Ansip and Oettinger have been tasked with preparing in the first six months of the new commission "ambitious legislative steps" towards realising the digital single market. These will be based on a "clear assessment of the main obstacles still to be removed through EU action, either by implementing existing policies or proposing new measures".
Juncker also called for "more ambition" in the ongoing reform of telecom rules, a harmonised approach to radio spectrum and modernised copyright rules during the first part of the EC mandate. Oettinger will also be expected to help complete the reform of data protection regulation next year, lead the EU's policy in global talks on internet governance and help develop measures to stimulate jobs, research and investment in the ICT sector.
The ICT sector may also see the impact of a VP in charge of Better Regulation, Frans Timmermans. The first VP of the Commission, seconding Juncker, Timmermans will be in charge of ensuring the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality are upheld. This mean any proposals from the EC must be evaluated to ensure they could not better be implemented at the national level by the member states of the EU. He will also act as a watchdog for upholding the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the rule of law in all of the EC's activities.
