Commission puts forward declaration on digital rights and principles for everyone in the EU

The Commission is proposing to the European Parliament and Council to sign up to a declaration on digital rights and principles that will guide the digital transformation in the EU. The declaration aims to give everyone a clear reference point about the kind of digital transformation Europe promotes and defends. It will also provide a guide for policy makers and companies when dealing with new technologies.

The declaration covers key rights and principles for the digital transformation, such as placing people and their rights at its centre, supporting solidarity and inclusion, ensuring the freedom of choice online, fostering participation in the digital public space, increasing safety, security and empowerment of individuals, and promoting the sustainability of the digital future.

The European Parliament and the Council are invited to discuss the draft declaration, and to endorse it at the highest level by summer 2022.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted its opinion on the draft declaration on digital rights and principles on 15/06/2022:

Key points of the opinion:

The EESC:

• Believes that the Path to the Digital Decade and the Declaration of Digital Rights and Principles are both highly relevant to facilitating the digital transformation for the society and the economy.
• Is of the view that digital rights stem from and are defined by existing fundamental rights, as part of the EU values and principles.
• Believes that the declaration should work for sustainable development as a whole and that addressing digital skills, digital infrastructure, digital business and digital public services is critical to support economic recovery and growth in Europe. The war between Russia and Ukraine has reinforced the need to develop people’s skills and the means to recognise and combat disinformation.
• Notes that the different principles and rights described in the draft declaration overlap in many respects and the mix of principles and rights makes it difficult to perceive the essence of the content.
• Believes that the declaration should recognise the challenges faced by businesses, especially SMEs, in adapting to the digital world.
• Points out the challenge of avoiding a digital divide in terms of access to public and private services by aging and rural populations.
• Stresses the importance of the principles of connectivity, skills and security, which are essential for people and businesses alike, as well as for overall economic and societal development.