implementation of those projects, and on the selection of a European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (EDIC) as an implementation mechanism, where appropriate.	(30) Multi-Country Projects involving several Member States should allow for large-scale intervention in key areas necessary for the achievement of the digital targets, notably by pooling resources from the Union, Member States, and where appropriate private sources. Where necessary for the achievement of the digital targets, Member States can decide to involve the participation of Union associated countries in Multi-Country Projects. They should be implemented in a coordinated manner, in close cooperation between the Commission and Member States. For that reason, the Commission should play a central role in accelerating the deployment of Multi-Country Projects through the identification of Multi-Country projects ready for implementation among the projects categories indicatively included in Annex, in advising Member States on the choice of implementation mechanism, on the choice of the sources of funding and their combination, on other strategic matters related to the implementation of those projects, and on the selection of a European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (EDIC) as an implementation mechanism, where appropriate.

Amendment  43

Proposal for a decision

Recital 32

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(32) Multi-Country Projects should be able to attract and combine, in an efficient manner, various sources of Union and Member States’ funding. Notably, the combination of the funds from centrally managed Union programme with resources committed by Member States should be possible, including, under certain conditions, contributions from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, as explained in Part 3 of the Commission guidance to Member States on Recovery and Resilience Plans44 , as well as contributions from European Regional Development and Cohesion funds. Whenever justified by the nature of a given Multi-Country Project, it should also be open to contributions from entities other than the Union and Member States, including private contributions.	(32) Multi-Country Projects should be able to attract and combine, in an efficient manner, various sources of Union, Member States’, and where applicable Union associated countries’ funding. Notably, the combination of the funds from centrally managed Union programme with resources committed by Member States should be possible, including, under certain conditions, contributions from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, as explained in Part 3 of the Commission guidance to Member States on Recovery and Resilience Plans44, as well as contributions from European Regional Development and Cohesion funds. Whenever justified by the nature of a given Multi-Country Project, it should also be open to contributions from entities other than the Union and Member States, including private contributions.
_________________	_________________
44 Brussels, 22.1.2021 SWD(2021) 12 final.	44 Brussels, 22.1.2021 SWD(2021) 12 final.

Amendment  44

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) set a clear direction for the digital transformation of the Union and for delivery of the digital targets;	(a) set a clear direction for an inclusive, social, sustainable and ethical digital transformation of the Union and for delivery of the digital targets;

Amendment  45

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) promote a human-centered, inclusive, secure and open digital environment where digital technologies and services respect and enhance Union principles and values;	(a) promote a human-centred, just, ethical, growth-stimulating, innovative, sustainable, inclusive, social, accessible, secure and open digital environment where digital technologies and services respect and enhance human dignity, Union rights, principles and values, in a digital age where citizens’ and workers’ rights and quality employment are respected, and where people are allowed to acquire and maintain skills through education and training in line with the first principle of the European Pillar of Social Rights in order to empower them and enable them to prosper, including persons with disabilities by removing barriers to the opportunities that digitalisation offers for their inclusion and creating initiatives for their employment;

Amendment  46

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(aa) ensure that all citizens have access to connectivity, free or affordable internet and access to digital tools;

Amendment  47

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ab) ensure that all digital policies enhance citizens’ and workers’ prosperity through job security in the digital labour market, ensuring fair working conditions and workers’ rights;

Amendment  48

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ac) adopt concrete measures to adapt and extend already existing workers’ rights, and to ensure that trade unions have access to the digital workplace; enforce collective bargaining and ensure that workers in new forms of work organisations have equal rights;

Amendment  49

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a d (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ad) ensure that workers in digital work environments are and remain the owners of their data and have the right to keep their data even if an employment relationship has ended;

Amendment  50

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) reinforce Member States’ collective resilience and bridge the digital divide notably by promoting basic and specialised digital skills for all and fostering the development of high-performing digital education and training systems;	(b) reinforce Member States’ collective resilience and sustainably bridge the digital divides, whether social, economic, geographic or gender-based, including bridging the digital gender gap of women in STEM, notably by ensuring access to technology, digital tools and high-speed broadband, and through the promotion of the basic and specialised digital skills ensuring equal opportunities for quality employment and higher job security for all;

Amendment  51

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ba) focus particularly on young and old people, and disadvantaged groups, such as women, and people from rural, remote and sparsely populated areas, in order to prevent discrimination;

Amendment  52

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(bb) foster the development of high-performing, inclusive, digital education and training systems with a special focus on early childhood and school education through vocational and professional training, reskilling, upskilling and lifelong learning, accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities;

Amendment  53

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(bc) ensure that all members of society benefit from digital transformation equally, and no one is left behind, by applying a strong intersectional approach to policies and actions under this Policy Programme, and addressing existing and potential digital gaps due to inaccessible technologies, lack of digital skills, socio-economic barriers, or other reasons;

Amendment  54

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b d (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(bd) reinforce Member States’ collective resilience and bridge the digital divide notably by ensuring decent working and employment conditions to attract skilled workers and by reminding companies of the responsibility to invest in up-skilling and reskilling to ensure their employees are fit for the digital transition;

Amendment  55

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b e (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(be) ensure the sustainable and just digital transition of workplaces while keeping the existing workforce; provide for internal reallocation of workers, thus creating safety measures for persons close to retirement facing difficulties adjusting to digital developments;

Amendment  56

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b f (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(bf) facilitate the matching of workers' digital skills to the labour market to foster the creation of quality jobs and boost Union companies' competitiveness;

Amendment  57

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b g (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(bg) ensure measures that promote access to quality jobs and employment in the ICT and digital related field jobs;

Amendment  58

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) ensure digital sovereignty notably by a secure and accessible digital infrastructure capable to process vast volumes of data that enables other technological developments, supporting the competitiveness of the Union's industry;	(c) ensure that the Union's digital development benefits all its citizens, bolstering the single market, notably by a secure and accessible digital infrastructure capable of processing vast volumes of data that enables other technological developments, supporting the competitiveness of the Union's industry;

Amendment  59

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca) propose concrete mental health measures to safeguard sustainability in the digital transition, such as ensuring prevention and facilitating occupational mental health support services for early recognition and access to treatment;

Amendment  60

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) promote the deployment and the use of digital capabilities giving access to digital technologies and data on easy and fair terms in order to achieve a high level of digital intensity and innovation in Union’s enterprises, in particular small and medium ones;	(d) promote the deployment and the use of digital capabilities giving secure access to digital technologies and data on accessible, easy and fair terms in order to achieve a high level of digital intensity and innovation in Union’s enterprises, in particular small and medium ones as well as start-ups; enable all workers and job seekers to acquire information of their rights in the digital environment, AI ethics, and protection of privacy;

Amendment  61

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(da) clarify liability of the use of AI within a work organisation, both in the event of occupational accidents to workers and damages caused to third parties;

Amendment  62

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) ensure that democratic life, public services and health and care services are accessible online for everyone, in particular disadvantaged groups including persons with disabilities, offering inclusive, efficient and personalised services and tools with high security and privacy standards;	(e) ensure that democratic life, public services, education and health and care services are accessible online for everyone, in particular disadvantaged groups including persons with disabilities and old people, offering inclusive, efficient, accessible, interoperable and personalised services and tools with high security and privacy standards, such as state-of-the-art encryption and free open source solutions, while always maintaining the choice for offline services; ensure training programmes for digital skills development, and promote access to these services and tools by proposing easier access to trainings and accessible, tailored human guidance;

Amendment  63

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ea) propose concrete measures to protect citizens’ and workers’ rights to equal access to healthcare, health insurance and social security schemes, ensuring that no one is denied access to education, health and care services on the basis of medical history and financial status or due to a lack of adequate digital infrastructure or skills;

Amendment  64

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point f

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(f) ensure that digital infrastructures and technologies become more sustainable and energy- and resource efficient, and contribute to a sustainable circular and climate-neutral economy and society in line with the European Green Deal;	(f) ensure that digital infrastructures and technologies become more sustainable, competitive, resilient and energy and resource efficient, are assessed through a lifecycle methodology and contribute to a sustainable, just, circular and climate-neutral economy and society including energy-efficient housing, affordable energy without risk of energy poverty, to achieve the goals of the European Green Deal, and the Union’s environmental targets and objectives;

Amendment  65

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(g) facilitate convergent conditions for investments in digital transformation throughout the Union, including by strengthening the synergies between the use of Union and national funds, and developing predictable regulatory approaches;	(g) facilitate convergent conditions for investments in digital transformation that ensure sustainability, respect for fundamental rights and equality throughout the Union, including by strengthening the synergies between the use of Union and national funds, together with the digital pillar in Regulation (EU) 2021/241 and the national recovery plans, promoting investment in support of socially and environmentally beneficial outcomes and developing predictable regulatory approaches;

Amendment  66

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point h a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ha) ensure strong civil society involvement, including involvement of human rights organisations, social partners, organisations representing persons with disabilities, women’s rights, youth organisations, environmental organisations, digital and consumer rights representatives, and accessibility experts, in the development and implementation of policies and actions under this Policy Programme.

Amendment  67

Proposal for a decision

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(1a) 'digitals kills' means a set of competences in selected activities related to the use of information technology devices, internet or software, performed by individuals in the following four dimensions: information, communication, problem solving and software for content creation;

Justification

The definition is in line with the 'Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI)' 2021 Methodological Note, https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/dae/document.cfm?doc_id=67082.

Amendment  68

Proposal for a decision

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(1b) ‘basic digital skills’, ‘above basic digital skills’ and ‘advanced digital skills’ means the different levels of digital skills determined according to the variety or complexity of the activities performed in the four dimensions: information, communication, problem solving and software for content creation, defined and calculated based on the set of indicators established in the annual DESI methodology;

Justification

The definition is in line with the 'Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI)' 2021 Methodological Note, https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/dae/document.cfm?doc_id=67082.

Amendment  69

Proposal for a decision

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2) ‘Multi-Country Projects’ means large scale projects facilitating the achievement of the digital targets set out in Article 4, including the Union’s and Member States’ financing, and meeting the requirements set out in Article 12;	(2) ‘Multi-Country Projects’ means large scale projects facilitating the achievement of the digital targets set out in Article 4, including the Union’s, Member States’ and Union associated countries’ financing, and meeting the requirements set out in Article 12;

Amendment  70

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1) a digitally skilled population and highly skilled digital professionals:	(1) a gradual transition towards equipping all Europeans, without exception, with digital skills and highly skilled digital professionals:

Amendment  71

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) at least 20 million employed information and communications technology (ICT) specialists are employed, with convergence between women and men;	(b) at least 20 million employed information and communications technology (ICT) specialists are employed, without gender, social or geographic divides;

Amendment  72

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ba) all Member States must develop and fund both basic and specialised digital skills training programmes, ensuring that these trainings have proper quality requirements and checks and match the skills needed on the labour market;

Amendment  73

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(bb) all Member States must use the digital transition to ensure inclusive, accessible safe, privacy-proof and trusted, work- and education environments without digital surveillance;

Amendment  74

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(bc) all Member States should look into ways of providing incentives to ICT companies to hire a diverse workforce, with the focus on hiring and retaining women, people with a minority background, people with a disability or neurodiverse people, and non-academically schooled people;

Amendment  75

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b d (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(bd) all Member States must ensure a safe and inclusive environment for remote work, guaranteeing the right to disconnect and ensuring equal treatment;

Amendment  76

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b e (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(be) all Member States will ensure the provision of digital empowerment education at schools with a focus on media literacy, disinformation, the risks of the attention economy, knowledge of their digital rights and recourse and control over their personal data;

Amendment  77

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(aa) 80% of data centers in Europe are highly-energy efficient with high eco-design standards using renewable energy such as free-cooling and free-chilling and optimised to reuse generated heat for societal use;

Amendment  78

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ab) 80% of the components of digital devices and infrastructures are collected at the end-of-life and recycled in Europe to fuel the secondary raw material market and boost innovation;

Amendment  79

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ac) 100% of digital equipment has a lifespan of at least 5 years and 60% of the digital equipment market consists of refurbished and reused goods;

Amendment  80

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a d (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ad) by 2030 all Union citizens can communicate via interoperable total conversation and real-time text technologies as mainstream electronic communication services;

Amendment  81

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) at least 75% of Union enterprises have taken up:	(a) Union enterprises have taken up, according to their individual needs and preferences, some of the following:

Amendment  82

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca) 50% of businesses use European-based cloud solutions to enhance European digital sovereignty;

Amendment  83

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(cb) 100% of relevant businesses use an accessible and affordable tool for the environmental assessment of their digital use according to a standardised Union level multicriteria life-cycle assessment methodology and are able to make empowered sustainable decisions;

Amendment  84

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c d (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(cd) all Member States engaged in the creation of sustainable innovation hubs gathering businesses, innovators, scientists and environmental and digital rights groups to foster the exchange of best practices and the emergence of world-class sustainable technologies;

Amendment  85

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c e (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ce) at least 90% of services and products on the Union market are accessible for everyone, including persons with disabilities;

Amendment  86

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(4) digitalisation of public services:	(4) environmentally sustainable and social digitalisation of public services in line with human rights:

Amendment  87

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) 100% online accessible provision of key public services for Union citizens and businesses;	(a) 100% online accessible provision of key public services in addition to the provision of all services and support in person offline;

Amendment  88

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) 100% of Union citizens have access to their medical records (electronic health records (EHR));	(b) 100% of Union citizens who want to use them have digital access to their medical records (electronic health records (EHR)) with the highest level of privacy, data protection, and encryption safeguards, including decentralised storage, while always keeping the possibility of non-digital access; persons with disabilities have assisted access via aid tools and connectivity;

Amendment  89

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) at least 80% of Union citizens use a digital identification (ID) solution.	(c) 100% of Union citizens have the possibility to access and acquire necessary skills, through training as appropriate, to use a digital identification (ID) solution according to their individual needs and preferences, with no obligation de jure nor de facto to use such solutions.

Amendment  90

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point c a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca) 100% of public procurement has mandatory social, sustainability and privacy criteria and targets and favour open-source and interoperable solutions;

Amendment  91

Proposal for a decision

Article 5 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1) The Commission shall monitor the progress of the Union against the objectives and digital targets set out in Articles 2 and 4. To this end, the Commission shall rely upon Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), and for the purpose of this decision, in accordance with Article 25 (2), shall set out in an implementing act the key performance indicators (‘KPIs’) for each digital target. .	(1) The Commission shall monitor the progress of the Union against the objectives and digital targets set out in Articles 2 and 4. To this end, the Commission shall rely upon Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), and for the purpose of this decision, in accordance with Article 25 (2), shall set out in an implementing act the key performance indicators (‘KPIs’) for each digital target, taking into account the specific situation and differences in individual Member States’ capacities. The Commission shall develop a multi-criteria life-cycle assessment methodology to calculate the environmental impact of digital technologies, establish a digital environmental index and mainstream its use in the Union.

Amendment  92

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 5 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2) Member States shall provide to the Commission in a timely manner the necessary statistics and data required for the effective monitoring of the digital transition and of the degree of achievement of the digital targets set out in Article 4. This shall include relevant information on the availability and accessibility of spectrum. Where the relevant statistics from Member States are not yet available, the Commission may use an alternative data collection methodology, such as studies or direct collection of data from the Member States, in consultation with the Member States. The use of that alternative data collection methodology shall not affect the tasks of Eurostat as laid down in Commission Decision 2012/504/EU47 .	(2) Member States shall provide to the Commission in a timely manner the necessary statistics and data required for the effective monitoring of the digital transition and the objectives set out in Article 2 and of the degree of achievement of the digital targets set out in Article 4. This shall include relevant information on the availability and accessibility of spectrum. Where the relevant statistics from Member States are not yet available, the Commission may use an alternative data collection methodology, such as studies or direct collection of data from the Member States, in consultation with the Member States. The use of that alternative data collection methodology shall not affect the tasks of Eurostat as laid down in Commission Decision 2012/504/EU47.
__________________	__________________
47 Commission Decision 2012/504/EU of 17 September 2012 on Eurostat (OJ L 251, 18.9.2012, p. 49).	47 Commission Decision 2012/504/EU of 17 September 2012 on Eurostat (OJ L 251, 18.9.2012, p. 49).

Amendment  93

Proposal for a decision

Article 5 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3) The Commission, in close cooperation with Member States, shall define Union-level projected trajectories for the attainment of each of the digital targets, which would serve as basis for the monitoring and the national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps. Where necessary, in light of technical, economic or societal developments, the Commission shall update one or more of these projected trajectories.	(3) The Commission, in close cooperation with Member States, shall, using clearly established criteria, define Union-level projected trajectories for the attainment of each of the digital targets, which would serve as basis for the monitoring and the national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps. Where necessary, in light of technical, economic or societal developments, the Commission shall update one or more of these projected trajectories.

Amendment  94

Proposal for a decision

Article 5 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(4a) The Commission shall monitor the progress of Member States, in particular regarding the implementation of measures to secure workers’ rights, occupational health and safety in the digital environment and their protection from abusive use of digital tools.

Amendment  95

Proposal for a decision

Article 6 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2) In the report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, the Commission shall provide an assessment of the progress of the Union’s digital transition against the digital targets set out in Article 4 as well as the state of compliance with the general objectives referred to in Article 2 and the principles enshrined in the [insert title of solemn Declaration]. The assessment of the progress made shall be based, in particular, on the analysis and key performance indicators in the DESI as compared to Union-level and, where applicable, national projected trajectories, and, where applicable, on the establishment of and progress regarding Multi-Country Projects.	(2) In the report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, the Commission shall provide an assessment of the progress of the Union’s digital transition against the digital targets set out in Article 4 as well as the state of compliance with the general objectives referred to in Article 2 and the principles enshrined in the [insert title of solemn Declaration]. The assessment of the progress made shall be based, in particular, on the analysis and key performance indicators in the DESI as compared to Union-level and, where applicable, national projected trajectories, and, where applicable, on the establishment of and progress regarding Multi-Country Projects. The report shall also include an assessment on the positive and negative impacts in the labour market, which looks at skills mismatches and analyse the steps taken to address these, broken down by age group and gender, and the inclusion of people with disabilities. It shall analyse the impact of digitalisation on vulnerable groups, especially those in non-standard forms of work, such as zero-hour contracts and platform workers, and the self-employed, as well as the impact of digitalisation on psychosocial, risks, precariousness, insecurity, musculoskeletal disorders and mental health, and must ensure that reaching those targets in compliance with Union legislation such as Directive 2003/88/EC1a, Directive 89/391/EEC1b, Directive 90/270/EEC1c, Directive 2019/11521d, Directive 2019/11581e, the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan and the new EU Strategic Framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027.
	____________
	1a Directive 2003/88/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 November 2003 concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time (OJ L 299, 18.11.2003, p. 9).
	1b Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work (OJ L 183, 29.6.1989, p. 1).
	1c Council Directive 90/270/EEC of 29 May 1990 on the minimum safety and health requirements for work with display screen equipment (OJ L 156, 21.6.1990, p. 14).
	1d Directive (EU) 2019/1152 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on transparent and predictable working conditions in the European Union (OJ L 186, 11.7.2019, p. 105).
	1e Directive (EU) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on work-life balance for parents and carers and repealing Council Directive 2010/18/EU (OJ L 188, 12.7.2019, p. 79).

Amendment  96

Proposal for a decision

Article 6 – paragraph 3 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3) In the report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, the Commission may recommend policies, measures or actions to be taken by Member States in areas where progress was insufficient to achieve the digital targets set out in Article 4 or where significant gaps and shortages have been identified based on the results of the report on the “State of the Digital Decade”. Those recommended policies, measures or actions may, in particular, address:	(3) In the report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, the Commission may recommend policies, measures or actions to be taken by Member States in areas where progress was insufficient to achieve the digital targets set out in Article 4, where the objectives set out in Article 2 were not respected, or where significant gaps and shortages have been identified based on the results of the report on the “State of the Digital Decade”. Those recommended policies, measures or actions may, in particular, address:

Amendment  97

Proposal for a decision

Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ca) the risks that could delay the implementation of each digital target and the impact on the achievement of other digital targets;

Amendment  98

Proposal for a decision

Article 6 – paragraph 6 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(6a) The report shall analyse if the plans for digital transformation to achieve the targets in Article 4 are in compliance with the European Pillar of Social Rights, the Declaration on European Digital Rights and Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Amendment  99

Proposal for a decision

Article 6 – paragraph 6 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(6b) The report shall address in particular recommended measures to ensure the protection of workers from the negative effects of digitalisation.

Amendment  100

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 7 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1) By [six months after the entry into force of this Decision- specific date to be inserted by OP], Member States shall submit to the Commission their national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps which shall be consistent with, and contribute to achieving at Union level, the objectives and digital targets set out in this Decision. Member States and the Commission shall take into account relevant sectoral initiatives and ensure consistency with them.	(1) By [12 months after the entry into force of this Decision- specific date to be inserted by OP], Member States shall submit to the Commission their national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps which shall be consistent with, and contribute to achieving at Union level, the objectives and digital targets set out in this Decision. Member States and the Commission shall take into account relevant sectoral initiatives, and environmental and social costs, and ensure consistency with them.

Amendment  101

Proposal for a decision

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) the main implemented, adopted and planned policies, measures and actions contributing to the objectives and digital targets set out in Article 2 and 4;	(a) the main implemented, adopted and planned policies, measures and actions contributing to the objectives and digital targets set out in Article 2 and 4 including the policies, measures and actions targeted at the most vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities and people coming from disadvantaged background;

Amendment  102

Proposal for a decision

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) national projected trajectories contributing to relevant digital targets measurable at national level;	(b) national projected trajectories contributing to relevant digital targets measurable at national level and how the objectives are mainstreamed in these trajectories;

Amendment  103

Proposal for a decision

Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) the impact expected to be made on each digital target as a result of the implemented, adopted and planned policies, measures and actions;	(c) the impact expected to be made on each digital target broken down by age group and gender, as a result of the implemented, adopted and planned policies, measures and actions;

Amendment  104

Proposal for a decision

Article 7 – paragraph 3 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) financial resources have been allocated;	(c) financial resources have been allocated, in accordance with the respect of trade union and workers’ rights, such as health and safety, the right to strike, collective bargaining and collective action;

Amendment  105

Proposal for a decision

Article 7 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(fa) they have been designed with the social partners, and they are part of the implementation and evaluation process.

Amendment  106

Proposal for a decision

Article 8 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1) Member States and the Commission shall closely cooperate to identify ways to address deficiencies in areas where progress was insufficient to achieve one or more of the digital targets set out in Article 4 or where significant gaps and shortages have been identified based on the results of the report on the ”State of the Digital Decade”. This analysis shall take into account, in particular, the different capacities of Member States to contribute to some of the digital targets and the risk that delays on certain of these targets may have a detrimental effect on the achievement of other digital targets.	(1) Member States and the Commission shall closely cooperate to identify ways to address deficiencies in areas where progress was insufficient to achieve one or more of the digital targets set out in Article 4, the objectives in Article 2, or where significant gaps and shortages have been identified based on the results of the report on the ”State of the Digital Decade”. This analysis shall take into account, in particular, the different capacities of Member States to contribute to the digital targets, the costs of not reaching them, and the consequences of delays on reaching certain of these targets in relation to the achievement of other digital targets.

Amendment  107

Proposal for a decision

Article 8 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2) Within two months from the publication of the report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, the Commission and the Member States shall endeavor to discuss the Member State’s preliminary observations, notably as regards policies, measures and actions recommended by the Commission in the report on the “State of the Digital Decade”.	(2) Within two months from the publication of the report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, the Commission and the Member States shall endeavor to discuss the Member State’s preliminary observations, notably as regards policies, measures and actions recommended by the Commission in the report on the “State of the Digital Decade” and possible areas of cooperation, assistance and support that could be provided by the Commission to Member States in the face of identified shortages and gaps.

Amendment  108

Proposal for a decision

Article 8 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3) Within five months from the publication of the report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, the Member States concerned shall submit to the Commission adjustments to their national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps consisting of policies, measures and actions they intend to undertake, including, where relevant, proposals for Multi-Country Projects, to foster progress in the areas concerned by the digital targets set out in Article 4 and to fulfill objectives set out in Article 2. If a Member State considers that no action is required and that its national Digital Decade strategic roadmap does not require updating, it shall provide its reasons in writing.	(3) Within five months from the publication of the report on the “State of the Digital Decade”, the Member States concerned shall submit to the Commission adjustments to their national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps consisting of policies, measures and actions they intend to undertake, including, where relevant, proposals for Multi-Country Projects, to foster progress not only in digitalisation but also in social inclusion, labour market inclusion, and gender inclusion for women in STEM, in the areas concerned by the digital targets set out in Article 4 and to fulfil objectives set out in Article 2. If a Member State considers that no action is required and that its national Digital Decade strategic roadmap does not require updating, it shall provide its reasons in writing.

Amendment  109

Proposal for a decision

Article 9 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1) If a Member State fails to implement the appropriate adjustments to its national Digital Decade strategic roadmap following policies, measures or actions recommended by the Commission under Article 6 (3) without providing sufficient reasons, the Commission may adopt a recommendation, including a specific analysis of how this failure could impact the achievement of the objectives and digital targets of this Decision.	(1) If a Member State fails to implement the appropriate adjustments to its national Digital Decade strategic roadmap following policies, measures or actions recommended by the Commission under Article 6 (3), in particular to the respect of trade union and worker’s rights in the digital environment, without providing sufficient reasons, the Commission may adopt a recommendation, including a specific analysis of how this failure could impact the achievement of the objectives and digital targets of this Decision.

Amendment  110

Proposal for a decision

Article 10 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(1a) The Commission and the Member States shall cooperate with stakeholders, in particular academics and social partners, regarding the digital transition, as well as the impact of digital transition to workers’ rights, so that all social and human aspects are taken into account for the development and implementation of relevant policies.

Amendment  111

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 11 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1) The Commission shall closely cooperate with private and public stakeholders, including social partners, to collect information and develop recommended policies, measures and actions for the purposes of the implementation of this Decision.	(1) The Commission shall closely cooperate with Member States, relevant private and public stakeholders, including social partners, Union agencies and civil society organisations to collect information and develop recommended policies, measures and actions for the purposes of the implementation of this Decision.

Amendment  112

Proposal for a decision

Article 11 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2) The Member States shall cooperate with private and public stakeholders, including social partners, in line with the national legislation, when adopting their national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps and their adjustments.	(2) The Member States shall cooperate with private and public stakeholders, including social partners and civil society, in line with the national legislation, when adopting their national Digital Decade strategic roadmaps and their adjustments.

Amendment  113

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 12 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1) The general objective of the Multi-Country Projects shall be to facilitate the achievement of the digital targets.	(1) The general objective of the Multi-Country Projects shall be to facilitate the achievement of the digital targets as set out in Articles 2 and 4.

Amendment  114

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(a) improving the cooperation of the Union and of Member States in the achievement of the objectives of the Digital Decade;	(a) improving the cooperation between the Union, including Union agencies, Member States and social partners in the achievement of the objectives of the Digital Decade;

Amendment  115

Proposal for a decision

Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(aa) promoting digital skills for citizens and workers through high-quality education, training and life-long learning, including employer funded reskilling and upskilling of their workforce;

Amendment  116

 

Proposal for a decision

Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(b) reinforcing the Union’s technology excellence and industrial competitiveness in critical technologies, digital products, services and infrastructures that are essential for economic recovery and prosperity, for citizens’ security and safety;	(b) reinforcing the Union’s technology excellence and industrial competitiveness in critical technologies, digital products, services and infrastructures that are essential for economic recovery, prosperity, well-being, and the security and safety of individuals, as well as digital training, reskilling and upskilling, to ensure security of employment in the labour market in the digital age;

Amendment  117

Proposal for a decision

Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(c) addressing strategic vulnerabilities and dependencies of the Union along the digital supply chains;	(c) addressing strategic, geographical, and demographical, vulnerabilities and dependencies of the Union along the digital supply chains;

Amendment  118

Proposal for a decision

Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point e

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(e) contributing to a sustainable digital transformation of society and the economy that benefits all businesses and citizens across the Union;	(e) contributing to a sustainable digital transformation of society and the economy that benefits all businesses, and society as a whole, including those who fall outside of the labour market, across the Union;

Amendment  119

Proposal for a decision

Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(ea) promoting digital skills for citizens and workers through high-quality training and reskilling and upskilling to align them with the labour market demands, including those close to the age of retirement and other disadvantaged groups such as women, people with disabilities and the youth;

Amendment  120

Proposal for a decision

Article 13 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(2a) A Union associated country can be involved in the participation of the Multi-Country Project, where this participation is necessary to facilitate the achievement of the digital targets of the Union, of Member States and of the Union associated states.

Amendment  121

Proposal for a decision

Article 13 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3) Other entities, whether public or private, may contribute to Multi-Country Projects where appropriate.	(3) Other entities, whether public or private, may contribute to Multi-Country Projects where appropriate. Private contributions must not result in restrictions to the availability of the outcomes of the projects for individuals and businesses in the Union.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	Establishing the 2030 Policy Programme “Path to the Digital Decade”
References	COM(2021)0574 – C9-0359/2021 – 2021/0293(COD)
Committee responsible  Date announced in plenary	ITRE 18.10.2021
Opinion by  Date announced in plenary	EMPL 18.10.2021
Rapporteur for the opinion  Date appointed	Dragoş Pîslaru 24.1.2022
Discussed in committee	28.2.2022
Date adopted	28.4.2022
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	51 1 2
Members present for the final vote	Atidzhe Alieva-Veli, Dominique Bilde, Gabriele Bischoff, Vilija Blinkevičiūtė, Milan Brglez, Sylvie Brunet, Jordi Cañas, David Casa, Ilan De Basso, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Özlem Demirel, Klára Dobrev, Jarosław Duda, Estrella Durá Ferrandis, Lucia Ďuriš Nicholsonová, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, Nicolaus Fest, Loucas Fourlas, Cindy Franssen, Helmut Geuking, Elisabetta Gualmini, Alicia Homs Ginel, France Jamet, Agnes Jongerius, Radan Kanev, Ádám Kósa, Stelios Kympouropoulos, Miriam Lexmann, Elena Lizzi, Sara Matthieu, Giuseppe Milazzo, Sandra Pereira, Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, Dragoş Pîslaru, Manuel Pizarro, Dennis Radtke, Guido Reil, Daniela Rondinelli, Mounir Satouri, Monica Semedo, Michal Šimečka, Beata Szydło, Eugen Tomac, Romana Tomc, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, Marianne Vind, Maria Walsh, Stefania Zambelli, Tomáš Zdechovský
Substitutes present for the final vote	Alex Agius Saliba, Konstantinos Arvanitis, Romeo Franz, Eugenia Rodríguez Palop, Veronika Vrecionová

 

 

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

51	+
ECR	Giuseppe Milazzo, Beata Szydło, Veronika Vrecionová
ID	Dominique Bilde, France Jamet, Elena Lizzi, Stefania Zambelli
NI	Ádám Kósa, Daniela Rondinelli
PPE	David Casa, Jarosław Duda, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, Loucas Fourlas, Cindy Franssen, Helmut Geuking, Radan Kanev, Stelios Kympouropoulos, Miriam Lexmann, Dennis Radtke, Eugen Tomac, Romana Tomc, Maria Walsh, Tomáš Zdechovský
Renew	Atidzhe Alieva-Veli, Sylvie Brunet, Jordi Cañas, Lucia Ďuriš Nicholsonová, Dragoş Pîslaru, Monica Semedo, Michal Šimečka, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne
S&D	Alex Agius Saliba, Gabriele Bischoff, Vilija Blinkevičiūtė, Milan Brglez, Ilan De Basso, Klára Dobrev, Estrella Durá Ferrandis, Elisabetta Gualmini, Alicia Homs Ginel, Agnes Jongerius, Manuel Pizarro, Marianne Vind
The Left	Konstantinos Arvanitis, Özlem Demirel, Sandra Pereira, Eugenia Rodríguez Palop
Verts/ALE	Romeo Franz, Sara Matthieu, Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, Mounir Satouri

 

1	-
ECR	Margarita de la Pisa Carrión

 

2	0
ID	Nicolaus Fest, Guido Reil

 

Key to symbols:

+ : in favour

- : against

0 : abstention

 

 

 

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE INTERNAL MARKET AND CONSUMER PROTECTION (25.4.2022)

for the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the 2030 Policy Programme “Path to the Digital Decade”

(COM(2021)0574 – C9‑0359/2021 – 2021/0293(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Ivars Ijabs

 

 

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

On 9 March 2021, the European Commission adopted the Communication “The 2030 Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade” (‘Digital Compass Communication’) in response to the European Council’s call for a Digital Compass, building on the Commission’s Digital Strategy of February 2020. The ambitions of this Communication are lofty, as they seek to ensure EU digital sovereignty in an open and interconnected global environment, whilst pursuing policies that empower people and businesses alike to seize a human-centred, sustainable and more prosperous digital future. Within this framework, steps are also taken to build a climate neutral, circular and resilient European economy. This Policy Programme aims to ensure that the EU achieves its goals in bringing about a digital transformation of the European economy as well as broader society that is in line with our values, and reinforces Europe’s global position of digital leadership. The Programme sets out key targets that the Union as a whole is expected to achieve by the 2030 deadline, whilst also setting out an innovative governance mechanism involving annual cooperation between EU institutions and Member State authorities. The digital targets themselves are based on four key pillars: digital skills, digital infrastructures, digitalisation of businesses and digitalisation of public services.

 

In terms of digital skills, it is acknowledged that Europe’s citizens are, on the whole, currently lagging substantially behind, and it is incumbent on the European Union to help equip them with the skills they need. Whilst aiming to endow the whole population of the EU with basic or above digital skills, the projected target is for at least 80 % of Union citizens to be equipped with such by 2030 (the current figure is estimated at 56 %). Digital training and education is highlighted as urgently necessary in order to support a workforce in which people can acquire specialised digital skills to obtain quality jobs and rewarding careers. In addition to the target on digital skills established in the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan, the EU shall furthermore have a target of educating 20 million Information and Communication Technologies specialists (up from the present estimate of 8 million), with steps taken to ensure a greater gender balance in what remains a heavily male-dominated sector.

 

Similarly, Europe’s digital infrastructure needs to be brought up to the highest possible modern standards to ensure competitiveness and security. Under the Programme, by 2030, networks with gigabit speeds should be available at accessible conditions for all those who need or wish for such capacity (current estimate is 59 %), and all populated areas should be covered by 5G (current estimate is a mere 14 %). The production of cutting-edge and sustainable semiconductors in Europe, including processors, should be by 2030 at least 20 % of the world’s production in value (meaning manufacturing capacities below 5nm nodes, aiming at 2nm, and 10 times more energy efficient than today). Currently, Europe produces an estimated 10 %. Further to this, 10,000 climate neutral highly secure edge nodes should be deployed in the EU by 2030, in a way that guarantees access to data services with low latency wherever businesses are located.

 

In terms of our businesses, the Programme foresees at least 75 % of European enterprises having taken up cloud computing services, big data and Artificial Intelligence by 2030 (the current figure is estimated at 26 %). More than 90 % of European SMEs should have reached at least a basic level of digital intensity by the same deadline (current estimate is 60 %). Further to this, cutting-edge and disruptive innovation aiming at doubling the number of unicorns in Europe by 2030 will be prioritised, through growing the pipeline of the EU’s innovative scale ups and improving their access to finance.

 

The final area of focus for the Programme is the digitalisation of public services. Here, the bold overarching goal aims to provide for democratic life and public services to be fully accessible to all citizens online by 2030. Everyone in the EU must benefit from a best–in-class digital environment facilitating easy-to-use, efficient and personalised services and tools with high security and privacy standards. All online provision of key public services will be available for European citizens and businesses. All European citizens should have access to their medical records (e-records) and it is hoped that 80 % of Union citizens will use digital ID solutions in some capacity as part of daily life.

 

As Rapporteur, I commend the overall spirit and aims of this Proposal, which seeks to put in place a solid digital infrastructure to pave the way for the future of the European digital market. However, it is important to highlight that certain critical elements for the achievement of the general objectives and digital targets are not entirely reflected in the text. Namely, these are a European Cloud, to ensure high security and privacy standards across the Union for our citizens; and empowerment of the Commission in terms of coordination with Member States on the latter’s monitoring and reporting obligations.

 

On the first point, since the Proposal seeks the inclusion of democratic life - that is to say, elections at different levels, referendums, voter databases and more - it is critical to ensure a European-owned Cloud for this purpose. This is not a measure that seeks to raise barriers, nor is it an act of protectionism, but rather an essential safety feature. This is, in my view, a matter of paramount European as well as national security, and will be a main point for me in my role as Rapporteur. I look forward to hearing your views on this matter as we move onwards in this process.

 

On the second point, empowering the Commission, more responsibility should be shouldered by the Commission as regards following the process and progress of Member States in terms of implementation plans as well as their obligations on monitoring, evaluating and reporting. This need not prejudice the role of the European Parliament, which should also be kept abreast of developments.

 

Consideration should also be afforded to the way in which this Proposal feeds into the European Semester, including aspects relating to the Recovery and Resilience Facility. We must take into account the convergence points in order to ensure coherence with already-existing tools and legislation. Finally, the significance of the integration of the European Single Market - in terms of economic and social benefits for our citizens, as well as the broader strategic aspect for the Union as a whole - at the very heart of this proposal, cannot be stressed enough.

 

I intend to liaise with Martina Dlabajova, RE rapporteur in ITRE, as the Proposal advances - as IMCO votes first, we have the ability to set high standards and pave the way for the final vote in plenary.

 

 

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection calls on the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, as the committee responsible, to take into account the following amendments:

Amendment  1

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 1

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1) In its Communication “2030 Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade” of 9 March 202131 (“Digital Compass Communication”) the Commission laid out its vision for 2030 to empower citizens and businesses through the digital transition. The Union way for the digital transformation of economy and society should encompass digital sovereignty, inclusion, equality, sustainability, resilience, security, improving quality of life, respect of citizens’ rights and aspirations and should contribute to a dynamic, resource efficient, and fair economy and society in the Union.	(1) In its Communication “2030 Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade” of 9 March 202131 (“Digital Compass Communication”) the Commission laid out its vision for 2030 to empower citizens and businesses through the digital transition. The Union way for the digital transformation of economy and society should encompass digital sovereignty, inclusion, equal opportunities regardless of religion and gender, sustainability, accessibility, resilience, security, improving quality of life, respect of citizens’ rights and aspirations and should contribute to a dynamic, resource efficient, and fair economy and society in the Union and a fully functional and accessible single market.
__________________	__________________
31 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions “2030 Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade” COM/2021/118 final/2.	31 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions “2030 Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade” COM/2021/118 final/2.

Amendment  2

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 3

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(3) As outlined in the Commission’s Communication updating the 2020 new industrial strategy32 , it is necessary for the European Union to identify systems of critical technologies and strategic sectors, to address strategic weaknesses and high-risk dependencies which could lead to supply shortages or cybersecurity risks, and to foster digital transition. This underlines the importance for Member States to join forces and to support industry’s efforts to address these dependencies and to develop strategic capacity needs. This also responds to the analysis in the 2021 Strategic Foresight Report33 . In the framework of the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the preparation of national recovery and resilience plans, the Commission encouraged Member States to coordinate their efforts in favour of Multi-Country Projects in the digital area. This experience highlighted the need for the Commission to support coordination efforts by Member States, and for the Union to dispose of implementation mechanisms that facilitate joint investments, in order for Multi-Country Projects to materialise. In conjunction with other Commission’s initiatives such as the Observatory for Critical Technologies34 , a governance structure implementing the Digital Compass Communication should be established and should help to identify the Union’s current and possible future digital strategic dependencies and contribute to strengthening its digital sovereignty.	(3) As outlined in the Commission’s Communication updating the 2020 new industrial strategy32 , it is necessary for the European Union to identify systems of critical technologies and strategic sectors, to address strategic weaknesses and high-risk dependencies which could lead to supply shortages or cybersecurity risks, and to foster digital transition. This underlines the importance for Member States to join forces and to support industry’s efforts to address these dependencies and to develop strategic capacity needs. This also responds to the analysis in the 2021 Strategic Foresight Report33 . In the framework of the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the preparation of national recovery and resilience plans, the Commission encouraged Member States to coordinate their efforts in favour of Multi-Country Projects in the digital area. This experience highlighted the need for the Commission to support coordination efforts by Member States, and for the Union to dispose of implementation mechanisms that facilitate joint investments, in order for Multi-Country Projects to materialise. In conjunction with other Commission’s initiatives such as the Observatory for Critical Technologies34 , a governance structure implementing the Digital Compass Communication should be established and should help to identify the Union’s current and possible future digital strategic dependencies and contribute to strengthening its digital sovereignty, while maintaining an open digital market.
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32 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions updating the 2020 new industrial strategy: Building a stronger Single Market for Europe’s recovery”, 5.5.2021 COM(2021) 350 final.	32 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions updating the 2020 new industrial strategy: Building a stronger Single Market for Europe’s recovery”, 5.5.2021 COM(2021) 350 final.
33 COM(2021) 750 final of 8.9.2021 – “2021 Strategic Foresight Report - The EU’s capacity and freedom to act”.	33 COM(2021) 750 final of 8.9.2021 – “2021 Strategic Foresight Report - The EU’s capacity and freedom to act”.
34 Action Plan on synergies between civil, defence and space industries, 22.02.2021, COM(2021) 70 final, Action 4.	34 Action Plan on synergies between civil, defence and space industries, 22.02.2021, COM(2021) 70 final, Action 4.

Amendment  3

 

Proposal for a decision

Recital 4

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(4) The Commission’s Communication on the European Green Deal35 emphasised that Europe should leverage the potential of the digital transformation, which is a key enabler for reaching the Green Deal objectives. The Union should promote and invest in the necessary digital transformation as digital technologies are a critical enabler for attaining the sustainability goals of the Green Deal in many different sectors. Digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G, cloud and edge computing and the internet of things can accelerate and maximise the impact of policies to deal with climate change and protect the environment. Digitalisation also presents new opportunities for distance monitoring of air and water pollution, or for monitoring and optimising how energy and natural resources are used. Europe needs a digital sector that puts sustainability at its heart, ensuring that digital infrastructures and technologies become verifiably more sustainable and energy- and resource efficient, and contribute to a sustainable circular and climate-neutral economy and society in line with the European Green Deal.