EU with new digital package: more innovation for businesses

The European Commission has presented a new digital package, which aims to free up time and resources for companies so that they can focus on development, technology deployment and innovation. It is built on the idea of ​​making it easier to do business across the EU, while ensuring high European standards for data protection, security and fairness.

According to the Commission’s estimates, the changes introduced could lead to a reduction in administrative costs of around €5 billion by 2029, and the new European business portfolio – a digital identity for businesses – has the potential to bring up to €150 billion in annual savings.

More flexible rules for artificial intelligence

A significant part of the new digital package is related to the implementation of the rules on artificial intelligence. The EU plans to regulate high-risk systems only after the necessary standards and toolkit to support organisations have been developed. This ensures that businesses will not be burdened with impossible-to-fulfill requirements.

The Commission also proposes specific changes to the AI ​​Act, including:

• Relieved technical documentation requirements for small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-caps – saving at least €225 million per year;
• Broader access to regulatory labs and real-world testbeds, including a European experimental platform from 2028;
• Strengthening the role of the Artificial Intelligence Office, which centralises oversight of general-purpose model-based systems.

Single point for reporting incidents

Currently, companies report cybersecurity incidents under various regulations – DORA, GDPR, NIS2 directive, etc. The new digital package provides for a single entry point through which companies will be able to submit their information only once.

The planned interface will be tested extensively and will have high security standards – a key condition for reliable functioning.

Update of data privacy rules

The EC also proposes targeted changes to the General Data Protection Regulation to facilitate compliance without compromising the high level of protection. These include:

• clearer and unified rules for data processing;
• simplification of some processes, which will encourage innovation.

Modernization of cookie rules is also planned – fewer banners, single-action opt-out and centralized settings in the browser or operating system.

Better access to data – a driver of innovation

The package introduces measures to facilitate access to data – a key resource for the development of artificial intelligence and digital applications. The main highlights include:

• consolidating data legislation by merging four acts into one – more clarity and less administrative burden;
• easing the transition for SMEs to cloud services, which could lead to savings of around €1.5 billion;
• model contractual clauses and guidelines to facilitate compliance with the Data Act;
• improved conditions for access to quality datasets for the development of AI solutions.

Data labs and international protection

The new Data Union strategy foresees the creation of data labs – environments where businesses can test solutions with real, high-quality data. A legal aid office is also being introduced to help implement the Data Protection Act.

At the same time, the EU is planning measures against data leaks and frameworks to protect European interests when transferring data outside the EU.

The European Business Portfolio – the new digital identity for companies

One of the most practical innovations is the introduction of a single digital tool with which companies will be able to:

• sign and seal documents digitally;
• create and exchange verified documents securely;
• communicate with other companies and public administrations in any EU country.

This will make it easier to expand operations in other Member States, pay taxes and streamline administrative processes. If widely adopted, the Business Portfolio could unlock up to €150 billion in annual savings for European companies.

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