European rules for Europe!

“The EU cannot be sovereign if our digital backbone depends on technologies and platforms controlled elsewhere. Protecting European sovereignty means setting our own digital rules - and making sure they are respected. By doing so, we not only defend our sovereignty, we set global standards,” said Andreas Schwab MEP, EPP Group Spokesman on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, ahead of today’s plenary debate on promoting EU digital rules and protecting European sovereignty. 

With the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA), the European Union has demonstrated its readiness to act and lead, creating a global rulebook for online platforms that strengthens user rights, increases transparency, and safeguards freedom of speech.  

“It’s our market, our rules. Europe must lead in digitalisation and AI. We cannot let others set the rules for us,” said Arba Kokalari MEP, EPP Group negotiator for the DSA.  

The EPP Group calls on Europe to accelerate the adoption of Artificial Intelligence across industries, with a focus on sectors where Europe already has a global edge. 

“Europe must boost innovation and expand AI in our businesses and society - also by simplifying rules. Our digital policies are key to keeping Europe competitive,” Kokalari added. 

EU digital laws are now setting global benchmarks for platform and AI accountability, inspiring countries such as Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and the UK.

“The DMA is the first global attempt to rein in digital gatekeepers with an ex-ante approach - ensuring fair, open markets and more consumer choice. It has already inspired similar models in London, Tokyo, and beyond. Europe didn’t wait for others to write the rules. We wrote our own. Clear, enforceable, and rooted in our values,” Schwab concluded.