Main news from Brussels this week
date: 12/05/2017
What next for Digital Single Market? – cybersecurity, free data flow and platforms
The European Commission has identified three key areas for further action to support a Digital Single Market in the EU – the free flow of non-personal data, cybersecurity and fair contractual practices by online platforms towards businesses that use them.
EC forecasts steady GDP growth in EU and euro area
EU GDP growth is expected to remain constant at 1.9 % in 2017 and 2018, with euro area growth at 1.7% in 2017 and 1.8% in 2018. The European Commission published its spring 2017 economic forecast on 11 May.
Better access to books for blind and other disabled people
European Parliament, Council and Commission negotiators reached a compromise on 10 May on draft legislation to implement the Marrakesh Treaty in the EU. The objective is to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, have other visual impairments or are otherwise print disabled. The deal will now be subject to formal approval by the two EU co-legislators.
Commission launches reflection on harnessing globalisation
Following the Commission's White Paper on the future of Europe presented on 1 March, the Commission published its reflection paper on harnessing globalisation on 10 May. The paper aims to launch a debate on how the EU and its member states can shape globalisation in a way that anticipates the future and improves the lives of Europeans.
All this week's key European Commission announcements can be found here