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Shaping Europe’s digital future

Going Local Switzerland 2015

  • EVENT REPORT
  • Publicație 20 Iulie 2015

Roberto Viola, Deputy Director General of DG Connect, went to Berne on 1 July, as part of the Going Local, the Commission's Digital Single Market roadshow. He discussed digital issues with the Swiss authorities represented by Philipp Metzger, Director General of the Federal Office of Communications.

The main outcome of the exchange was that the benefits of a Digital Single Market will potentially go beyond the EU and offer market opportunities for neighbouring countries in particular. Possible cooperation in the digital domain was discussed especially in the area of telecoms, media, e-health, and e-government.

Background:

Digital Single Market

Digital technology is part of everyday life. From studying to watching films, buying or selling online to connecting with friends or your doctor – the internet is a goldmine of digital opportunities. But every day in the EU people and companies run into many barriers – from geo-blocking or cross-border parcel delivery inefficiencies to unconnected e-services. Digital services too often remain confined to national borders. The European Commission has made it a priority to remove these obstacles and create a Digital Single Market. It aims to deliver for the benefit of the European citizens reliable, high-speed connectivity, including in rural areas. The possibility to set up a business virtually and offer services in any EU country easily. The ability to enjoy the same online content and services regardless of which EU country you are in. Simple, clear rules for copyright, so we know where we and our businesses stand. Assurance that our personal data is protected.

Roaming regulation

The European Commission presented a proposal for a telecoms single market ('Connected Continent') in September 2013. The European Parliament voted on the first reading of the draft legislation in April 2014. The Council adopted a mandate to negotiate in March 2015 under the Latvian Presidency. Negotiations led to an agreement on 30 June 2015