BRUSSELS – September 16, 2020 – BSA | The Software Alliance welcomes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s first State of the European Union speech today, which sets out the Commission’s agenda for the year and places digital innovation among its top priorities.

“European governments and Europe-based companies face several complex and unprecedented challenges, many born out of the COVID-19 crisis. What is clear from President von der Leyen’s speech is the constructive role that responsible, data-driven technology will play in helping EU policymakers and businesses navigate through modern transitions,” said Thomas Boué, Director General of Policy—EMEA at BSA. “Whether it is managing Europe’s recovery plan, supporting the transition to the remote economy, implementing the EU’s industrial strategy, or fulfilling Europe’s green agenda, enterprise software and cloud services can improve the ability of employees to collaborate; companies to operate, innovate, and grow; and governments to reach citizens securely and efficiently.”

“How Europe responds to these issues will help shape global currents. BSA and our Member Companies welcome the Commission’s long-term, values-based approach to data-related policymaking—particularly President von der Leyen’s emphasis on the need for strong privacy and security standards, more open data sharing and cross-border data flows, better digital access and skills training, and decisive action to fight bias and discrimination. BSA remains committed to working with the EU institutions and sharing our deep industry expertise to help advance these ambitious goals,” Boué added.

BSA’s Response and Recovery Agenda highlights a number of policy priorities and strategic initiatives that could be fostered in the EU to enable governments and their citizens to prepare for and implement increased remote working, resilient education systems, and other remote-based activities. To learn more, visit https://www.bsa.org/policy-filings/bsa-response-recovery-agenda