In just a year, the COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed the role and perception of digitalisation in our societies and economies. Digital technologies are now imperative for working, learning, entertaining, socialising, shopping, and accessing services such as health and culture.

The pandemic has also exposed the vulnerabilities of our digital space, and its impact on our societies. A new digital divide has emerged, not only between well-connected urban areas and rural areas, but also between those who can fully benefit from an enriched and secure digital space, and those who cannot. Now more than ever it is clear that digital policies must help nurture more democratic and inclusive societies, and ensure that all people in the EU can leverage the digital transformation for a better life.

To address these challenges, the Commission proposed a declaration on European digital rights and principles that will promote Europe’s digital transformation based on European values.