European Union

The George Washington University Competition and Innovation Lab has launched the European Initiative to gain a comprehensive understanding of regulation in the digital domain and innovation dynamics across various global regions. This initiative aims to amplify the perspectives of European nations, providing insights into their distinct economic landscapes and mutual relationships. European countries are at the forefront of trends in digital trade, competition policy, and intellectual property, necessitating nuanced and in-depth analyses.

The European Union is leading global efforts in digital trade agreements and data governance, notably playing a pivotal role in negotiating the first global rules on digital trade within the World Trade Organization (WTO). In digital platform regulation, the EU's initiatives include the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act, extending to artificial intelligence with the AI Act and discussions on the Standard Essential Patents Regulation. Furthermore, the EU is emphasizing alignment and coordination between market authorities to ensure consistency across various market sectors.

This chapter aims to facilitate debates and interactions among academics, policy officers from national and international organizations, and the private sector about a common regulatory toolbox. The goal is to enable supervisors and market authorities to develop best practices and avoid fragmented approaches. While European countries face similar challenges, significant differences among them must be taken into account. For instance, while the EU has begun to introduce new regulations to bring legal harmonization, Germany believes the European Commission should be empowered to impose remedies
after a sector inquiry.

Key questions for discussion during the European initiative include how market authorities can build coordination and institutional alignment to avoid redundancy and negative externalities. Additionally, the initiative will explore the integration of trade and competition policy at the cross-border level, recognizing that trade policy and domestic regulation are interconnected. Understanding the antitrust implications of trade rules, particularly in how the EU relates to China, the US, and the Global South, is crucial for shaping inclusive and effective policies.

This initiative underscores the importance of collaboration and tailored approaches in addressing the complex landscape of digital trade and innovation regulation within the European context, ultimately contributing to the development of more coherent and effective global policies.