The Future, in the broadest sense of the term, is the theme announced for the German Presidency. Amongst its priorities is the digital transition. The digital transition or transformation is the multiplication, integration and transformation of phenomena associated with the development of technology and digital technology. This notion aims to conceptualise their influences on individuals, societies and organisations. This transition is very important as it involves a variety of fields: from public services and the business world to political and administrative institutions.
The Future, in the broadest sense of the term, is the theme announced for the German Presidency. Amongst its priorities is the digital transition. The digital transition or transformation is the multiplication, integration and transformation of phenomena associated with the development of technology and digital technology. This notion, which aims to conceptualise their influences on individuals, societies and organisations, is very important, and involves a variety of fields: from public services and the business world to political and administrative institutions.
A Europe that is to be harmonised
Technological services and digital technology, some of the 21st century’s major challenges, are not yet harmonised between EU Member States. Some states, such as Estonia, excel in this field, whereas others clearly lag behind. The goal is to adapt Europe to the digital age and its technological advances.
At the executive European level, numerous advances have been made in recent years, in particular with the introduction of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which has rendered organisations responsible for the handling of clients’ personal data. Europe’s priority, Germany was keen to claim, is to protect its citizens. The digital world - which affects all countries and citizens - is changing rapidly, and therefore requires regulation that adapts just as quickly.
The aim of this priority is to ensure that all member countries are ready to manage digital influence and to coordinate systems between states, as much as possible. Developing digital capabilities whilst taking care not to put citizens at risk, is the challenge of the digital transition, which is what Germany wants to tackle.
Is Germany’s delay in the field a godsend?
Germany, despite being Europe’s economic engine, is not known for its development of the digital world, lagging behind its neighbours in its use of digital technology in day-to-day business. It is therefore arguable that Chancellor Merkel, who will be stepping down next year, will view this European presidency as a godsend, which will enable Germany to reduce its backlog and to benefit from European investment in the field. Where the national executive cannot invest, the EU can step in to bridge the gap.
What future after COVID-19?
Unfortunately, the plans of the German presidency have been turned upside down by the COVID-19 health crisis. In May, Angela Merkel announced that the next six months would be primarily devoted to the economic recovery of Europe, especially those hit hardest by the virus. ’The coronavirus pandemic’, the Chancellor declared, ’has turned our world upside down. and thus our ambitions for this presidency of the Council of the European Union”
This means that, despite Heiko Maas’ reassurance that the Presidency would try to make progress on all initially announced priorities, the majority of issues, including the digital transition, will inevitably be relegated to the background until economies have recovered.
The digital transition is a crucial issue for the future of Europe. The digital world can be both a formidable ally and a great rival if mismanaged. The global health context will delay work on this necessary transformation, but it must remain a priority.
Follow the comments:
|
