EU digital single market progress may accelerate

Subject

The EU’s digital single market.

Significance

The Commission proposed Bulgarian member of the European Parliament (MEP) Mariya Gabriel as the new commissioner for digital policy on May 16. The appointment came as a review of progress on the EU’s digital single market strategy shows mixed results to date.

Impacts

• Gabriel is likely to be approved by the Parliament, and her background as MEP will compensate for her lack of relevant experience.
• A fully functioning digital single market could add 415 billion euros (464 billion dollars) to the EU’s GDP per year.
• The recent ransomware attack will give added urgency to action at the EU level, though countries may be reluctant to surrender sovereignty.