European Elections 2024: The Convergences Numériques collective mobilizes and presents its manifesto

Europe’s digital development must remain a major concern for decision-makers over the next five years. The European elections of 2024 are a crucial date for reorienting the EU’s digital priorities!

The collective met on April 25 to discuss these priorities with various candidates in the European elections. The evening was attended by representatives of the Renaissance, Parti Socialiste, Les Républicains, Les Écologistes, La France Insoumise and Parti Pirate parties, as well as Volt.

The Collective’s four main priorities for a digital and competitive Europe

Over the past few months, the collective has drawn up a manifesto highlighting four key priorities for the next European legislature: moving from regulation to implementation; developing a favorable environment for innovation and investment; investing in skills; and combining technological innovation with environmental responsibility.

More than twenty regional clusters lent their support to the proposals.

• From regulation to implementation

After five years marked by the adoption of numerous pieces of legislation, the European Union must now focus on the effective implementation of these texts. This means strengthening the internal market through the creation of a coherent legislative framework, and ensuring that European regulations are clearly and uniformly applied throughout Europe.

• Developing a favorable environment for innovation and investment

The EU must reform its investment policies to become a leader in technological development. Key sectors such as AI, cloud and cybersecurity offer huge opportunities for innovation and employment. It is crucial that the EU supports startups and SMEs through strategic investment in research and development, appropriate tax incentives, simplified access to finance, and a favorable regulatory environment to encourage innovation in Europe.

• Training tomorrow’s talent

The lack of IT skills is a major challenge for companies. It is therefore essential to ensure the training of tomorrow’s talent, particularly in the digital and related sectors. Digital transformation requires technical and IT skills, as well as qualified project managers. Continuous training of European workers is essential to keep pace with the constant evolution of innovation.

• Combining technological innovation and environmental responsibility

Lastly, the EU must reconcile technological innovation and environmental responsibility by assuming a dual responsibility: reducing the carbon footprint of digital technology, while exploiting its potential to accelerate the ecological transition. The French digital ecosystem is leading the way in reducing its ecological footprint; the EU must now support this dual transition and set ambitious targets for Green IT.