Exchange of views with Margrethe Vestager on Europe's response to COVID-19 - 4 May

05-05-2020 - 14:44
Hearings of Margrethe Vestager -Danish-Europe fit for the digital age.jpg
Hearings of Margrethe Vestager -Danish-Europe fit for the digital age.jpg © European Union 2019 - EP

Executive Vice-President Vestager made a presentation in which she focussed on the EU’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis - the recovery would have to embrace the green transition and digital transformation. She indicated that mobile apps for contact tracing could help to allow an easing of the lockdown, but emphasised the importance of creating a system that commands citizens’ trust and highlighted the importance of apps being interoperable.

She also stressed that it was crucial to ensure all citizens had access to good internet connectivity, that SMEs received the support they need to survive this period, and that the single market be supported through the relevant EU funding programmes. She said the Commission was taking forward work on the Digital Services Act, which would be crucial for setting a clear legal framework for online platforms.