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Today, the United States and the European Union held the thirteenth U.S.EU Information Society Dialogue in Brussels, Belgium, to discuss issues related to information and communication technology (ICT) and the digital economy.

In this dialogue, participants held open and vibrant discussions on topics including the EU Digital Single Market; Support for Innovation, Web-Entrepreneurship, and Digital Skills; Open Internet; the Data-Driven Economy; and Internet Governance. The dialogue was complemented by opportunities for engagement with the private sector, including the Digital Economy Workshop hosted by the Trans-Atlantic Business Council and a reception hosted by the Computers and Communications Industry Association.

(1) The EU Digital Single Market

The EU delegation shared the current thinking on the digital single market (DSM) in the EU. The DSM Strategy will be built on three pillars: 1) better access for consumers and businesses to online goods and services across Europe; 2) creating the right conditions for digital networks and services to flourish; and 3) maximizing the growth potential of the European digital economy. Whereas the United States is a digital single market in itself, the European Union has not reached its potential in today's digital era.

Participants discussed the potential global importance of the DSM. The sides agreed that the DSM would be an historic opportunity for European industry and consumers as well as U.S. businesses. They agreed that an open exchange with stakeholders is critical to building consensus and could address the concerns that U.S. industry has expressed. The participants agreed to structured channels to continue exchanging views on the digital economy and the DSM proposal in the run-up to its presentation in May 2015 and beyond.

(2) Support for Innovation, Web-Entrepreneurship, and Digital Skills

The EU delegation presented its initiative, Startup Europe, and how it could be promoted in the United States. The participants had an exchange of views on digital skills in Europe and the United States in order to see how both sides can learn from previous experience. The U.S. participants discussed broadband initiatives that support online innovation, and highlighted programs throughout the U.S. Government that support entrepreneurship. Participants discussed cooperation mechanisms for supporting startups and innovation.

(3) Open Internet

The U.S. delegation shared information about the recently adopted Open Internet Order by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), discussed key legal and policy challenges surrounding Open Internet protections and how to ensure that the Internet remains open around the world. The EU discussed the recently introduced legislation on the telecom single market that includes principles very similar to those that the FCC adopted. The participants agreed that the underlying approach and intent in safeguarding the Open Internet is the same in both cases, and agreed to enhance information sharing on open Internet related and other communications policy issues of mutual interest.

(4) The Data-Driven Economy

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Press Releases: Joint Press Statement for the 2015 U.S.-European Union Information Society Dialogue