Central and Eastern Europe’s digital sectors launch joint manifesto calling on the EU to create a prosperous digital single market


A coalition of organisations representing the technology sector in Central and Eastern Europe has urged the European institutions not to put barriers in the way of achieving a true digital single market across Europe in a joint manifesto launched today.

The CEE Digital Coalition is concerned that the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) could impact on the fundamental rights of citizens, especially when it comes to freedom of speech. As the debate on the DSA heats up in Brussels, the coalition is calling for the establishment of a formal regulatory dialogue between the digital sector and policy makers to address the lack of clarity and ambiguous definitions in the digital services package.

In its joint manifesto the coalition states that it is imperative that the EU maintains the key principles of the e-Commerce Directive to limit the burden on the small businesses that are the engine of Europe’s economy.

Michał Kanownik, President of Digital Poland Association, said: The CEE Digital Coalition is concerned that the DSA and DMA as they currently stand are likely to undo the sound principles of the e-Commerce Directive that have allowed a thriving digital economy to grow in Europe. We need to ensure that they are both clear and fit for purpose to meet the needs of European consumers and small businesses alike.

Now more than ever, Europe needs a thriving and innovative digital economy as it seeks to rebuild its economy and society after the devastating impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. The DSA and DMA have the potential to deliver a regulatory framework that will benefit European consumers and SMEs alike, securing our future prosperity. It’s critically important that the EU institutions seize this opportunity.