EU calls on U.S. to join digital initiatives

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday called on the United States to create "a digital economy rulebook" together with Europe, reported Xinhua.

"Today, I want to invite our American friends to join our initiatives. Together, we could create a digital economy rulebook that is valid worldwide," von der Leyen said while addressing the Munich Security Conference Special Edition 2021.

Von der Leyen noted that the Commission launched in December a new framework for the digital market, namely the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act.

Putting limits on the "uncontrolled power" of the big tech companies alone will not stop political violence induced by polarization and hate speech on the Internet, but it is an important and basic step, according to von der Leyen.

The Commission chief invited the United States to join forces in this area to protect the cherished values of the society.

Speaking at the same virtual conference, European Council President Charles Michel also stressed the need for the European Union (EU) and the United States to work together on digital agenda, because "data will be the resource number one of the 21st Century," he said.

The two EU leaders also underlined the need for countries to work together to fight climate change. Von der Leyen cited commitment seen from countries including South Korea, Japan, South Africa and China, as well as the United States' rejoining the Paris Agreement.