Authored by Bruno Liebhaberg, CERRE Executive Chairman
Last week in Brussels, CERRE held its flagship Digital Platforms Summit 2026. The summit brings together policymakers, regulators, academics, industry, and civil society to discuss the next phase of Europe’s digital rulebook.
That set of laws is under unprecedented challenge – with some critics arguing it stifles innovation and weakens Europe’s position in global digital markets, while others argue tougher action is necessary to protect users and foster competition. The European digital rulebook is, more than ever, a cause of transatlantic tension. Discussions at the summit addressed these questions in the context of the forthcoming Digital Fairness Act and the implementation and review of the Digital Markets Act.
Here are four takeaways I draw from the Summit.
First, the EUdigital regulation is not only about protection, but also aboutEuropean innovation and technological leadership.
Well-designed regulation can foster innovation and competitiveness. It can build the trust necessary to help increase adoption of new technologies. It can also act as a smart industrial policy tool by helping to open digital markets (including for European entrants). In today’s world of geopolitical competition, this second political role is increasingly central to advancing Europe’s digital sovereignty, economic security, and growth.
Second, better outcomes require better regulatory design.
To deliver on these objectives, digital rules must be risk-based and proportionate. They should encourage compliance by technological design. And the rulebook must remain consistent and coherent across the full suite of EU digital instruments. Regulation must help firms scale by preventing divergence between Member States- and delivering a real digital single market.
Third, rules alone are not enough: governance matters.
Implementing digital regulation is complex. Regulators will not always have the resources or technical expertise to address every detail. Effective regulation, therefore, depends on strong, participatory governance mechanisms. This multi-stakeholder approach is at the core of CERRE’s DNA: bringing all perspectives to the table to maximise consensus and ensure balanced and effective implementation.
Fourth, digital regulation must learn and adapt.
Just as the digital economy has evolved through iteration, regulation must also learn from experience. This requires robust data and systematic evaluation. The EU’s track record in evaluating digital legislation remains limited; strengthening this capacity will be essential for future-proof regulation. Here, CERRE will continue to contribute, faithful to its mission of advancing better regulation in Europe.
If you were unable to join us — or would like to revisit the debate — the full recording is available here.
Many thanks to the 30 speakers for contributing to a thoughtful, constructive, and forward-looking debate throughout the day.
