As Denmark prepares to assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1, CCIA Europe has presented its digital policy recommendations to Danish government officials in Copenhagen. The organization emphasizes the importance of regulatory simplification and strengthening EU digital competitiveness rather than introducing more tech legislation.
CCIA Europe's roadmap outlines 11 key recommendations aimed at achieving greater coherence across digital laws and eliminating internal barriers that fragment the EU market. Three priorities are highlighted:
Firstly, Denmark is urged to counter rising isolationism and ensure trade retaliation does not threaten Europe's long-term digital competitiveness. Promoting open trade and enabling tech firms to scale up within the EU and globally is seen as essential for driving Europe's economy forward, rather than imposing 'Buy European' mandates or protectionist barriers.
Secondly, CCIA Europe argues that better consumer protection requires proper enforcement of existing rules rather than new ones. With major laws like the Digital Services Act and AI Act still being implemented, rushing the Digital Fairness Act (DFA) could lead to fragmentation and legal chaos. Therefore, they recommend halting DFA's progress unless clarity, justification, and coherence are ensured.
Lastly, Denmark is advised to ensure that the forthcoming Digital Networks Act from the Commission is based on facts instead of politics. The Presidency should prevent any covert introduction of network fees through arbitration or dispute mechanisms that could raise consumer prices and slow down tech rollout. Instead of taxing connectivity, protecting net neutrality is recommended.
Daniel Friedlaender, Senior Vice President and Head of CCIA Europe stated: "Denmark’s Presidency will be instrumental in driving Europe’s transition from overregulation to simplification. What the digital sector desperately needs is open markets, effective enforcement, and well-founded reforms."
He added: "The EU cannot credibly claim to promote competitiveness and regulatory simplification while simultaneously rushing to rewrite consumer rules that have not yet been fully implemented."