EU digital transition will be accelerated, after COVID-19
EU members will review the digital agenda, next Tuesday (9th of June). Currently, Commissioner Margrethe Vestager’s responsible for the EU digital transition. With Corona, the topic’s importance only grew. Thus, plans are likely to be reviewed and accelerated.
EU states are expected to accelerate digital transitions. According to sources, a new document’s being outlined. Titled Shaping Europe’s Digital Future, it was debated in a Telecoms Ministers’ meeting. The text is supposed to be adopted next Tuesday. Then, states will be invited to analyse digital transformations brought about by Corona.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of digital connections. With confinement, several Europeans resorted to teleworking. Also, most public institutions had to develop digitally. Schools, for example, had to run online classes. Public services had to adapt to reach out to citizens, too.
The new document is hoped to address several issues. Examples include online public services, or the EU’s digital identity. Increasing connectivity in rural villages is also an important topic.
Reviewing the digital transition
As noted, the digital transition will be reviewed. The modification will possibly involve more investments. There is still an important gap in e-health, and remote learning/working. To overcome this, more funds would have to be made available.
The budget for digital transition had already been proposed. In February, the European council suggested an increase of €1.5 billion. With the addition, the total would amount to €8.2 billion.
The EU digital transition review will affect several topics. Four key aspects will be under the spotlight. The first is regards the EU’s IT workforce. There will be an effort to up-skill such population. The second will be to re-attract European digital experts who have migrated. Making workplaces “digital-ready” will be the third. The fourth concerns increasing connectivity in schools.
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