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28 National Trade Associations adopt principles to secure growth and jobs

The leading tech trade bodies across Europe have today united on principles to guide the development of the Digital Single Market. The 28 trade associations, representing 23,270 tech companies across Europe, are calling on policy makers and politicians to apply these principles as they develop the policy and legislative proposals that will be at the heart of the European Digital Single Market.

Across Europe, tech companies are driving innovation, helping businesses become more productive and delivering huge economic and social benefits for consumers and citizens. The Digital Single Market provides an opportunity to accelerate this, creating growth and new jobs for Europe. DIGITALEUROPE and the National Trade associations support the EU's push towards building a Digital Single Market that can be a powerful engine to rejuvenate the European economy.

Julian David, CEO of techUK and vice president of DIGITALEUROPE, commented: "By uniting on these principles, we are making an important statement about the ambition of the tech sector across Europe. The EU Digital Single Market is at the heart of the competitiveness agenda. By building a bigger market with fewer barriers to trade we can help European companies grow and scale, so it's crucial we get this right."

The eight principles are:

1. Embrace change

2. Embrace global

3. Make it easier for businesses to innovate

4. Make the world simpler

5. Leave space for innovation to overcome barriers and bottlenecks

6. Use the right tools for the job

7. Be wary of unintended consequences

8. Move at pace

Francesco Giuffrè, Director of ANITEC, tech trade association for ITALY, and member of DIGITAL EUROPE Board, said:"By working together, we have the opportunity to maximise the potential of the digital revolution across Europe. The impact will be determined by the policy choices taken in the next five years. Politicians and policy makers across Europe must take this opportunity to secure a positive Digital Future for Europe."

On launching the European Commission's initiatives for the Digital Single Market, Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society Günther H. Oettinger said: "Our economies and societies are going digital. Future prosperity will depend largely on how well we master this transition. Europe has strengths to build on, but also homework to do, in particular to make sure its industries adapt, and its citizens make full use of the potential of new digital services and goods. We have to prepare for a modern society and will table proposals balancing the interests of consumers and industry."

Agreement was reached at the DIGITALEUROPE NTA Summit in Milan. The eight principles are available in English, French and German.