Among the key messages it contains, the document highlights that the free cross-border movement of data, guaranteed by adequate protection of personal data, intellectual property rights and trade secrets (data flow with trust), is a key element for strengthening competitiveness. companies, regardless of their size and the sector in which they are located.

The document emphasizes that, in the absence of a multilateral framework in the area of ​​digital trade, there is increasing regulatory divergence leading to fragmentation of international digital markets. This proliferation of regulations is detrimental to the competitiveness of companies, especially SMEs, which show the most difficulty adapting to different regulatory frameworks for digital commerce. In this sense, it should be noted that Europe accounts for more than half of global exports of digitally distributed services.

For BusinessEurope, the standards agreed in the digital trade chapter included in the Free Trade Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the UK can be the primary reference for negotiating any trade agreement.

Similarly, BusinessEurope emphasizes that agreements in the digital field must include sections related to aspects such as non-discrimination of services or goods provided by electronic means, prohibition of forced technology transfers, trade facilitation (electronic contracts, digital signatures), consumer protection. and open public data, and appropriate instruments to ensure technical interoperability and common standards; and that they must lay the foundation for an open digital architecture and a robust digital ecosystem.

In its document, BusinessEurope stressed that concluding negotiations on a joint WTO initiative on e-commerce and extending the moratorium on import duties on electronic transmissions should be high on the European Commission’s negotiating agenda. In addition, the document refers to the fact that bilateral agreements without relevant provisions related to digital trade must be strengthened by appropriate agreements on this matter.

BusinessEurope’s position also confirms that an assessment of the impact of any legislation in the field of digitization should analyze the consequences of this initiative for trade and investment, as well as the competitiveness of European companies outside the EU.