I. Digital and Telecommunications Policy

Digital and telecommunications policy is becoming increasingly important in a globally networked world. Therefore, the German Federal Government actively participates in shaping digital and telecommunications policy, particularly at the European Union level, and is currently working on, among other things, the following topics (excerpt):

• Simplification of EU legislation
• Artificial intelligence
• Data and the free flow of data
• Digital identities
• Cloud policy
• Broadband policy
• Frequency policy and roaming
• International, multilateral digital policy and internet governance

At the national level, the German Federal Government is committed to implementing key EU initiatives, such as the European AI Act and the Data Act, which establish harmonized rules for fair access to and use of data, thus promoting business-friendly, practical, and innovation-promoting solutions.

BMV - Comments on network cost contribution (bund.de)

II. Transport Policy

Transport is an important economic factor in the EU.

With 10 million jobs and a contribution of 5% to the European gross domestic product, it contributes significantly to the functioning of the European economy.

The European internal market and international supply chains depend on an efficient, crisis-resistant and modern transport infrastructure and efficient transport companies with qualified employees.

Without an efficient, sustainable and innovative transport system, Europe cannot compete globally.

EU transport policy encompasses all modes of transport.

Regulations for road, rail and air transport as well as maritime and inland waterway transport serve to ensure safety, environmental and climate protection, improve the efficiency of transport routes and set conditions for transport companies to operate safely, competitively and sustainably throughout the EU internal market and beyond.

Numerous European regulations serve to harmonise the issues that are regulated differently in the 27 Member States.

Transport policy always operates in the area of tension between different policy areas and must not lose sight of the fair balance between these areas in its implementation.

In the case of the global transport modes of maritime shipping and aviation, the work is focused on improving international competitiveness, promoting environmental and climate protection, and constantly improving safety.

Furthermore, in aviation, in addition to optimising the use of infrastructure and establishing markets that are as open as possible, also vis-à-vis third countries, the aim is to create a Single European Sky (SES) with the aim of improving the performance of the European air transport system in the key areas of environment, climate, capacity and cost efficiency.

Finally, the DV unit also works on horizontal transport issues such as the creation of European transport infrastructure networks (“TEN-T”) or the European Satellite Navigation Systems (EGNOS and GALILEO) and Earth Observation (COPERNICUS).

The department is headed by Ms Frauke Pleines-Schmidt.

Further information:

BMV- Validity of foreign driving licences
BMV – Road Safety
BMV - Dangerous goods
BMV - Combined Transport
BMV - Trans-European Transport Networks (CEF)
BMV - Alpine Convention