Digital Single Market

In late November 2020, the European Commission published the so-called "Data Governance Act". This is the first major legislative package in a series of measures announced as part of the European Data Strategy.

The project of a European cloud is progressing rapidly: From November 2020, the GAIA-X cloud alliance will have set up permanent structures and the "GAIA-X Foundation" will begin its work. This is an important step for the digital sovereignty of Europe. In particular, the key to success of the project is to push ahead with its Europeanization as quickly as possible, to involve user industries and to offer initial pilot applications.

Last year's discussions about trustworthy 5G and cloud providers and the current impact of the Corona pandemic make it clear that successful and secure digitization requires mastery of trustworthy IT solutions. This requires a very high degree of digital and technological resilience. This is only possible with: own competencies, independently developed technologies and a holistic ecosystem.

From telemedicine operations to fully networked production facilities, high-performance 5G networks will drive the digitalisation of all areas of life. As a result, 5G networks will be the highway for highly sensitive data. Therefore, manufacturers of 5G network components must be trustworthy. In order to maintain the highest possible level of security, a European-wide applicable cybersecurity standard is urgently required for 5G components.

By 2022, every German will possess around 9.7 networked devices. If these were hacked by cybercriminals, the potential consequences could be severe. Apart from DDoS attacks leading to an outage of the electricity grid, personal data could be stolen. While German industry is investing in the cyber resilience of products, processes, people and services, 100 percent cybersecurity cannot be guaranteed. BDI proposes five steps to achieve more consistent European cybersecurity regulations.