News & Events

Minister Troy welcomes Civil Society organisations to Virtual Roundtable Discussion on the EU Digital package

Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy TD, today welcomed participants to a virtual roundtable discussion on the EU Digital package of the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act.

As part of the European Digital Strategy, Shaping Europe’s Digital Future, the European Commission is upgrading the rules governing digital services in the EU, with two legislative proposals: the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act published on 15 December 2020. These proposals aim to create a safer digital space in which the fundamental rights of all users of digital services are protected; and establish a level playing field to foster innovation, growth, and competitiveness, both in the European Single Market and globally.

Participants heard from a senior Commission official from DG Connect who provided the perspective of the Commission proposing the regulations and a member of the European Parliament's Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), MEP Deirdre Clune who provided participants with a Parliament perspective on the files.

The participants in the virtual roundtable discussion consisted of civil society organisations. This event allowed the participants the opportunity to share their views and information on these two key EU proposals, the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act.

Minister Troy commented,

“I was delighted to convene the virtual roundtable today with civil society organisations on the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act proposals. It was a great opportunity to hear from stakeholders and for them to engage with the EU Commission and the EU Parliament on both of these files. It is important to hear from a range of views as we enter the trilogue negotiation phase, so that the final shape of these regulations is well informed.

“The Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act are both very important proposals in their own right. I am full square behind the objectives of the Digital Services Act to protect consumers and safeguard the fundamental rights of all using the internet and I believe that the Digital Markets Act will improve competition to the benefit of consumers, SMEs and small platforms. Together they will bring tangible benefits.”