The results show broad support for the proposed EU values in the digital space. These principles range from high-speed internet for all, full access to digital skills and education, making sure that children and young people are protected online, to an open, secure and trusted online environment.
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe fit for the Digital Age, said:
The responses to the consultation clearly show peoples’ interest in benefiting from a human-centred digital space. The future declaration on digital principles will guide us on this path to the digital transformation to shape a future where technology empowers people.
Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, added:
This consultation on digital principles shows us what citizens really expect from digitisation. We already have clear targets and means to achieve the digital transformation of our society and economy by 2030 and we will make sure Europeans digital rights and principles are at the heart of this fast-paced collective change.
The responses show support for defining principles based on European values, such as plurality, inclusivity, non-discrimination, openness, privacy, democracy, and sustainability. Three out of four respondents were citizens and civil society organisations, with business organisations and public authorities also contributing. The consultation results will feed into a proposal for a European Declaration on digital rights and principles which the Commission announced for the end of the year in the Communication on the 2030 Digital Compass
Related content
Consultation | 12 May 2021
As a follow-up to its Digital Decade Communication of 9 March, the Commission launched a public consultation on the formulation of a set of digital principles to promote and uphold EU values in the digital space. This consultation, open until 2 September 2021, seeks to open a wide societal debate and gather views from citizens, non-governmental and civil society organisations, businesses, administrations and all interested parties. These principles will guide the EU and Member States in designing digital rules and regulations that deliver the benefits of digitalisation for all citizens.