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New Book Highlights Challenges for Next EU Commission Amid Digital and Industrial Convergence

By  |  August 28, 2024

A new book highlights the emerging challenges facing the European Commission as it seeks to navigate the increasingly complex intersection of digital, industrial and environmental policies. According to Yahoo News, Werner Stengg, a senior aide in the office of outgoing Danish Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, unveiled his publication, Digital Policy in the EU – Towards a Human-Centred Digital Transformation, during the Forum Alpbach, a prominent policy congress held in Tyrol.

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    Stengg’s book examines the rapid evolution of digital policy within the European Union over the past five years, a period marked by significant legislative achievements in digital services and markets. The Commission’s efforts have been instrumental in shaping consumer-facing online platforms. However, as Stengg explained during the forum, the next phase of EU digital policymaking is expected to shift its focus from consumers to industry.

    “Applying digital technology is what industry needs to do, so we have to make sure that frameworks enable them to do that efficiently and in a trustworthy manner,” Stengg stated. His remarks underscore the growing importance of creating regulatory frameworks that support industrial innovation while maintaining trust and security.

    As policy areas become increasingly intertwined, Stengg’s book points out the challenges in determining where digital issues should be addressed within the European Commission’s structure. This presents a significant challenge for Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is tasked with deciding the portfolios and senior management structures for the next EU executive.

    “The architecture of the next Commission remains broadly unknown, but digital, green and industrial policy are increasingly converging,” Stengg noted. He emphasized the difficulty of compartmentalizing these areas, suggesting that von der Leyen will face a complex task in defining roles such as a “digital commissioner” or an “industrial policy lead.”

    Stengg brings a wealth of experience to his analysis, having previously led various Commission teams focused on eCommerce, online platforms and economic analysis. His insights come at a pivotal time as the European Commission prepares for its next phase, one that will likely see digital, industrial and green policies becoming ever more interconnected. Per Yahoo News, how these issues are managed could define the success of the EU’s strategic goals in the coming years.

    Source: Yahoo News