P8_TA(2018)0521

Establishing the Digital Europe programme for the period 2021-2027 ***I

Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 13 December 2018 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Digital Europe programme for the period 2021-2027 (COM(2018)0434 — C8-0256/2018 — 2018/0227(COD)) (1)

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

(2020/C 388/45)

Amendment 1

Draft legislative resolution

Citation 3 a (new)

Draft legislative resolution Amendment — having regard to the resolution of the European Parliament of 17 May 2017 on FinTech: the influence of technology on the future of the financial sector,

Amendment 2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (4) Pursuant to [reference to be updated as appropriate according to a new decision on OCTs: Article 88 of Council Decision / /EU (53)], persons and entities established in overseas countries and territories (OCTs) should be eligible for funding subject to the rules and objectives of the Programme and possible arrangements applicable to the Member State to which the relevant overseas country or territory is linked. (4) Pursuant to [reference to be updated as appropriate according to a new decision on OCTs: Article 88 of Council Decision / /EU (53)], persons and entities established in overseas countries and territories (OCTs) should be eligible for funding subject to the rules and objectives of the Programme and possible arrangements applicable to the Member State to which the relevant overseas country or territory is linked. The constraints relating to the participation of overseas countries or territories must be taken into account when implementing the Programme, and their effective participation in the Programme must be monitored and regularly evaluated.

Amendment 3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (5) Pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional agreement for Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016 (54), there is a need to evaluate this Programme on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements, while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens, in particular on Member States. These requirements, where appropriate, can include measurable indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Programme on the ground. (5) Pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional agreement for Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016 (54), there is a need to evaluate this Programme on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements, correlated to existing needs and complying with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council (54a), while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens for all beneficiaries , in particular on Member States and SMEs . These requirements should , where appropriate, include measurable quantitative and qualitative indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Programme on the ground.

Amendment 4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (5a) The Programme should ensure utmost transparency, accountability and democratic scrutiny of innovative financial instruments and mechanisms that involve the Union budget, especially as regards their contribution, both as regards initial expectations and end results made towards achieving Union objectives.

Amendment 5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (6) The Tallinn Digital Summit (55) of September 2017 and the Conclusions of the European Council (56) of 19 October 2017 indicated the need for Europe to invest in digitising our economies and addressing the skills gap to maintain and enhance European competitiveness, our quality of life and social fabric. The European Council concluded that the digital transformation offers immense opportunities for innovation, growth and jobs, will contribute to our global competitiveness, and enhance creative and cultural diversity. Seizing these opportunities requires collectively tackling some of the challenges posed by the digital transformation and reviewing policies affected by the digital transformation. (6) The Tallinn Digital Summit (55) of September 2017 and the Conclusions of the European Council (56) of 19 October 2017 indicated the need for Europe to invest in efficient digitalisation of our economies and addressing the skills gap to maintain and enhance European competitiveness and innovation , our quality of life and social fabric. The European Council concluded that the digital transformation offers immense opportunities for innovation, growth and jobs, will contribute to our global competitiveness, and enhance creative and cultural diversity. Seizing these opportunities requires collectively tackling the challenges posed by the digital transformation in several ways, including by ensuring that the essential building blocks on which new technologies rely are put in place, by creating effective and easily enforceable legal rules, by reviewing policies affected by the digital transformation , and by creating an innovation-friendly environment in which the interests of users are fully safeguarded . Optimally, the financial envelope for this Programme, a European level effort, shall be increased by significant private sector funds and contributions from the Member States.

Amendment 6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (6a) The future of European society and the European economy will strongly rely on a harmonised and consistent spectrum policy, on 5G infrastructure, which will require an infrastructure objective regarding VHC networks, with the aim of providing high-quality and faster communication services; this is a prerequisite for the good implementation of the Programme. In this regard, the Programme should benefit of the good implementation of Connecting Europe Facility and in particular the Wif4EU initiative aiming to promote connectivity for citizens in the Union’s public spaces; the combination of those two programmes will maximise output and deliver on the Union targets of deliver reliable and consistent high-speed network coverage across the Union.

Amendment 7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (7) The European Council concluded in particular that the Union should urgently address emerging trends: this includes issues such as artificial intelligence and distributed ledgers technologies (e.g. blockchain) , while at the same time ensuring a high level of data protection, digital rights and ethical standards. The European Council invited the Commission to put forward a European approach to artificial intelligence by early 2018 and called on the Commission to put forward the necessary initiatives for strengthening the framework conditions with a view to enable the EU to explore new markets through risk-based radical innovations and to reaffirm the leading role of its industry. (7) The European Council concluded in particular that the Union should urgently address emerging trends: this includes issues such as digital divide, artificial intelligence, while at the same time ensuring a high level of data protection in full compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 , rights , fundamental rights and ethical standards. The European Council invited the Commission to put forward a European approach to artificial intelligence by early 2018 and called on the Commission to put forward the necessary initiatives for strengthening the framework conditions with a view to enable the EU to explore new markets through risk-based radical innovations and to reaffirm the leading role of its industry.

Amendment 8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (7a) On 10 April 2018, Member States expressed their support and a joint will to cooperate together on initiatives on artificial intelligence and distributed ledger technologies (for example blockchain) infrastructure services by signing cooperation agreements.

Amendment 9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (7b) For a successful implementation of this Programme, more is needed than following the trends. The Union needs to be committed to privacy-enabling technologies (i.e. cryptography and decentralised applications (DApps)) as well as increased investments in future-proof infrastructure (fibre-optic) networks) to enable a self-determined digitalised society.

Amendment 10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7 c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (7c) Europe has to make decisive investments in its future, building strategic digital capacities in order to benefit from the digital revolution. A substantial budget (of at least EUR 9,2 billion) must be ensured at EU level for this purpose, which must be complemented by sizable investment efforts at national and regional level, namely with a consistent and complementary relationship with structural and cohesion funds.

Amendment 11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (8) The Commission's Communication on ‘A new, modern Multiannual Financial Framework for a European Union that delivers efficiently on its priorities post-2020’ (57) outlines among the options for the future financial framework a programme for Europe's digital transformations to deliver ‘strong progress towards smart growth in areas such as high quality data infrastructure, connectivity and cybersecurity’. It would seek to secure European leadership in supercomputing, next generation internet, artificial intelligence, robotics and big data. It would reinforce the competitive position of industry and businesses in Europe across the digitised economy and would have a significant impact on filling the skills gap across the Union. (8) The Commission's Communication on ‘A new, modern Multiannual Financial Framework for a European Union that delivers efficiently on its priorities post-2020’ (57) outlines among the options for the future financial framework a programme for Europe's digital transformations to deliver 'strong progress towards smart growth in areas such as high quality data infrastructure, connectivity cybersecurity and digitalization of public administrations . It would seek to secure European leadership in supercomputing, next generation internet, artificial intelligence, robotics and big data. It would reinforce the competitive position of industry and businesses in Europe across the digitised economy and would have a significant impact on bridging and filling the skills gap across the Union ensuring that European citizens have the necessary skills, competences and knowledge to face the digital transformation .

Amendment 12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (8a) Whereas in view of the delay in developing the Union's strategic digital capacities and the efforts made to remedy this, a budget commensurate with the ambitions of this programme and of at least EUR 9,2 billion should be guaranteed.

Amendment 13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (9) The Communication ‘Towards a common European data space’ (57), addresses the new measure to be taken as a key step towards a common data space in the EU — a seamless digital area with a scale that will enable the development of new products and services based on data. (9) The Communication ‘Towards a common European data space’ (57), addresses the new measure to be taken as a key step towards a common data space in the EU — a seamless digital area with a scale that will enable the development and innovation of new products and services based on data.

Amendment 14

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (9a) The Next Generation Internet initiative launched by the European Commission in 2017 should also provide ground for the implementation of the Programme as it aims towards a more open Internet with better services, more intelligence, greater involvement and participation, addressing technological opportunities arising from advances in various research fields, extending from new network architectures and software-defined infrastructures to new concepts for services and applications.

Amendment 15

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (10) The general objective of the Programme should be to support the digital transformation of industry and to foster better exploitation of the industrial potential of policies of innovation, research and technological development, for the benefit of businesses and citizens all over the Union. The programme should be structured into five Specific Objectives reflecting key policy areas, namely: high-performance computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, advanced digital skills, and deployment, best use of digital capacities and interoperability. For all these areas , the Programme should also aim at better aligning Union, Member States and regional policies, and pooling of private and industrial resources in order to increase investment and develop stronger synergies . (10) The general objective of the Programme should be to support the digital transformation of industry and to foster better exploitation of the industrial potential of policies of innovation, research and technological development as well as to modernise specific sectors of public interest , for the benefit of businesses , especially SMEs, and citizens all over the Union. Furthermore , the Programme should strengthen the Union's competiveness and the resilience of its economy .

Amendment 16

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (10a) There is a pressing need to support SMEs intending to harness the digital transformation in their production processes. Digital research and innovation will allow SMEs to contribute to the growth of the European economy through an efficient use of resources.

Amendment 17

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (10b) The Programme should be structured into five specific objectives reflecting key policy areas, namely: (a) high-performance computing, (b) artificial intelligence and distributed ledger technologies, (c) cybersecurity, (d) advanced digital skills, and (e) deployment, best use of digital capacities and interoperability. For all these areas, the Programme should also aim at better aligning Union, Member States and regional policies, and pooling of private and industrial resources in order to increase investment and develop stronger synergies.

Amendment 18

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10 c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (10c) Together with the general objective of digital transformation, the Programme should contribute to ensuring long-term strategic security objectives by building capacities and capabilities in the Union, giving priority to actions that increase the strategic potential and limit dependence on third countries suppliers and products, thereby securing the Union's economic and innovative competitiveness.

Amendment 19

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 11

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (11) A central role in the implementation of the Programme should be attributed to Digital Innovation Hubs, which should stimulate the broad adoption of advanced digital technologies by industry, by public organisations and academia. A network of Digital Innovation Hubs should ensure the widest geographical coverage across Europe (59). A first set of D‘igital Innovation Hubs will be selected based on Member States’ proposals and then the network will be enlarged through an open and competitive process. The Digital Innovation Hubs will serve as access points to latest digital capacities including high performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, as well as other existing innovative technologies such as Key Enabling Technologies, available also in fablabs or citylabs. They shall act as single-entry points in accessing tested and validated technologies and promote open innovation. They will also provide support in the area of advanced digital skills. The network of Digital Innovation Hubs should also contribute to the participation of the outermost regions in the Digital Single Market. (11) A central role in the implementation of the Programme should be attributed to European Digital Innovation Hubs, which should stimulate the broad adoption of advanced digital technologies by industry including SMEs , by public organisations and academia. A network of European Digital Innovation Hubs should ensure the widest geographical coverage across Europe (59). A first set of European Digital Innovation Hubs will be selected based on Member States’ proposals and then the network will be enlarged through an open , transparent and competitive process. The European Digital Innovation Hubs will serve as access points to latest digital capacities including high performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, as well as other existing innovative technologies such as Key Enabling Technologies, available also in fablabs or citylabs. They shall act as one-stop-shops in accessing tested and validated technologies and promote open innovation. They will also provide support in the area of advanced digital skills. The network of European Digital Innovation Hubs should also contribute to the participation of the outermost regions in the Digital Single Market and support the digital transformation in the overseas countries and territories .

Amendment 20

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 11 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (11a) In order to create synergies between investments under this Programme and Union research and development investments, in particular those under the Horizon Europe programme, European Digital Innovation Hubs should act as a platform to bring together industry, business and administrations which are in need of new technology solutions on one side, with companies, notably start-ups and SMEs, that have market-ready solutions on the other side.

Amendment 21

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 11 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (11b) The planning, development and procurement of the programme should be carried out with a view to enhancing Union capacities and competitiveness in the medium and long term. Priority should be given to actions that increase the strategic potential and competiveness of the Union which aim at limit the dependence on third countries suppliers and products. The participation of third countries to specific objectives of the Programme should therefore depend on the contribution such countries would make to the Union.

Amendment 22

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 12

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (12) The Programme should be implemented through projects reinforcing essential digital capacities and their wide use . This should involve co-investments with Member States and, when needed, the private sector. This should notably require reaching a critical mass in procurement to obtain better value for money and guarantee that suppliers in Europe stay at the forefront of technology advancements. (12) The Programme should be implemented through projects reinforcing essential digital capacities and the Union's strategic autonomy . To this end the programme should ensure an EU budget of at least EUR 9,2 billion complemented with co-investments from Member States and/or the private sector. This should notably require reaching a critical mass in procurement to obtain better value for money and guarantee that suppliers in Europe reach the forefront of technology advancements.

Amendment 23

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (14) The Programme's actions should be used to address market failures or sub-optimal investment situations, in a proportionate manner, without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear European added value. (14) The Programme's actions should be used to reinforce and extend the Union's digital base, tackle major societal challenges, further raise the Union's digital industrial competences, as well as address market failures or sub-optimal investment situations, in a proportionate manner, without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear European added value.

Amendment 24

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 15

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (15) To achieve maximum flexibility throughout the lifetime of the programme and develop synergies between its components, each of the specific objectives may be implemented through all instruments available under the Financial Regulation. The delivery mechanisms to be used are direct management and indirect management when Union financing should be combined with other sources of financing or when execution requires the setup of commonly governed structures. (15) To achieve maximum flexibility throughout the lifetime of the programme and develop synergies between its components, each of the specific objectives may be implemented through all instruments available under the Financial Regulation. The delivery mechanisms to be used are direct management and indirect management when Union financing should be combined with other sources of financing or when execution requires the setup of commonly governed structures. In cases of indirect management, the Commission will ensure that all quality and safety standards required for the direct management of the programme are maintained and respected.

Amendment 25

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 16

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (16) The high performance computing and the related data processing capacities in the Union should allow to ensure wider use of high performance computing by industry and, more generally, in areas of public interest in order to seize unique opportunities that supercomputers bring to society as regards health, environment and security as well as competitiveness of industry, notably small and medium-sized enterprises. (16) The high performance computing and the related data processing and storage capacities in the Union should allow to ensure wider use of high performance computing by industry and, more generally, in areas of public interest in order to seize unique opportunities that supercomputers bring to society as regards health, environment and security as well as competitiveness of industry, notably small and medium-sized enterprises. The Union needs to acquire world-class supercomputers, secure its supply system and deploy services for simulation, visualisation and prototyping while ensuring a HCP system in accordance with Union values and principles.

Amendment 26

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (17) The support to the Union's intervention in this area was expressed by the Council (60) and, by the European Parliament (61). Moreover, in 2017 nine Member States signed the EuroHPC Declaration (62), a multi-government agreement where they commit to collaborate with the Commission to build and deploy state-of-the-art HPC and data infrastructures in Europe that would be available across the Union for scientific communities, public and private partners. (17) The support to the Union's intervention in this area was expressed by the Council (60) and, by the European Parliament (61). Moreover, in 2017 nine Member States signed the EuroHPC Declaration (62), a multi-government agreement where they commit to collaborate with the Commission to build and deploy state-of-the-art HPC and data infrastructures in Europe that would be available across the Union for scientific communities, public and private partners and strengthening the EU-added value .

Amendment 27

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 18

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (18) For the high performance computing specific objective a joint undertaking is deemed the most suited implementation mechanism, in particular to coordinate national and Union strategies and investments in high performance computing infrastructure and research and development, pool resources from public and private funds, and safeguard the economic and strategic interests of the Union (63). Moreover, high performance computing competence centres in Member States will provide high performance computing services to industry, academia and public administrations. (18) For the high performance computing specific objective a joint undertaking is deemed the most suited implementation mechanism, in particular to coordinate national and Union strategies and investments in high performance computing infrastructure and research and development, pool resources from public and private funds, and safeguard the economic and strategic interests of the Union (63). Moreover, high performance computing competence centres in Member States will provide high performance computing services to industry, including SMEs and start-ups, academia and public administrations established in the Union

Amendment 28

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (19) Developing capacity related to artificial intelligence is a crucial driver for the digital transformation of industry and also of the public sector . Ever more autonomous robots are used in factories, deep sea application, homes, cities and hospitals. Commercial artificial intelligence platforms have moved from testing to real applications in health and environment; all major car manufacturers are developing self-driving cars, and machine learning techniques are at the heart of all main web platforms and big data applications. (19) Developing capacity related to artificial intelligence is a crucial driver for the digital transformation of industry and also of the public sector . Ever more autonomous robots are used in factories, deep sea application, homes, cities and hospitals. Commercial artificial intelligence platforms have moved from testing to real applications in health and environment; all major car manufacturers are developing self-driving cars, and machine learning techniques are at the heart of all main web platforms and big data applications. In order to create the best framework conditions for these new technologies to foster in Europe, the Union needs to add the innovation principle to its policy-making process.

Amendment 29

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (19a) In its resolution of 1 June 2017 on digitising European industry the European Parliament pointed out the impact of language barriers on industry and its digitisation. In this context the development of large-scale AI-based language technologies such as automatic translation, speech recognition, big data text analytics, dialog and question-answering systems are essential to preserve linguistic diversity, ensure inclusiveness and enable human-human and human-machine communication.

Amendment 30

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (19b) The increasingly rapid development of self-learning robots and artificial intelligence as well as their ability to multiply knowledge and learning content within seconds makes it difficult to predict any stage of development until the Programme’s termination in 2027. Consequently, the Commission should pay particular attention to this fast-evolving digital trend and, if applicable should swiftly adapt the objectives of the work programme, accordingly.

Amendment 31

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19 c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (19c) In light of European industry’s increasing demand for AI robotics solutions and the importance of avoiding a significant investment gap in this field, the Programme’s objectives on artificial intelligence should encompass robotics powered by artificial intelligence.

Amendment 32

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19 d (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (19d) Products and services based on artificial intelligence should be user-friendly, legally compliant by default and provide consumers with more choice and more information, in particular on the quality of products and services.

Amendment 33

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 20

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (20) The availability of large-scale data sets and testing and experimentation facilities are of major importance for the development of artificial intelligence. (20) The availability of large-scale data sets and testing and experimentation facilities to secure the internal market where artificial intelligence is used and access to text and data mining are of major importance for the development of artificial intelligence, including language technologies.

Amendment 34

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 20 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (20a) On 25 April 2018, the Commission committed to propose a European approach by developing draft Artificial Intelligence guidelines in cooperation with stakeholders within the AI alliance, a group of artificial intelligence experts, in order to boost AI-powered applications and businesses in Europe.

Amendment 35

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 21

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (21) In its resolution of 1 June 2017 on digitising European industry (64) the European Parliament highlighted the importance of a common European cybersecurity approach, recognising the need to raise awareness and considered cyber-resilience as a crucial responsibility for business leaders and national and European industrial security policymakers. (21) In its resolution of 1 June 2017 on digitising European industry (64) the European Parliament highlighted the importance of a common European cybersecurity approach, recognising the need to raise awareness and considered cyber-resilience as a crucial responsibility for business leaders and national and European industrial security policymakers , as well as the implementation of security and privacy by default and by design .

Amendment 36

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 22

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (22) Cybersecurity is a challenge for the whole Union that cannot continue to be addressed only with fragmented national initiatives. Europe's cybersecurity capacity should be reinforced to endow Europe with the necessary capacities to protect its citizens and businesses from cyber threats. In addition consumers should be protected when using connected products that can be hacked and compromise their safety. This should be achieved together with Member States and private sector by developing, and ensuring coordination between, projects reinforcing Europe's capacities in cybersecurity and ensuring the wide deployment of latest cybersecurity solutions across the economy, as well as by aggregating the competences in this field to ensure critical mass and excellence. (22) Cybersecurity is a challenge for the whole Union that cannot continue to be addressed only with fragmented national initiatives. Europe's cybersecurity capacity should be reinforced to endow Europe with the necessary capacities to protect citizens , public administrations and businesses from cyber threats. In addition consumers should be protected when using connected products that can be hacked and compromise their safety. This should be achieved together with Member States and private sector by developing, and ensuring coordination between, projects reinforcing Europe's capacities in cybersecurity and ensuring the wide deployment of latest cybersecurity solutions across the economy, as well as by aggregating the competences in this field to ensure critical mass and excellence.

Amendment 37

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 23

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (23) In September 2017, the Commission put forward a package of initiatives (65) setting out a comprehensive Union approach to cybersecurity, with the aim of reinforcing Europe’s capacities to deal with cyber-attacks and threats and to strengthen technology and industrial capacity in this field. (23) In September 2017, the Commission put forward a package of initiatives (65) setting out a comprehensive Union approach to cybersecurity, with the aim of reinforcing Europe’s capacities to deal with cyber-attacks , to increase cyber resilience and threats and to strengthen technology and industrial capacity in this field.

Amendment 38

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 23 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (23a) As a matter of principle, cybersecurity solutions should contain safety and security standards as core design parameters according to the available state-of-the-art technology and the principles of ‘security by design’ and ‘security by default’.

Amendment 39

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 24

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (24) Trust is a prerequisite for the Digital Single Market to function. Cybersecurity technologies such as digital identities, cryptography or intrusion detection, and their application in areas such as finance, industry 4.0, energy, transportation, healthcare, or e-government are essential to safeguard the security and trust of online activity and transactions by both citizens, public administrations, and companies. (24) Trust is a prerequisite for the Digital Single Market to function. Cybersecurity technologies such as distributed ledger technology, digital identities, cryptography , encryption or intrusion detection, and their application in areas such as finance, industry 4.0, logistics , energy, transportation, tourism, healthcare, or e-government are essential to safeguard the security, transparency and trust of online activity , including 5G platforms, and transactions by both citizens, public administrations, and companies.

Amendment 40

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 25

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (25) The European Council in its conclusions of 19 October 2017 stressed that to successfully build a Digital Europe, the Union needs in particular labour markets, training and education systems fit for the digital age and that there is a need to invest in digital skills, to empower and enable all Europeans; (25) The European Council in its conclusions of 19 October 2017 stressed that to successfully build a Digital Europe, the Union needs in particular labour markets, training and education systems fit for the digital age and that there is a need to invest in digital skills development and improve the digital literacy , to empower and enable all Europeans with an integrated approach. ;

Amendment 41

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 26 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (26a) Considering the need for a holistic approach, the Programme should also take into account the areas of inclusion, qualification, training and specialization which, in addition to the advanced digital competences, are decisive for the creation of added value in the knowledge society.

Amendment 42

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 27

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (27) In its resolution of 1 June 2017 on digitising European industry (67) the European Parliament stated that education, training and lifelong learning are the cornerstone of social cohesion in a digital society. (27) In its resolution of 1 June 2017 on digitising European industry (67) the European Parliament stated that education, training and lifelong learning are the cornerstone of social cohesion in a digital society. It furthermore demanded that the gender perspective would be incorporated in all digital initiatives, emphasizing the need to address the severe gender gap within the ICT sector, since this is essential for Europe’s long-term growth and prosperity;

Amendment 43

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 27 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (27a) In its resolution of 28 April 2016 on gender equality and empowering women in the digital age, the European Parliament underlined the need of collecting gender-disaggregated data on the use of ICT, and of developing targets, indicators and benchmarks to track the progress of women's access to ICT and promote best practices examples among companies;

Amendment 44

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 27 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (27b) In its resolution of 19 January 2016, Towards a Digital Single Market Act, the European Parliament fully supported and encouraged a digital entrepreneurial culture for women, as well as their integration and participation in information society.

Amendment 45

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 28

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (28) The advanced digital technologies supported by this Programme, such as high performance computing, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence are now sufficiently mature to move beyond the research arena and be deployed, implemented and scaled-up at Union level. Just as the deployment of these technologies require a Union response so does the skills dimension. Training opportunities in advanced digital skills need to be scaled up, increased and made accessible throughout the EU. Failing this could impede the smooth deployment of advanced digital technologies and hamper the overall competitiveness of Union's economy. The actions supported by this programme are complementary to those supported by the ESF, ERDF and Horizon Europe programmes. (28) The advanced digital technologies supported by this Programme, such as high performance computing, cybersecurity cloud computing, data protection and information governance and artificial intelligence are now sufficiently mature to move beyond the research arena and be deployed, implemented and scaled-up at Union level. Just as the deployment of these technologies require a Union response so does the skills dimension. Learning and training opportunities in advanced digital skills need to be scaled up, increased and made accessible throughout the EU. Failing this could impede the smooth deployment of advanced digital technologies and hamper the overall competitiveness of Union's economy. The actions supported by this programme are complementary to those supported by the ESF, ERDF , ERASMUS and Horizon Europe programmes.

Amendment 46

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 29

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (29) Modernising public administrations and services through digital means is crucial to reducing administrative burden on industry and on citizens in general by making their interactions with public authorities faster, more convenient and less costly, as well as by increasing the efficiency and the quality of the services provided to citizens and businesses. Since a number of services of public interest already have a Union dimension, the support to their implementation and deployment at Union level should ensure that citizens and businesses will benefit from the access to high quality digital services across Europe. (29) Modernising public administrations and services through digital means is crucial to reducing administrative burden on citizens and industry by making their interactions with public authorities faster, more convenient and less costly, as well as by increasing the efficiency , transparency and the quality of the services provided to citizens and businesses while at the same time increasing the efficiency of public spending . Since a number of services of public interest already have a Union dimension, the support to their implementation and deployment at Union level should ensure that citizens and businesses may benefit from the access to high quality multilingual digital services across Europe. It is also important that these services be accessible to people with disabilities.

Amendment 47

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 29 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (29a) Digitalisation can facilitate and improve barrier-free accessibility for everyone, including older people, persons with reduced mobility or a disability, and those in remote or rural areas.

Amendment 48

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 30

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (30) The digital transformation of the areas of public interest such as healthcare (68) , mobility, justice, earth/environmental monitoring, education and culture requires the continuation and expansion of Digital Service Infrastructures, which make secure cross-border exchange of data possible and foster national development. Their coordination under this Regulation best achieves the potential for exploiting synergies. (30) The digital transformation of the areas of public interest such as healthcare (68), mobility, justice, earth/environmental monitoring , security , reduction of carbon emissions, energy infrastructure, education and training and culture requires the continuation, upgrading and expansion of Digital Service Infrastructures, which make secure cross-border and cross-language exchange of data and information possible and foster national development. Their coordination under this Regulation best achieves the potential for exploiting synergies and ensuring complementarity . The digital transformation should nevertheless take into account that some citizens are not taking part — out of different reasons — in it and networks should be supported to continue informing those citizens, helping them to remain in full possession of their rights and participation to all social and civic duties.

Amendment 49

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 30 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (30a) The digital transformation of this sector must in all circumstances allow EU citizens to access, use and manage their personal data securely across borders, irrespective of their location or the location of the data.

Amendment 50

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 30 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (30b) The deployment and access to advanced technologies in areas of public interest, such as education, also require training in skills necessary to make use of these technologies. Therefore the objectives included in Specific Objective 8 should also cover training programmes for those persons who will be using the advanced technologies.

Amendment 51

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 32

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (32) The modernisation of European public administrations is one of the key priorities for successful implementation of the Digital Single Market Strategy. The mid-term evaluation of the Strategy highlighted the need to strengthen the transformation of public administrations and to ensure citizens have easy, trusted, and seamless access to public services. (32) The modernisation of European public administrations is one of the key priorities for successful implementation of the Digital Single Market Strategy. The mid-term evaluation of the Strategy highlighted the need to strengthen the transformation of public administrations and to ensure citizens have easy, trusted, secure seamless and inclusive access to public services.

Amendment 52

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 33

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (33) The Annual Growth Survey published by the Commission in 2017 (69) shows that the quality of European public administrations has a direct impact on the economic environment and is therefore crucial to stimulating productivity, competitiveness, economic cooperation, growth and employment. In particular, efficient and transparent public administration and effective justice systems are necessary to support economic growth and deliver high quality services for firms and citizens. (33) The Annual Growth Survey published by the Commission in 2017 (69) shows that the quality of European public administrations has a direct impact on the economic environment and is therefore crucial to stimulating productivity, competitiveness, economic cooperation, sustainable growth, employment and high-quality work . In particular, efficient and transparent public administration and effective justice systems are necessary to support economic growth and deliver high quality services for firms and citizens.

Amendment 53

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 34

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (34) Interoperability of European public services concerns all levels of administration: Union, national, regional and local. Besides removing barriers to a functioning Single Market, interoperability facilitates successful implementation of policies and offers great potential to avoid cross-border electronic barriers, further securing the emergence of new, or the consolidation of developing, common public services at Union level. In order to eliminate fragmentation of European services, to support fundamental freedoms and operational mutual recognition in the EU, a holistic cross-sector and cross-border approach to interoperability should be promoted in the manner that is the most effective, and the most responsive to end-users. This implies that interoperability is to be understood in a broad sense, spanning from technical to legal layers and encompassing policy elements in the field. Accordingly, the span of activities would go beyond the usual lifecycle of solutions to include all the interventions elements that would support the necessary framework conditions for sustained interoperability at large. (34) Interoperability of European public services concerns all levels of administration: Union, national, regional and local. Besides removing barriers to a functioning Single Market, interoperability facilitates cross-border co-operation, alignment of common standards, successful implementation of policies and offers great potential to avoid cross-border electronic and language barriers , to cut red tape , further securing the emergence of new, or the consolidation of developing, common public services at Union level as well as preventing unnecessary double-storage . In order to eliminate fragmentation of European services, to support fundamental freedoms and operational mutual recognition in the EU, a holistic , technology-neutral cross-sector and cross-border approach to interoperability should be promoted in the manner that is the most effective, and the most responsive to end-users and that ensures a high level of data protection . This implies that interoperability is to be understood in a broad sense, spanning from technical to legal layers and encompassing policy elements in the field. Accordingly, the span of activities would go beyond the usual lifecycle of solutions to include all the interventions elements that would support the necessary framework conditions for sustained interoperability at large.

Amendment 54

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 34 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (34a) On 6 October 2017, EU Ministers in Tallinn stated that the European digital strategy should be based on collaboration and interoperability, including the use of open licensing policies and open standards. The programme should, therefore, encourage open source solutions in order to allow reuse, increase trust and secure transparency. This will have a positive impact on the sustainability of funded projects.

Amendment 55

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 37

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (37) In April 2016 the Commission adopted the Digitising European Industry initiative to ensure that ‘any industry in Europe, big or small, wherever situated and in any sector can fully benefit from digital innovations’ (37). (37) In April 2016, the Commission adopted the Digitising European Industry initiative to ensure that ‘any industry in Europe, big or small, wherever situated and in any sector can fully benefit from digital innovations’. This is of particular relevance to small and medium enterprises in the cultural and creative sectors.

Amendment 56

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 39

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (39) Reaching the target objectives may require leveraging the potential of complementary technologies in the networking and computing domains, as stated in the Communication ‘Digitising European Industry’ (73) that recognises ‘availability of world class networking and cloud infrastructure’ as an essential ingredient of industry digitisation. (39) Reaching the target objectives may require leveraging the potential of complementary technologies in the networking and computing domains, as stated in the Communication ‘Digitising European Industry’ (73) that recognises ‘availability of world class networking and cloud infrastructure’ as an essential component of industry digitisation.

Amendment 57

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 40

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (40) The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) , applicable from May 2018 onwards , by providing for a single set of rules directly applicable in the Member States legal orders , will guarantee the free flow of personal data between EU Member States and reinforce trust and security of the individuals, two indispensable elements for a real Digital Single Market. The actions undertaken under this Programme, when they involve the processing of personal data, should therefore support the application of the GDPR, for instance in the field of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology . (40) Regulation (EU) 2016/679 by providing for a single set of rules directly applicable in the Member States legal orders guarantees the free flow of personal data between EU Member States and reinforces trust and security of the individuals, two indispensable elements for a real Digital Single Market. All actions undertaken under this Programme, when they involve the processing of personal data, should therefore be in full compliance with that Regulation. They should especially support the development of digital technologies that comply with the ‘data protection by design’ obligations which are binding pursuant to that Regulation to the extent that the processing involves electronic communications data, due respect is to be paid to Directive 2002/58/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (1a).

Amendment 58

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 41

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (41) The Programme should be implemented in full respect of the international and EU framework of intellectual property protection and enforcement. The effective protection of intellectual property plays a key role in innovation and thus is necessary for the effective implementation of the Programme. (41) The Programme should be implemented in full respect of the international and EU framework of intellectual property protection and enforcement. The effective protection of intellectual property plays a key role in innovation and maintaining European added value and thus is necessary for the effective implementation of the Programme.

Amendment 59

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 42

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (42) Bodies implementing this Programme should comply with the provisions applicable to the Union institutions, and with national legislation regarding the handling of information, in particular sensitive non-classified information and EU classified information . (42) To the extent that bodies implementing this Programme handle sensitive non-classified information or Union classified information, they should respect the relevant provisions laid down in Union acts or national legislation regarding the handling of information, as applicable .

Amendment 60

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 43

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (43) Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this Programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and lead to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the EU budget expenditures supporting climate objectives (74). Relevant actions will be identified during the Programme's preparation and implementation, and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes. (43) Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s obligations to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this Programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and help leading to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the EU budget expenditures supporting climate objectives (74). Relevant actions should be identified during the Programme's preparation and implementation, and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes in order to ensure full compliance with these obligations .

Amendment 61

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 44

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (44) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission for the adoption of the work programmes so that the objectives of the Programme are achieved in accordance with the Union's and Member States' priorities while ensuring consistency, transparency and continuity of joint action by the Union and the Member States. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 182/2011 (75) laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the Member States of the Commission's exercise of implementing powers. deleted

Amendment 62

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 45

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (45) The work programmes should be adopted in principle as multi-annual work programmes, typically every two years, or, if justified by the needs related to the implementation of the programme, annual work programmes . The types of financing and the methods of implementation under this Regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results, taking into account, in particular, the costs of controls, the administrative burden, and the expected risk of non-compliance. This should include consideration of the use of lump sums, flat rates and unit costs, as well as financing not linked to costs as referred to in Article 125(1) of the Financial Regulation. (45) W ork programmes should be adopted so that the objectives of the Programme are achieved in accordance with the Union's and Member States' priorities, while ensuring consistency, transparency and continuity of joint action by the Union and the Member States. The work programmes should be adopted in principle every two years, or, if justified by the needs related to the implementation of the programme, on an annual basis . The types of financing and the methods of implementation under this Regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results, taking into account, in particular, the costs of controls, the administrative burden, and the expected risk of non-compliance. This should include consideration of the use of lump sums, flat rates and unit costs, as well as financing not linked to costs as referred to in Article 125(1) of the Financial Regulation.

Amendment 63

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 46

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (46) The power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission concerning amendments to Annex II to review and/or complement the indicators. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts. (46) The power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission concerning amendments to Annexes I and II to review and/or complement the indicators. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.

Amendment 64

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 46 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (46a) In order to ensure, maintain and develop long term financing for the Digital Europe Programme it requires clear, common EU rules that are future-oriented and pro-competitive in order to drive investment and innovation and preserve affordability;

Amendment 65

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (47) This Regulation respects fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Unions , notably those referred under Articles [8], [11], [16], [21], [35], [38] and [47] regarding the protection of personal data, the freedom of expression and information, the freedom to conduct business, the prohibition of discrimination, healthcare, consumer protection and the right to effective remedy and fair trial. The Member States must apply this Regulation in a manner consistent with these rights and principles’. (47) Actions which fall within the scope of the Programme should respect fundamental rights and observe the principles acknowledged in particular by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union , notably those referred under Articles [8], [11], [16],[21], [ 22][ 35], [38 ], [41 ] and [47] regarding the protection of personal data, the freedom of expression and information, the freedom to conduct business, the prohibition of discrimination, linguistic diversity and right to communicate in any of the EU languages, healthcare, consumer protection and the right to effective remedy and fair trial. Such actions should be in conformity with any legal obligation including international law and with any relevant Commission decisions, as well as with ethical principles , which include avoiding any breach of research integrity .

Amendment 66

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (47a) In April 2018, the Commission committed (1a) to set up a framework for stakeholders and experts to develop draft Artificial Intelligence guidelines in cooperation with the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies; the Commission will support national and EU-level consumer organisations and data protection supervising authorities in building an understanding of AI-powered applications with the input of the European Consumer Consultative Group and the European Data Protection Board.

Amendment 67

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 48

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (48) Third countries which are members of the European Economic Area (EEA) may participate in Union programmes in the framework of the cooperation established under the EEA agreement, which provides for the implementation of the programmes by a decision under that agreement. A specific provision should be introduced in this Regulation to grant the necessary rights for and access to the authorizing officer responsible, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) as well as the European Court of Auditors to comprehensively exert their respective competences. deleted

Amendment 68

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment This Regulation establishes the Digital Europe programme (‘Programme’). This Regulation establishes the Digital Europe programme ( the ‘Programme’) , which shall be implemented for the period of 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2027 .

Amendment 69

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 — paragraph 1 — point e

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (e) ‘Digital Innovation Hub’ means legal entity designated or selected in an open and competitive procedure in order to fulfil the tasks under the Programme, in particular providing access to technological expertise and experimentation facilities, such as equipment and software tools to enable the digital transformation of the industry. (e) ‘ European Digital Innovation Hub’ means an existing or new legal entity or a consortium of legal entities designated or selected in an open , transparent and competitive procedure in order to fulfil the tasks under the Programme, in particular providing access to technological expertise and experimentation facilities, such as equipment and software tools to enable the digital transformation of the industry as well as facilitating access to finance . European Digital Innovation Hub shall be open to business of all forms and sizes, in particular to SMEs, scale-ups and public administrations across the Union. European Digital Innovation Hubs shall act as one-stop-shops where companies — especially SMEs, start-ups and mid-caps — can get help to improve their business, production processes, products and services by means of digital technology that could result in added value. The Hubs will therefore create a decentralised network across the Union offering support to companies to ensure that their employees’ skills match the expertise required to handle the available digital technology. The Hubs shall also coordinate with education providers with a view to supporting training for students and on-the-job training for workers.

Amendment 70

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 — paragraph 1 — point f a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (fa) ‘media literacy’ means the analytical skills necessary to find one's path of understanding throughout the digital world.

Amendment 71

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 — paragraph 1 — point f b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (fb) ‘European Partnership’ means an initiative where the Union, together with private and/or public partners (such as industry, research organisations, bodies with a public service mission at local, regional, national or international level or civil society organisations including foundations, SMEs organisations), commit to jointly support the development and implementation of digital innovation and technological deployment activities, including those related to market, regulatory or policy uptake;

Amendment 72

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 — paragraph 1 — point f c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (fc) ‘small and medium-sized enterprises’ or ‘SMEs’ means small and medium-sized enterprises as defined in Article 2 of the Annex to Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC;

Amendment 73

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 — paragraph 1 — point f d (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (fd) ‘consortium’ means a collaborative grouping of undertakings constituted to carry out an action under the Programme.

Amendment 74

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 — paragraph 1 — introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 1. The Programme has the following general objective: to support the digital transformation of the European economy and society and bring its benefits to European citizens and businesses. The Programme will : 1. The Programme has the following general objective: to support and to accelerate the digital transformation of the European economy , industry and society and to bring its benefits to European citizens , public services and businesses , as well as to reinforce the strategic autonomy and cohesion of the Union while securing competitiveness and reducing the digital divide . The Programme shall :

Amendment 75

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 — paragraph 1 — point b

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (b) widen their diffusion and uptake in areas of public interest and the private sector. (b) widen their diffusion and uptake in the private sector and in areas of public interest , supporting their digital transformation and ensuring access to digital technologies;

Amendment 76

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 1 — point a

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (a) deploy, coordinate at the Union level and operate an integrated world-class exascale (77) supercomputing and data infrastructure in the Union that shall be accessible on a non-commercial basis to public and private users and for publicly funded research purposes; (a) deploy, coordinate at the Union level and operate an interoperable world-class exascale (77) supercomputing and data infrastructure in the Union that shall be accessible to public and private users and for publicly and privately funded research purposes;

Amendment 77

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 1 — point b

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (b) deploy ready to use/operational technology resulting from research and innovation to build an integrated Union high performance computing ecosystem, covering all scientific and industrial value chain segments, including hardware, software, applications, services, interconnections and digital skills; (b) deploy ready to use/operational technology resulting from research and innovation to build an integrated Union high performance computing ecosystem, covering all scientific and industrial value chain segments, including hardware, software, applications, services, interconnections and digital skills , ensuring a high level of security and data protection ;

Amendment 78

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 1 — point c

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (c) deploy and operate a post-exascale (78) infrastructure, including the integration with quantum computing technologies and develop new research infrastructures for computing science. (c) deploy and operate a post-exascale (78) infrastructure, including the integration with quantum computing technologies and develop new research infrastructures ; encourage the development within the Union of the hardware and software necessary for such deployment , for computing science.

Amendment 79

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 1a. The actions under Specific Objective 1 shall be primarily implemented through the Joint Undertaking proposed by the Commission and endorsed by the Council of Ministers on 25 June 2018 in accordance with Regulation (EU) … of the European Parliament and of the Council (1a).

Amendment 80

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 — paragraph 1 — point a

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (a) build up and strengthen core artificial intelligence capacities in the Union, including data resources and libraries of algorithms in compliance with data protection legislation; (a) build up and strengthen core artificial intelligence capacities in the Union, including data resources and libraries of algorithms. In compliance with data protection legislation , AI-based solutions and resources made available shall respect the principle of privacy and security by design ; and ensuring that humans remain at the centre of the development and deployment of Artificial intelligence,

Amendment 81

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 — paragraph 1 — point b

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (b) make those capacities accessible to all businesses and public administrations; (b) make those capacities accessible to businesses , especially SMEs and start-ups, and public administrations including not-for-profit organisations, research institutions, universities,

Amendment 82

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 — paragraph 1 — point c a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (ca) to develop and reinforce industrial application and production systems, facilitating integration of technologies in value chains, development of innovative business models, and shortening the time passed from innovation to industrialisation; and to foster the take up of AI-based solution in areas of public interest and society

Amendment 83

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 — paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment The actions under this specific objective Artificial Intelligence shall be implemented exclusively through direct management by the Commission or an executive agency on the basis of a cost-benefit analysis.

Amendment 84

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 — paragraph 1 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment Actions carried out under Specific objective 2 shall comply with ethical principles and relevant national, Union and international laws, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the European Convention of Human Rights and the Protocol thereto. The Commission taking into account the recommendations of the High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence shall specify conditions related to ethical issues in the work programmes under Specific objective 2. The calls or the grant agreements shall include relevant conditions as set out in work programmes. An ethical review of each project shall be performed during the evaluation of each action. Actions that are not ethically acceptable or that do not fulfil the conditions agreement shall not be eligible for funding.

Amendment 85

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 — paragraph 1 — point a

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (a) support, together with Member States, the procurement of advanced cybersecurity equipment, tools and data infrastructures in full compliance with data protection legislation; (a) support, together with Member States, the procurement of advanced cybersecurity equipment, tools and data infrastructures in order to achieve a common high level of cybersecurity at the European level, in full compliance with data protection legislation and the fundamental rights while ensuring EU strategic autonomy

Amendment 86

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 — paragraph 1 — point b

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (b) support the best use of European knowledge, capacity and skills related to cybersecurity; (b) support the best use and the increase of European knowledge, capacity and skills related to cybersecurity; and the sharing and mainstreaming of best practices;

Amendment 87

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 — paragraph 1 — point c

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (c) ensure a wide deployment of the latest cybersecurity solutions across the economy; (c) ensure a wide deployment of the latest cybersecurity solutions across the economy; with special attention to public services and essential economic operators such as SMEs;

Amendment 88

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 — paragraph 1 — point d

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (d) reinforce capabilities within Member States and private sector to help them meet Directive (EU) 2016/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2016 concerning measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems across the Union (79). (d) reinforce capabilities within Member States and private sector to help them meet Directive (EU) 2016/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2016 concerning measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems across the Union (79) including through measures aiming at developing a cybersecurity culture within organisations .

Amendment 89

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 — paragraph 1 — point d a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (da) improve resilience against cyber-attacks, to increase risk awareness and knowledge of basic security processes among users, particularly public services, SMEs and start-ups, to ensure that companies have basic levels of security, such as end-to-end encryption of data and communications and software updates, and to encourage the use of the security-by-design and by default knowledge of basic security processes as well as cyber-hygiene;

Amendment 90

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 — paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment The actions under Specific objective 3 Cybersecurity and trust shall be primarily implemented through the European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre and the Cybersecurity Competence Network in accordance with [Regulation … of the European Parliament and of the Council (1a) ].

Amendment 91

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 — paragraph 1 — introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment The financial intervention by the Union under Specific Objective 4. Advanced Digital skills shall support the development of advanced digital skills in areas supported by this programme, thus contributing to increase Europe's talent pool, fostering greater professionalism, especially with regard to high performance computing, big data analytics, cybersecurity, distributed ledger technologies, robotics and artificial intelligence. The financial intervention shall pursue the following operational objectives: The financial intervention by the Union under Specific Objective 4. Advanced Digital skills shall support the development of advanced digital skills in areas supported by this programme, thus contributing to increase Union's talent pool , reducing the digital divide , fostering greater professionalism on a gender balance way , especially with regard to high performance computing, big data analytics, cybersecurity, distributed ledger technologies, robotics , artificial intelligence, cloud computing, communication systems and networks, data protection competencies, artificial intelligence. To stimulate and improve labour market, and specialisation in digital technologies and applications, the financial intervention shall pursue the following operational objectives:

Amendment 92

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 — paragraph 1 — point a

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (a) support the design and delivery of long-term trainings and courses for students, IT professionals and the workforce; (a) support the design and delivery of high quality long-term training courses including blended learning for students , teachers, educators , IT professionals , researchers and the workforce including public servants, in collaboration with schools, universities and research centres ;

Amendment 93

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 — paragraph 1 — point b

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (b) support the design and delivery of short-term trainings and courses for entrepreneurs, small business leaders and the workforce; (b) support the design and delivery of high quality short-term trainings and courses including blended learning for entrepreneurs, small business and start-up leaders, and the workforce including public servants and self-employed ;

Amendment 94

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 — paragraph 1 — point c

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (c) support on-the-job trainings and traineeships for students, young entrepreneurs and graduates. (c) support high quality on-the-job trainings , including blended learning and traineeships for students, young entrepreneurs and graduates.

Amendment 95

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 — paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment The actions under Specific objective 4 Advanced Digital Skills shall be primarily implemented through direct management by the European Commission. The European Digital Innovation Hubs may act as facilitators for training opportunities, advising companies and liaising with the appropriate competence centres to ensure the widest geographical coverage across the Union .

Amendment 96

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 — paragraph 1 — introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment The financial intervention by the Union under Specific Objective 5. Deployment, best use of digital capacities and Interoperability shall achieve the following operational objectives: The financial intervention by the Union under Specific Objective 5. Deployment, best use of digital capacities and Interoperability shall achieve the following operational objectives complementing the digital infrastructure actions to that end while reducing the digital divide :

Amendment 97

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 — paragraph 1 — point a

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (a) ensure that the public sector and areas of public interests, such as health and care, education, judiciary, transport, energy, environment, cultural and creative sectors, can deploy and access state-of-the-art digital technologies, in particular high performance computing, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity; (a) ensure that the public sector and areas of public interests, such as health and care, education, judiciary, transport and communication energy, environment, cultural and creative sectors, as well business established within the Union can effectively deploy and have the necessary skills through training to use access state-of-the-art digital technologies, in particular high performance computing, language technology, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity

Amendment 98

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 — paragraph 1 — point b

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (b) deploy, operate and maintain trans-European interoperable Digital Service Infrastructures (including related services) in complementarity with national and regional actions; (b) deploy, operate and maintain trans-European interoperable state of the art Digital Service Infrastructures across the Union (including related services) in complementarity with national and regional actions;

Amendment 99

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 — paragraph 1 — point c

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (c) facilitate the development, update and use of solutions and frameworks by European public administrations, businesses and citizens, including the re-use of interoperability solutions and frameworks; (c) facilitate the development, update and use of solutions and frameworks by European public administrations, businesses and citizens, including open source and the re-use of interoperability solutions and frameworks;

Amendment 100

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 — paragraph 1 — point d

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (d) offer to public administrations access to testing and piloting of digital technologies, including their cross-border use; (d) offer to public administrations access to testing piloting and scaling-up of digital technologies, including their cross-border use;

Amendment 101

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 — paragraph 1 — point e

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (e) support the uptake of advanced digital and related technologies, including in particular high performance computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and future emerging technologies by the Union industry, notably SMEs; (e) support the uptake of advanced digital and related technologies, including in particular high performance computing, artificial intelligence, distributed ledger technologies, cybersecurity data protection, cloud computing and information governance and future emerging technologies by the Union industry, notably SMEs and start-ups ;

Amendment 102

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 — paragraph 1 — point f

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (f) support the design, testing, implementation and deployment of interoperable digital solutions for EU level public services delivered through a data-driven reusable solutions platform, fostering innovation and establishing common frameworks in order to unleash the full potential of the public administrations’ services for European citizens and businesses; (f) support the design , maintain , testing, implementation and deployment of interoperable digital solutions for EU level public services delivered through a data-driven reusable solutions platform, fostering innovation and establishing common frameworks in order to unleash the full potential of the public administrations’ services for European citizens and businesses;

Amendment 103

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 — paragraph 1 — point g

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (g) ensure a continuous capacity at the Union level to observe, analyse and adapt to fast-evolving digital trends, as well as sharing and mainstreaming best practices; (g) ensure a continuous capacity at the Union level to spearhead digital development, in addition to observe, analyse and adapt to fast-evolving digital trends, as well as sharing and mainstreaming best practices and facilitating cross-fertilisation between the different national initiatives, leading to the development of the digital society thanks to a permanent cooperation among all actors involved at EU level ;

Amendment 104

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 — paragraph 1 — point h

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (h) support cooperation towards achieving a European ecosystem for trusted infrastructures using distributed ledger services and applications, including support for interoperability and standardisation and fostering the deployment of EU cross-border applications; (h) support cooperation towards achieving a European ecosystem for trusted infrastructures using inter alia distributed ledger services and applications, including support for interoperability and standardisation and fostering the deployment of EU cross-border applications based on security and privacy by design, guaranteeing data protection and consumer safety ;

Amendment 105

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 — paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment The actions under Specific objective 5 Deployment, best use of digital capacities and Interoperability shall be primarily implemented through direct management by the European Commission. The European Digital Innovation Hubs and competence centres may act as facilitators.

Amendment 106

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 — paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021–2027shall be EUR 9 194 000 000 in current prices. 1. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021–2027shall be EUR 8 192 391 000 in 2018 prices (EUR 9 194 000 000 in current prices).

Amendment 107

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 — paragraph 2 — point a

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (a) up to EUR 2 698 240 000 for Specific Objective 1, High Performance Computing (a) up to EUR 2 404 289 438 in 2018 prices ( EUR 2 698 240 000 in current prices) for Specific Objective 1, High Performance Computing

Amendment 108

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 — paragraph 2 — point b

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (b) up to EUR 2 498 369 000 for Specific Objective 2, Artificial Intelligence (b) up to EUR 2 226 192 703 in 2018 prices ( EUR 2 498 369 000 in current prices) for Specific Objective 2, Artificial Intelligence

Amendment 109

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 — paragraph 2 — point c

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (c) up to EUR 1 998 696 000 for Specific Objective 3, Cybersecurity and Trust (c) up to EUR 1 780 954 875 in 2018 prices ( EUR 1 998 696 000 in current prices) for Specific Objective 3, Cybersecurity and Trust

Amendment 110

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 — paragraph 2 — point d

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (d) up to EUR 699 543 000 for Specific Objective 4, Advanced Digital skills (d) up to EUR 623 333 672 in 2018 prices ( EUR 699 543 000 in current prices) for Specific Objective 4, Advanced Digital skills

Amendment 111

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 — paragraph 2 — point e

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (e) up to EUR 1 299 152 000 for Specific Objective 5, Deployment, best use of digital capacities and Interoperability (e) up to EUR 1 157 620 312 in 2018 prices ( EUR 1 299 152 000 in current prices) for Specific Objective 5, Deployment, best use of digital capacities and Interoperability

Amendment 112

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 — paragraph 5

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 5. Resources allocated to Member States under shared management may, at their request, be transferred to the Programme. The Commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with point (a) of Article 62(1) of the Financial Regulation or indirectly in accordance with point (c) of that Article. Where possible those resources shall be used for the benefit of the Member State concerned. 5. Resources allocated to Member States under shared management may, at their request, be transferred to the Programme. The Commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with point (a) of Article 62(1) of the Financial Regulation or indirectly in accordance with point (c) of that Article. Where possible those resources shall be used to the maximum extent possible for the benefit of the Member State concerned.

Amendment 113

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 — paragraph 1 — introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment The programme shall be open to: deleted

Amendment 114

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 — paragraph 1 — point 1

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 1. Members of the European Free Trade Association, which are members of the European Economic Area, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the European Economic Area agreement; 1. The programme shall be open to Members of the European Free Trade Association, which are members of the European Economic Area, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the European Economic Area agreement;

Amendment 115

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 — paragraph 1 — point 2

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 2. Acceding countries, candidate countries and potential candidates , in accordance with the general principles and general terms and conditions for their participation in Union programmes established in the respective framework agreements and Association Council Decisions, or similar agreements, and in accordance with the specific conditions laid down in agreements between the Union and them; 2. Full or partial association to the programme of third countries that are not referred to in paragraph 1 shall be based on a case by case assessment of the Specific objectives , in accordance with the conditions laid down in a specific agreement covering the participation of the third country to any Union programme, provided that this specific agreement fully respects the following criteria: — the participation of the third country is in the interest of the Union; — the participation contributes to achieving the objectives lay down in article 3; — the participation does not raise any security concerns and fully respects the relevant security requirements lay down in article 12; — the agreement ensures a fair balance as regards the contributions and benefits of the third country participating in the Union programmes; — the agreement lays down the conditions of participation in the programmes, including the calculation of financial contributions to individual programmes and their administrative costs. These contributions shall constitute assigned revenues in accordance with Article [21(5)] of [the new Financial Regulation]; — the agreement does not confer to the third country a decisional power on the programme; — the agreement guarantees the rights of the Union to ensure sound financial management and to protect its financial interests.

Amendment 116

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 — paragraph 1 — point 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 2a. When preparing the work programmes, the European Commission or other relevant implementing bodies, shall assess on a case-by-case basis whether the conditions laid down in the agreement referred to in paragraph 2 are met for the actions included in the work programmes.

Amendment 117

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 — paragraph 1 — point 3

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 3. Countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy, in accordance with the general principles and general terms and conditions for the participation of those countries in Union programmes established in the respective framework agreements and Association Council Decisions, or similar agreements, and in accordance with the specific conditions laid down in agreements between the Union and those countries; deleted

Amendment 118

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 — paragraph 1 — point 4

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 4. Third countries in accordance with the conditions laid down in a specific agreement covering the participation of the third country to any Union programme, provided that the agreement deleted — ensures a fair balance as regards the contributions and benefits of the third country participating in the Union programmes; — lays down the conditions of participation in the programmes, including the calculation of financial contributions to individual programmes and their administrative costs. These contributions shall constitute assigned revenues in accordance with Article [21(5)] of [the new Financial Regulation]; — does not confer to the third country a decisional power on the programme; — guarantees the rights of the Union to ensure sound financial management and to protect its financial interests.

Amendment 119

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 — paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 2. The cooperation with third countries and organisations mentioned in paragraph 1 under Specific Objective 3. Cybersecurity and Trust shall be subject to Article [12]. 2. The cooperation with third countries and organisations mentioned in paragraph 1 under Specific Objectives 1, High Performance Computing, 2 Artificial intelligence and 3. Cybersecurity and Trust shall be subject to Article [12].

Amendment 120

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 — paragraph 5

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 5. The work programme may also provide that legal entities established in associated countries and legal entities established in the EU but controlled from third countries are not eligible for participation in all or some actions under Specific Objective 3 for security reasons. In such cases calls for proposals and calls for tenders shall be restricted to entities established or deemed to be established in Member States and controlled by Member States and/or nationals of Member States. 5. The work programme may also provide that legal entities established in associated countries and legal entities established in the EU but controlled from third countries are not eligible for participation in all or some actions under Specific Objectives 1, 2 and 3 for strategic and security reasons. In such cases calls for proposals and calls for tenders shall be restricted to entities established or deemed to be established in Member States and controlled by Member States and/or nationals of Member States.

Amendment 121

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 — paragraph 5 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 5a. Actions including the transfer of technology outside the Union shall not be permitted. With a view to ensuring long term strategic security objectives, an opportunity evaluation shall be carried out in respect of the participation of entities which have their main establishment outside the Union.

Amendment 122

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 — paragraph 5 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 5b. Where appropriate the Commission or the funding body may carry out security checks, actions which do not comply with security rules may be excluded or terminated at any time.

Amendment 123

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 — paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 1. The Programme is designed to be implemented enabling synergies, as further described in Annex III, with other Union funding programmes, in particular through arrangements for complementary funding from EU programmes where management modalities permit; either in sequence, in an alternating way, or through the combination of funds including for the joint funding of actions. 1. The Programme is designed to be implemented enabling synergies, as further described in Annex III, with other Union funding programmes, in particular through arrangements for complementary funding from EU programmes where management modalities permit; either in sequence, in an alternating way, or through the combination of funds including for the joint funding of actions. The Commission shall ensure that when leveraging the complementary character of the programme with other European funding programmes, in particular ESIF, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Horizon Europe and Connecting Europe Facility (CEF-2), investEU, Erasmus, European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) the achievement of Specific objectives 1 to 5 are not hampered. The Commission shall look into ways of improving the overall efficiency of programmes offering resources in the field of digitalisation.

Amendment 124

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 — paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 2. Appropriate mechanisms of coordination between relevant authorities and appropriate monitoring tools shall be established to systematically ensure synergies between the Programme and any relevant EU funding instruments. The arrangements shall contribute to avoiding duplications and maximising impact of expenditure. 2. Appropriate mechanisms of coordination between relevant authorities and between authorities and the European Commission and appropriate monitoring tools shall be established to systematically ensure synergies between the Programme and any relevant EU funding instruments. The arrangements shall contribute to avoiding duplications and maximising impact of expenditure.

Amendment 125

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 — paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 2. The Programme may provide funding in any of the forms laid down in the Financial Regulation, including notably procurement as a primary form as well as grants and prizes. It may also provide financing in the form of financial instruments within blending operations. 2. The Programme may provide funding in any of the forms laid down in the Financial Regulation, including notably procurement by the Commission or funding body, by grant beneficiaries individually or jointly as a primary form of the action as well as grants and prizes. Procurements may authorise the award of multiple contracts within the same procedure and may provide for place of performance conditions in line with applicable international procurement agreements. The Programme may also provide financing in the form of financial instruments within blending operations.

Amendment 126

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 — paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment The Programme may be implemented through European Partnerships. This may include in particular contributions to existing or new public-private partnerships in the form of joint undertakings established under Article 187 TFEU. For these contributions, provisions relating to European Partnerships under [Horizon Europe Regulation, ref to be added] apply. The Programme may be implemented through European Partnerships agreed within the Strategic programming Process between the Commission and the Member States . This may include in particular contributions to existing or new public-private partnerships in the form of joint undertakings established under Article 187 TFEU. For these contributions, provisions relating to European Partnerships under [Horizon Europe Regulation, ref to be added] apply.

Amendment 127

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 — paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment European Partnerships shall: (a) Be established in cases where they will more effectively achieve objectives of Digital Europe Programme than the Union alone; (b) Adhere to the principles of Union added value, transparency, openness, impact, leverage effect, long-term financial commitment of all the involved parties, flexibility, coherence and complementarity with Union, local, regional national and international initiatives; (c) Be time limited and include conditions for phasing-out the Programme funding.

Amendment 128

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 — paragraph 1 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment Provisions and criteria for their selection, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and phasing-out are set out in (Reference to be added).

Amendment 129

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 — title

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment Digital Innovation Hubs European Digital Innovation Hubs

Amendment 130

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 — paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 1. During the first year of the implementation of the Programme, an initial network of Digital Innovation Hubs shall be established. 1. During the first year of the implementation of the Programme, an initial network of European Digital Innovation Hubs shall be established on existing infrastructure and shall be at least one European Digital Innovation Hub per Member State .

Amendment 131

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 — paragraph 2 — introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment 2. For the purpose of the establishment of the network mentioned in paragraph 1, each Member State shall designate candidate entities through an open and competitive process, on the basis of the following criteria: 2. For the purpose of the establishment of the network mentioned in paragraph 1, each Member State shall designate candidate entities through an open , transparent, inclusive and competitive process, on the basis of the following criteria:

Amendment 132

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 — paragraph 2 — point a

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment (a) appropriate competences related to the functions of the Digital Innovation Hubs; (a) appropriate competences related to the functions of the European Digital Innovation Hubs;

Amendment 133

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 — paragraph 2 — point b

Text proposed by the Commission Amendment