“We need to look at questions of access, reuse and control of data, also from the privacy point of view. Without a clear legal and political framework, we will stay stuck in silos. If data is tied down or faces barriers, it is of no use to us,” said Prime Minister Ratas.
The free movement of data is a prerequisite for foundation of a Digital Single Market of the European Union. Because of the vast possibilities that the Digital Single Market would contain, the Digital Europe and the Free Movement of Data are one of the four priorities of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Prime Minister Ratas reminded that innovation, better use of technology and more efficient data exchange would improve the daily life of the people, businesses and member states of the European Union. The digital society will also help to solve complex crucial issues in Europe. “Lowering our carbon production, ensuring health in old age, sustaining the European social model, safeguarding our citizens – all of these are only possible if the Single Market stays in front of technological development,” Prime Minister Ratas listed.
The Digital Single Market Conference on the Free Movement of Data is one of the most important events to be held during the Presidency, and it brings together the representatives of the economic operators and of the public sector from all over Europe in Tallinn today. Ministers for competitiveness and telecommunications, members of the European Commission and of the European Parliament, as well as high representatives of the Council of the European Union are present.
Today’s conference may be regarded as an introduction to the Digital Summit that will take place in Tallinn on 29 September, where all heads of the institutions, governments or states of the European Union have been invited.
