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The French Presidency unveils its digital programme

France took over the Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 January. Last week, it unveiled its priorities for the upcoming six months. In the digital field, the French Presidency programme strongly emphasises sovereignty. “Europe must assert its sovereignty, be free to make its own decisions, have control over its own destiny and engage with its partners to address global challenges”, the document reads. A ministerial conference on digital sovereignty will be held in early February.

The programme states that the Presidency will contribute to strengthening ties with the United States and mentions the Trade and Technology Council. At the same time, the “EU’s decision-making autonomy” will be respected.

Please find below the link to the full programme and a summary of its key topics in the digital field.

Finance

A high priority of the French Presidency is the protection of financial transactions against cyber and criminal threats. Thus, the Presidency wants to progress on the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and the Regulation on Markets in Crypto-Assets. Moving forward on the new anti-money laundering rules is also a priority.

Critical infrastructure

When it comes to critical entities, the French Presidency will work on the two corresponding files: the NIS Directive 2 -covering their cybersecurity- and the Directive on the resilience of critical entities -covering their physical security. “Enhancing cybersecurity will be a core focus for the Presidency”. France will push forward the negotiations on the revision of the NIS Directive.  

On data spaces, the French Presidency will open negotiations on the European Health Data Space proposal.

Digital Markets

The French Presidency inherited from two major digital sector files: the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act. The former introduces rules for content moderation by digital platforms and obligations for online marketplaces; the latter aims to ensure fair competition in digital markets. Both files are at the stage of the negotiations with the European Parliament.

The programme mentions industrial cooperation. The French Presidency will fast track such cooperation to structure critical sectors and technologies, such as electronics and cloud computing. The Presidency will notably start the work on the European Chips Act once published by the Commission. The Chips Act is expected in the coming weeks.

Artificial intelligence & data

France will continue the examination of the Artificial Intelligence Act. The French Presidency will begin the work on the upcoming Data Act. The Data Act should facilitate the exchange of data.

Digital identity

On digital identity, the programme only states that “the Presidency will continue work on creating a European digital identity in order to promote dependable digital identities for all Europeans”.

Space

Regarding the Space sector, the French Presidency will work on the Secure Connectivity constellation initiative. Ultimately, a new secure communication satellite infrastructure should be put in place. France also wants a common European position on space traffic management.

Transport

Among other things, the Presidency will concentrate on revising the Intelligent Transport Systems Directive.

If you have any questions on this topic, please do not hesitate to contact Camille Dornier - Policy Manager: camille.dornier@eurosmart.com