European Political Parties set out their digital priorities for 2024-2029

The 2024 European elections are fast-approaching and the European Parliament is bracing for a new mandate. From 6 to 9 June, European citizens will head to the polls to elect 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). MEPs work with EU national governments to create and determine new laws that impact a range of areas, including the economy, poverty, climate change and security. The Parliament elects the President of the European Commission, officially endorses (or rejects) its incoming Commissioners, and has responsibilities for holding them accountable.

In the lead up to the 2024 elections, certain European political parties have released their political manifestos to showcase their policy priorities for the mandate 2024-2029. Below is a brief overview of the issues key political parties are prioritising in the digital arena.

European People’s Party Manifesto

The European People’s Party (Christian Democrats/EPP) underlines the importance of innovation as Europe is confronted with the technological advancements of global powers such as China and the United States.

According to the EPP, Europe has a competitive edge on the global stage, owing to its shared values, social market economy and political stability. Despite its potential, the EPP notes that the region's investment in AI is currently half that of the U.S. and European companies allocate a smaller proportion of their earnings to research and development than their North American counterparts.

Established economies such as Europe can only achieve economic growth and future prosperity by focusing on the “new gold” of data, digital infrastructure and technological expertise.

The EPP presents a five-point plan to drive a digital renaissance.

1. Expand a European digital network across Europe for 5G and 6G, in collaboration with the Member States;
   
2. Strive to make the EU a leading force in AI, enabling its development and application, rather than hindering it with over-regulation;
   
3. Ensure that AI adheres to ethical standards, supporting innovation and new technologies, while respecting fundamental rights in the digital world.
4. Establish a real innovation union for future technologies by backing European pilot line infrastructure for semiconductor innovations, better connecting scientific expertise and creating scientific centres of excellence; and
5. Secure sufficient funding to make all these goals possible. In conclusion, the EPP believes that harnessing the power of innovation is critical for Europe's future.

Party of European Socialists Manifesto

In the face of the ongoing digital transformation, the Party of European Socialists (PES), also known in the European Parliament as the Socialists & Democrats (S&D), underscores its commitment to fostering greater inclusivity through initiatives such as ensuring high-speed internet access, substantial investments in digital public infrastructure and education.

Regarding AI, the party states that the EU should be guided by the "human in control" principle, which advocates for human oversight in AI applications. The PES believes that this principle is crucial in ensuring that the pursuit of profit or algorithmic management by large technology companies does not compromise democracy, or infringe upon workers' rights.

The European Socialists also emphasise the need to safeguard EU democracies from potential threats by implementing robust rules to combat foreign interference and disinformation. It will also aim to protect privacy rights and shield individuals from hate speech, online violence and harassment.

In addition, the PES expresses its commitment to the principle that laws governing offline activities are also applicable online. This approach is aimed ensuring what is considered illegal offline is also illegal online. The party’s overall aim is to create a secure and inclusive digital environment that respects fundamental rights and democratic values.

European Green Party Manifesto

At a time of increasing digitalisation, the European Green Party believes that the need to strike a balance between individual rights, the common good and corporate interests has become a pivotal point of discussion. In the party’s view, the goal should be to establish a rights-based, decentralised approach to digitalisation, which enhances benefits for the European Union’s citizens.

One of the proposed methods to achieve this is the introduction of a European Data Space which would open the door to anonymised social data uses that serve the common good. Such uses could include medical research and the fight for climate justice, amongst others.

The party also calls for the introduction of a Digital Fairness Act to protect citizens from intrusive online advertising practices. It emphasises enhancing sustainability in the digital sphere, promoting the reuse and recycling of digital devices, reducing energy consumption related to data processing and curbing the internet's material footprint.

Additionally, the party believes in extending offline freedoms and protections to online spaces, including combating online hate and disinformation, and enforcing the provisions of the Digital Services Act. The Greens propose fighting harmful manifestations of hate by making them prosecutable as EU crimes. At the same time, the party aims to support platforms and organisations promoting media literacy and anti-hate strategies. While the referring to the importance of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as a tool against mass surveillance, the Greens while advocate for legislation against spyware abuse and government evasion of accountability.

With respect to AI, the party believes in the principle of human control over AI systems. It calls for strict limits on unethical AI practices, strengthening non-discrimination and data protection laws, ramping up cybersecurity efforts, in addition to enforcing transparency in AI design and use. The party also supports the right to disconnect from AI systems in the workplace, proper enforcement of copyright laws within the AI context and endorses the concept of "data dignity", asserting that data generated by humans primarily belongs to them.

As the 2024-2029 mandate approaches, the digital agenda remains a key priority for European political parties. The different perspectives outlined above will help to set the scene for a critical discourse on the future of EU digital policy after the European elections.

For more information, please contact Paula Alexe.