More clarity needed on EU legislation for the digital economy

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The rapid pace of digital development makes it difficult for legislation to keep up. The risk is, for example, that several legislative acts may overlap and that companies will not have a clear understanding of what requirements are imposed on them.

The National Board of Trade has analysed the decision-making processes in the EU and has several proposals for measures to mitigate negative effects on the Single Market.

In the new report, the National Board of Trade identifies potentially problematic tendencies in the decision-making processes regarding EU legislation for the digital economy. These include incomplete evidence bases and the risk of overlapping legislation and inconsistent application at the national level.

“EU legislation for the digital economy is perceived by stakeholders as too complex and unclear. This leads to challenges in both the application and compliance of the legislation, which in turn can counteract a well-functioning Single Market,” observes Karin Atthoff, author of the report.

The National Board of Trade believes for example that the European Commission needs to prioritise providing support and guidance to the relevant parties who will be applying and complying with the legislation. Clarifications are needed on how it is meant to work in practice. It is also important that legislation is evaluated, and its actual effects established.

Read the full interview and download the report
The EU Single Market in the Digital Era – from legislative complexity to clarity

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