Over the last decade, the European Union (EU) has been at the forefront of global technology policy and has adopted laws to promote innovation, ensure fair markets and uphold democratic principles. However, the real value of these laws lies in their effective enforcement.
Prior to the EU elections, while discussing the mandate of the next Commission, it was emphasized that the focus should be on implementation and enforcement rather than the diffusion of new policies. The EU Council’s draft document states that “the implementation of existing regulations should be prioritized and the creation of new laws should be secondary”. This shows that more attention is now being paid to the implementation, which has been a neglected part of the policy cycle.[i]
It is emphasized that effective implementation of EU policies requires real commitments and the adoption of innovative approaches. The four key areas where a strategic focus can enhance implementation are policy, procedures, people, and politics.
Collaboration with civil society and independent experts can help develop clear guidelines for the interpretation and application of laws. These guidelines must remain up to date as technology advances. Moreover, the uncertainties of new laws require companies, auditors and authorities to assess the risks to human rights. The EU needs to balance investments in innovation with funding for enforcement agencies.[ii]
The Commission and Member States should set clear guidelines for impact assessments in cooperation with civil society, based on the discussions around the European Media Freedom Act. Regulators with technical expertise are crucial for effective implementation and the EU aims to balance the investments in innovation. This will increase harmonization by ensuring that regulators have the necessary skills and resources.[iii]
Effective regulatory enforcement is based on political and economic pressures. The EU and its member states are preparing to enforce strict laws against powerful technology companies. To be effective, regulators need to invest continuously and should be committed to their independence.
Stronger EU sanctions can boost Europe’s innovation and competitiveness by promoting market and social stability. By setting high standards, it can encourage an environment where technology serves democracy. Otherwise, it could create an environment in which profit-driven technology companies would endanger democracy.[iv]
To sum up, technology is one of the most important drivers of economic growth and social transformation today. In this context, the European Union’s (EU) technology policy has a strategic importance in terms of enhancing the competitiveness of the region, promoting innovation and ensuring sustainable development. The success of these policies is critical for the EU to strengthen its position as an active player in the global market, provide better living conditions for its citizens and ensure a sustainable environment for future generations.
To start with, the EU’s technology policies aim to create the necessary infrastructure to support the region’s economic growth and employment. It enhances Europe’s competitiveness in global markets by promoting innovation in high-tech sectors. This is a critical step to ensure sustainable growth and stability of the EU economy.
Secondly, the EU’s technology policies aim to improve the quality of life for its citizens. Technological advances can bring improvements in many areas, from healthcare to education. For instance, applications such as digital health records and telemedicine can improve the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare. In education, digital learning platforms and distance learning opportunities can democratize access to knowledge and improve the quality of education.
The third is the EU’s technology policies contribute to sustainable development goals. Solutions on global challenges such as combating climate change, improving energy efficiency and conserving natural resources can be implemented more effectively through technological innovation. The EU’s efforts to promote green technologies and reduce dependence on fossil fuels are critical for a sustainable future both within the region and internationally.
The principle of applicability in the context of the EU’s technology policy includes the following important elements:
- Legal and Institutional Infrastructure: The EU’s technology policies are supported by appropriate legislative and institutional structures. Policy measures are made easily implementable by EU Member States.
- Financial Support and Incentives: Ensuring adequate financial resources and encouraging innovation are essential for the success of the technology policies.
- Education and Digital Capabilities: The adoption of innovation and technological advances across society requires education and the development of digital capabilities. The EU’s policies provide appropriate training programs and support mechanisms for citizens and the workforce to adapt to digitalization processes.
Some of the main challenges to the applicability of the EU’s technology policies could be these:
- Different Member State Dynamics: The 27 members of the EU have different economic, social and cultural dynamics. These differences need to be taken into account for policies to be effective in each member state.
- Legal and Bureaucratic Barriers: There may be legal barriers and bureaucratic procedures to overcome that limit the feasibility of technology policies.
- Technological Infrastructure: Ensuring equal access to all parts of the EU and strengthening technological infrastructure are critical for policy effectiveness.
The success of the European Union’s technology policies is directly related to the achievability of the set targets and the effective implementation of policy measures. Therefore, the future of the EU’s technology policies depends on further strengthening the principle of feasibility and the strategic importance of policymakers’ actions in this direction.
To conclude, the success of the European Union’s technology policies is important not only for the region but also at the global level. The EU’s efforts to promote technological innovation, accelerate digital transformation and lead the way for sustainable development set an example for other regions around the world. Thus, increased investment in and effective implementation of the EU’s technology policies will contribute significantly to increasing prosperity and sustainability in the region and globally.
[i] “Uygulama, AB’nin teknoloji politikasının başarısı için hayati önem taşıyor”, Euronews, https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/07/23/enforcement-is-crucial-for-eus-tech-policy-success, (Date of Access:24.07.2024).
[ii] Ibid.
[iii] Ibid.
[iv] Ibid.
