Already in December 2022, it became clear that digital policies rank low on the Swedish EU Presidency program. However, Sweden has since made significant progress in negotiations concerning digital matters, especially in the areas of data governance and data sharing. Jobtech Development has taken a glance at the Swedish results and outlined the areas that require future attention and work in the field of digitalisation, labour market and lifelong learning.

During its third presidency, Sweden has led negotiations and reached agreements on various fronts, including a new migration policy and strengthened cooperation to combat cross-border crime. Moreover, Sweden has achieved results in areas such as:

• Unity for enhanced support to Ukraine
• Agreement reached on ‘Fit for 55’ Climate Package
• New competitiveness strategy for increased growth

In addition to that, Sweden has made significant progress in negotiations in the digital area, particularly concerning data governance and data sharing by:

• reaching agreements with the European Parliament on the Data Act and the proposal for a European Digital Identity (eIDAS) framework;
• initiating the so called trilogues with the European Parliament on the AI Act.
  
  

In the Area of Digitalisation

In the area of digitalisation, Sweden has made efforts and preparations on a national level regarding the Europe’s Digital Decade: digital targets for 2030, which could potentially lead to the development of a new Swedish Digitalisation Strategy.

Highlights of key results:

• Labour Market Transition. Improved conditions for individuals working in the gig economy through digital platforms. Sweden has taken the lead in negotiations to improve work environment, establish better working conditions, and foster stronger social dialogue to boost European competitiveness. During its mandate, Sweden has shared its experiences with labour market stakeholders to facilitate skills supply during times of career transition in the job market.
• A New Framework for a European Digital Identity (eID). A preliminary political agreement on its key elements, along with a revised regulation concerning digital identity in Europe. The goal is to ensure that by 2030, at least 80% of EU citizens can utilize a digital ID solution to access key public services through a European Digital Identity Wallet.
• Lund Declaration on Maximising the Benefits of Research Data. The Swedish Presidency encourages all Member States and the Commission and in particular the upcoming Council Presidencies to deepen and develop the efforts to maximise the benefits of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and open research data in Europe and beyond.

During its presidency, Sweden has continued working at the national level as part of the joint efforts in line with the European Union’s goals and strategies.

• Sweden Joins the International Open Data Charter (ODC). This is a huge step, which paves new ways forward for data from the public administration to be more open and easily accessible and thus contributes to a greater societal impact.
• Renewed Mandate for the Swedish Digitalisation Council with the aim of enabling it to continue its work on promoting the implementation of the general digitalisation policy in Sweden and the digitalisation of public administration.
• Investigation on Digital Mailbox to explore the possibilities of introducing an obligation for individuals and businesses to receive digital mailbox, and an obligation for authorities, municipalities, and regions to send digital mailbox.
• Investigation on the Implementation of the EU Data Governance Regulation, which has undergone consultation during the mandate period (Consultation of Official Memorandum Ds 2023:24 Implementation of the EU Data Governance Regulation (in Swedish)).
• Investigation on Ensuring a Secure and Easily Accessible Digital Identity. (*commissioned shortly before the beginning of the Swedish Presidency) The government appoints an investigator on a mission to explore and present proposals for issuing e-identifications at the highest level of trust. Additionally, the investigator will suggest how to implement a digital identity wallet and how it can be issued.
  
  

Secure and Dynamic Data Economy Throughout the EU

The EU aims to establish a secure and dynamic data economy. To accomplish this, it requires well-defined, transparent, and fair regulations for data access and reuse, common standards, standardized tools and infrastructures, harmonized and compatible EU-wide data spaces, and the establishment of conditions that empower users to maintain full control over their data.

"By implementing various measures outlined in the EU's Data Strategy, greater access to data for use in the economy and society is ensured, while data generators maintain control. The European Data Governance Act represents the first implementation of a regulation stemming from the EU's Data Strategy. Important legal precedents for the Data Governance Act are the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Open Data Directive."

Here, you can read more about the implementation of the EU Data Governance Regulation in Sweden (in Swedish), including how EU legislation in the area of digitalisation is harmonized with national legislation through:

• the upcoming AI Act
• the upcoming Data Protection Regulation
• the upcoming Interoperable Europe Act Regulation
• the Open Data Directive and Data Act
• the European Data Innovation Board (EDIB)
• the reuse of protected data by competent authorities
• relevant bodies and goverance structure, and more.
  
  

EU Trio’s Focus: Innovation, Digital Inclusion, Fair Labour Mobility and Inclusion

The new EU Presidency Trio - Spain, Belgium, and Hungary – remains dedicated to driving the green and digital transition forward. A primary focus lies in promoting research and innovation, ensuring digital inclusion, fostering fair labour mobility and inclusion across the EU. Spain is assuming first the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, putting a great importance on ethical and inclusive digitalisation and aiming at reaching an agreement on the AI Act.

Here, you may read more about the Trio's new program and priorities.