Activities of Barbara KAPPEL related to 2015/2147(INI)
Plenary speeches (2)
Towards a Digital Single Market Act (debate) DE
Towards a Digital Single Market Act (A8-0371/2015 - Kaja Kallas, Evelyne Gebhardt) DE
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on Towards a Digital Single Market Act PDF (619 KB) DOC (373 KB)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on Towards a Digital Single Market Act
Amendments (44)
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that stimulating growth, innovation, consumer choice and competitiveness is of the utmost importance and believes that the digital single market is key to achieving this objective by removing barriers to trade, incorporating innovations more effectively, increasing productivity, streamlining processes for online businesses and supporting creators, investors and consumers; calls in this regard for competitiveness tests on all new proposals;
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses the important role of data in ensuring that the transport sector can benefit from the Digital Single Market; therefore welcomes the Commission's announcement of its Free Flow of Data initiative intended to remove existing barriers to the cross-border flow of data;
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that, in order to achieve economic convergence through European regions, the digital divide must to be reduced substantially and access to the internet guaranteed to all European citizens and companies; encourages further public and private investment in infrastructure, particularly by establishing a regulatory framework which creates more incentives for private investment in electronic communications infrastructure; welcomes the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI)’s intended efforts in this area;
Amendment 42 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses the importance of adequate infrastructure in ensuring that the transport sector can become a beneficiary of the Digital Single Market; stresses that a cross-border Digital Single Market needs transparent transport and portability criteria for data, as well as appropriate cross-border mechanisms; calls on the Member States to devise a modern and future-proof regulatory framework to stimulate further investment in the network infrastructure that will be needed for a digital and interconnected transport sector;
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas all Union policies and legislation in the area of the Digital Single Market should allow new opportunities for users and businesses to emerge, especially within today’s service society, while taking a holistic approach that considers their social dimensionose industrial component should be expanded once again, while taking a holistic approach that not only lays down similar rules for similar services, but also considers their social dimension and, above all, the moves to reindustrialise Europe as they inevitably involve structural changes;
Amendment 83 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Supports the Commission’s decision to review internet platforms; encourages the Commission to create a legislative framework ensuring the development of innovative ideas, protection of work standardsconsumers and work standards, fair competition and compliance with existing fiscal rules;
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas 75% of the value added by the digital economy comes from traditional industry; whereas its integration of digital technology remains weak, with only 1.7% of EU enterprises making full use of advanced digital technologies and 147% of SMEs using the internet as a sales channel, not least as a result of problems which arise when goods and services cross borders; whereas Europe has fallen behind other economic areas as regards the introduction of digital technologies, services and products, and whereas the potential which a digital single market offers for reindustrialisation and for making the European economy more competitive is enormous;
Amendment 131 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas a high and consistent level of consumer protection and satisfaction across all digital services necessarily entails choice, flexibility, information and trust in a secure online environment with high-level of data protection;
Amendment 133 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas a regulatory environment which creates incentives for investment in network and telecommunications infrastructure is a prerequisite for a flourishing digital single market;
Amendment 137 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that copyright enforcement is important and therefore calls for a modernised approach to the enforcement of intellectual property rights online, particularly with regard to commercial- scale infringement; calls on the Commission to ensure that intellectual property rights do not pose excessive barriers to the digital single market but must be seen as an advantage, in order to protect intellectual property while at the same time removing barriers in innovative sectors in order to resolve problems in the area of services and content;
Amendment 143 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the timely roll-out of future communication networks in Europe, such as 5G will depend on the creation of an investment-conducive environment;
Amendment 160 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the Commission’s aim to withdraw the proposal on a Common European Sales Law and the intention to propose rules for digital content; notes the proposal to introduce the ‘home option’ in order to bring down barriers to cross- border trade; insists on the need for comprehensive evidence and consultation with stakeholders before this approach is pursued, in particular as regards the impact it would have on the current protection provided to consumers under national law, especially in terms of remedies for failure to comply with the terms of contracts for online sales.;
Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Communication on ‘A Digital Single Market Strategy for Europe’; believes that the horizontal approach taken needs to be strengthened in its implementation as the digital sectordrivers affects every dimension of society and the economy;
Amendment 193 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that better regulation should help to examine policy through a digital lens and facilitate the adaptation of legislation and enforcement frameworks in the light of new technologies and new business models to prevent fragmentation of the single marketorder to prevent fragmentation of the single market and foster the introduction of new technologies and social models;
Amendment 218 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that users’ trust in digital services is, the digital economy and integrated digital business models are vital to innovation and growth in both the digital and the real economy and that reinforcing that trust should be at the basis of both public policy and business models;
Amendment 253 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses the urgent need for the Commission and Member States to promote a more dynamic economy for innovation to flourish and for companies to scale up, through the development of e- government, a modernised regulatory frameworkand non-regulatory framework for the digital economy that is fit for investments in enhanced digital infrastructures fit for the emergence and scale- up of innovative businesses, and a long term investment strategy into boost digital infrastructure, skills, research and innovation;
Amendment 254 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses the urgent need for the Commission and Member States to promote a more dynamic economy for innovation to flourish and for companies to scale up, through the development of e- government, a modernised, integrated regulatory framework fit for the requisite investment in network technologies and standards and for the emergence and scale- up of Europe’s innovative businesses, and a long term investment strategy in infrastructure, skills, research and innovation;
Amendment 271 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Commission to support the digitalisation of industry through an agenda for smart industry, including by facilitating EU and global standards- setting and interoperability;
Amendment 284 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission, in cooperation with Member States, to further develop initiatives to boost entrepreneurship that range from changing the mind-set on how success is defined to promoting an entrepreneurial and innovation culture; believes, in addition, that the diversity and specific attributes of the different national innovation hubs could be turned into a real competitive advantage for the EU if they are effectively interconnected and given a suitably flexible regulatory environment in which to operate;
Amendment 288 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission, in cooperation with Member States, to further develop initiatives to boost entrepreneurship that range from changing the mind-set on how success is defined to promoting an entrepreneurial and innovation culture; believes, in addition, that the diversity and specific attributes of the different national innovation hubs could be turned into a real competitive advantage for the EU on the global market if they are effectively interconnected;
Amendment 314 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is concerned about the different national approaches taken to regulating the internet and the sharing economy; urges the Commission to take action to preserve the integrity of the single market and the internet as an open and global platform for communication and innovation which makes for and encourages fair competition whilst safeguarding stringent consumer protection standards;
Amendment 373 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the Commission’s initiative to improve the legal protection of consumers as regards intangible digital content; points out that while consumers buying tangible digital content are protected by consumer protection laws, consumer rights when buying intangible digital content remain largely unregulated; agrees that consumers should enjoy a comparable level of protection regardless of whether they purchase digital content online or offline; observes that, in addition, this comparable level of protection of consumers should extend beyond the field of e-commerce and form part of a holistic approach to the internal market; draws particular attention to the problems of undertakings which offer and/or provide these services, the problem of geo-blocking and the problems with the correct charging and payment of VAT at its various rates in cross-border transactions;
Amendment 389 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls for an effective digital single market to enable end users to rely on consistent standards of protection and to give undertakings an assurance that they are operating within a fair and reliable regulatory framework, which provides for similar rules for similar services and products;
Amendment 418 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Believes that a full harmonisation of the legal framework governing online sales irrespective of whether they are cross- border or domestic sales, while maintaining the coherence of online and offline rules regarding legal remedies, constitutes the most practical and proportionate approach; acknowledges that a harmonised approach is efficient only if it reconciles efficient protection of final consumers with minimised and proportionate costs for undertakings; draws attention, in this context, to the problems with the correct charging and payment of VAT on digital products and services;
Amendment 491 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls for an ambitious enforcement framework for the Servicelegislation on consumer protection, especially the Services Directive, Unfair Commercial Practices Directive and Consumer Rights Directive; encourages the Commission to make use of all means at its disposal to ensure the full and correct implementation of existing rules, including fast-track infringement procedures whenever incorrect or insufficient implementation of the directive is identified;
Amendment 578 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers that ambitious actions are needed to improve EU-wide access to legal digital content, in particular by ending geo- blocking practices and unfair price discrimination based on geographical location;
Amendment 645 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Emphasises that incentivising private investments in fast and ultra-fast communication networks is a requirement for any digital progress, with competition remaining the main driver of; considers that, while maintaining sustainable competition, a regulatory framework should be established which creates incentives for infrastructure investments, innovation, affordable prices and choices for consumers; considers that little evidence existsstresses that, in the still fragmented European telecommunications market, of a linkpolitical decision-makers should consider carefully the relationship between consolidation of operators and increased investment in networks;
Amendment 646 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Emphasises that incentivising private investments in fast and ultra-fast communication networks is a requirement for any digital progress, with competition remaining the main driver of especially in industry 4.0, IoT, mhealth and telemedicine solutions. To this end, while safeguarding sustainable competition, the EU should put in place a regulatory framework which incentivises infrastructure investments, innovation, and affordable prices and choices for consumers; considers that little evidence existpolicy makers should carefully assess, in the still fragmented European telecommunications market, of a linkthe relationship between consolidation of operators and increased investment in networks;
Amendment 668 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Observes that there is still a shortfall of investment which absolutely must be overcome in order to attain the objectives of the digital agenda; considers that, to this end, regulatory incentives are needed for private investors and existing incentives should also be reviewed;
Amendment 679 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Believes that a modernised framework should focus on infrastructure-based competition as the main driver for NGA roll-out, including the establishment of a regulatory framework to foster private investment;
Amendment 684 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Acknowledges the importance of public investment in the expansion of broadband, and calls in addition for priority to be assigned to private investment in the expansion of networks and cabling;
Amendment 698 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses that since the development of over-the-top services has increased demand and competition to the benefit of consumers, modernisation of the telecommunication framework should not lead to more regulatory burdens, but should drive innovation and fair competition, although the diversity of services from different categories of providers has increased demand and competition to the benefit of consumers, the development of over-the-top services has led to a fragmentation of consumer protection standards; notes, therefore, that modernisation of the telecommunication framework should not lead to more regulatory burdens, but should focus on consistent protection standards throughout the EU, irrespective of the type of provider, and should reflect the consumption habits of users, while also driving innovation, innovation, and fair and sustainable competition; considers, in this connection, that simplification and technology neutrality should be the key factors in launching this modernisation process;
Amendment 710 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses that sincwhile the development of over-the-top and other digital services hasve increased demand and competition to the benefit of consumers, modernisation of the telecommunication framework shouldconsumer protection standards are fragmented. Therefore modernisation of the telecommunication framework should aim at consistent level of consumer rights across digital industry, not lead to more regulatory burdens, but shouland drive innovation and fair competition across digital markets;
Amendment 738 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls as a priority for a harmonised framework for spectrum allocation to boost long-term infrastructure investmentsincluding harmonised rules for allocation design, allocation timeframes, license conditions and spectrum use to boost long-term infrastructure investments as well as simplify conditions for deployment of WI-FI hotspot networks and small cells; Emphasis that Europe should benefit from opportunities in the consolidation of the European telecom market; Further point out that the spectrum is an essential resource for the Internet of Everything era;
Amendment 747 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls as a priority for a harmonised framework for spectrum allocation to boost long-term infrastructure investments; stresses the urgency of maximising spectrum allocation in view of the enormous and growing expansion of mobile data traffic;
Amendment 785 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses that uniform enforcement of the Connected Continent package, including the end of roaming surcharges and the net neutrality principle, requires the establishment of a single European telecommunications regulatorconsistent implementation in the Member States;
Amendment 814 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Urges the Commission to develop an innovation-friendly policy that fosters fair competition between, and innovation in, online platforms; considers that the priorities should be transparency, facilitation of switching between platforms or online services, access to platforms, non-discrimination and access to platforms for end-users as well as B2B multichannel commerce platforms and identifying and addressing barriers to the emergence and scale-up of platforms;
Amendment 823 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Urges the Commission to develop an innovation-friendly policy that fosters fair competition between, and innovation in, online platforms and simplifies market entry for undertakings; considers that the priorities should be transparency, facilitation of switching between platforms or online services, access to platforms, and identifying and addressing barriers to the emergence and scale-up of platforms;
Amendment 853 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Appreciates the Commission’'s initiative to analyse the role of platforms in the Digital Economy as part of the upcoming Internal Market Strategy, ensuring a comprehensive and similar approach to framework across the digital market; considers that "a one size fits all" solution may have a chilling effect on innovation and put European companies at a competitive disadvantage in the global economy; underlines the need of appropriate application of tools existing in the current legislation in this field;
Amendment 861 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Appreciates the Commission’s initiative to analyse the role of platforms in the Digital Economy as part of the upcoming Internal Market Strategy; notes the need for a consistent regulatory approach to the digital single market;
Amendment 911 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Stress that appropriate intermediary liability protections have underpinned the development of an open internet and are crucial for the protection of fundamental rights in particular freedom of expression;
Amendment 912 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Calls for a review of existing legislation for regulatory tools already at hand for determining their stage of implementation, their fitness for purpose for the challenges and opportunities of the Digital Single Market and for determining legislative and regulatory gaps that need to be addressed; is of the opinion that there are already a lot of existing tools fit for purpose for the Digital Single Market, in particular the Services Directive on unfair price discrimination; acknowledges that implementation and compliance with these tools needs to be enhanced so to avoid duplication of regulations and legislations; asks, in order to avoid specific DSM-regulations to upgrade already existing tools to be fit for purpose of the DSM; asks for new regulations only where clear regulatory gaps are identified, that cannot be filled by upgrading or better implementing already existing legislation;
Amendment 924 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Considers, in order to ensure trust in digital services, that increased resources from the public and private sector are required to strengthen the security of IT systems, critical infrastructure and online networks and the encryption of communication, to improve cyber-attack prevention and to increase knowledge of basic security processes among users of digital services; calls for the harmonised EU response in the area of cybersecurity;
Amendment 927 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Considers, in order to ensure trust in digital services, that increased resources from the public and private sector are required to strengthen the security of IT systems and online networks and the encryption of communication, to improve cyber-attack prevention and to increase knowledge of basic security processes among users of digital services; also takes the view that greater efforts should be made in the fields of anonymisation and pseudonymisation;