The European Union’s Digital Assertiveness

Abstract:

The European institutions and EU member states are pushing hard for closer digital integration. In view of the diverse challenges – from protecting critical infrastructure and safeguarding civil liberties to the creation of common markets – 'positive integration', that is targeted EU regulatory action, is the way to tackle market failure within and beyond Europe.

Draft regulations at the EU level are to take effect inside and outside the internal market: the Digital Single Market Strategy (DSM), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Directive on Network and Information Security (NIS). Digital integration is a precondition for establishing European standards and norms effectively, especially in international politics.