“Delaying the entry into force on certain provisions of the AI Act until standards and guidance are ready shows the Commission understood SMEs must be able to rely on clear rules and adapted tools before starting working towards compliance”, stated SMEunited President Petri Salminen, reacting to the publication of the Digital Package.
SMEunited insisted the Digital Omnibus should strike the balance between simplifying compliance, streamlining obligations and ensuring competitiveness. SMEs must be able to rely on stable rules to continue planning ahead and invest. This is why SMEunited insisted there was no need to completely reopen the GDPR and was calling for targeted measures to simplify compliance such as proportionate information obligation, clarification of notification of personal data breach and for the designation of a data protection officer.
“Therefore, we welcome the Commission’s proposal for a single-entry point for companies to report on cybersecurity incidents”, explained President Salminen. “In time of crisis, entrepreneurs are focusing on their business, on protecting their customers and ensuring operations can run smoothly. The development of the interface must ensure entrepreneurs can report easily while focusing efforts on repairing potential damages”, he continued.
When it comes to the three pillars of the Data Union Strategy, President Salminen reiterated SMEunited support for a strong implementation of the Data Act. “This legislation ensured access to data and created a level playing field, especially for SMEs. Any simplification should never diminish this acquis” he said. President Salminen continued by welcoming the third pillar on protecting EU Sovereignty, key to ensure EU’s resilience.
Lastly, Mr Salminen expressed cautious optimism regarding the Digital Business Wallet. “In theory, such a wallet can truly simplify SMEs day to day work and interactions with public authorities. However we insist on the interoperability of the tool, as SMEs might be forced to continue using national platforms”.
