Here are the B9+ Recommendations on How to Propel a Competitive and Resilient Digital Europe

Ahead of this gathering, the B9+ Group has shared a discussion paper outlining their recommendations to D9+ and EU policymakers. These recommendations focus on the next steps of implementing shared ambitions for a digitalized Europe and priorities under the Danish Presidency of the D9+ Group.

The urgency of developing strong and efficient initiatives for digital transformation is more crucial than ever. This urgency was recently highlighted in Mario Draghi’s report on The Future of European Competitiveness, which accentuates the need for comprehensive digital strategies. These strategies are essential to ensure an innovative, and competitive Digital EU.

Therefore, we are particularly pleased to have been involved in the process of developing recommendations for the D9+ policymakers. 

Outlined below are the most important B9+ recommendations that Danish Industry in collaboration with other major business confederations from the 12 digitally progressive (D9+) Member States have developed for D9+ policymakers: 

• Ensure an innovative, competitive, and resilient digital EU: The EU must optimize conditions for investment and innovation to boost competitiveness across the EU’s digital economy. This includes maintaining an open and ambitious digital trade agenda and adopting a smart approach to economic security and resilience 

• Make a Digitalised Single Market a reality: We welcome D9+ Ministerial support for national and EU efforts ‘to address barriers hindering innovation and growth and fragmenting the digital single market’; to mobilise private capital in support of innovation and growth; and the exchange best practice in building our digital ecosystems. 

• Secure a sustainable digital transition: We welcome D9+ Ministerial support for “efforts to develop a well-defined and commonly accepted methodology for climate impact and climate benefits of digital technologies, and where appropriate, consider its use in the Digital Decade Policy Programme, so that the twin digital and green transitions are aligned”. Digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, can significantly contribute towards achieving carbon reduction goals.  

• Responsible and trusted online environment, particularly for children and youth: B9+ supports the goal of a safe, responsible and trusted online environment, particularly for children and youth. The industry acknowledges its special responsibility for managing risks where they occur and creating safe online experiences for all, including young users and children. Many stakeholders have a role to play, including families, educators, and policymakers.  

The D9+ initiative is important to business, and we hope that these B9+ recommendations will be taken into consideration when shaping Europe’s digital future.