Margrethe Vestager

I strongly believe that the EU should introduce an EU-wide incorporation form. Simplifying the process of starting a pan-EU business would encourage innovation, reduce administrative barriers, and promote a more competitive and dynamic internal market. This can greatly benefit small and medium-sized enterprises and drive economic growth across the Union.

In the interest of transparency and trust, I firmly believe that third-party audits should be mandatory for major AI systems. These audits are crucial to ensure AI applications do not harm fundamental rights and operate fairly.

We should not repeal the EU AI Act. It is crucial for establishing regulations that ensure AI development and use across Europe is safe, lawful, and respectful of fundamental rights. Repealing this would set us back significantly in our efforts to harness AI responsibly and ethically.

While international cooperation is important, the EU should not wait for an agreement with the US and China before regulating AI. We need to set our own standards to protect our values, ensure fair competition, and safeguard the rights of our citizens. It's essential for the EU to take a leading role in shaping the norms for AI globally.

I believe that applying taxes on stock options when the stock is sold is a fair approach. This ensures that employees who receive stock options as part of their compensation are taxed based on the actual value they realize from selling their shares, rather than the potential value at the time of the grant. This method aligns with our principles of fairness and transparency in the taxation system.

As the EU Competition Commissioner, I believe robust regulation is essential for maintaining fair competition and protecting consumers. Regulations ensure that businesses operate on a level playing field, preventing monopolistic practices and fostering innovation. Reducing regulation could jeopardize market fairness and harm consumers.

As the guardian of digital privacy, I believe it is crucial for the EU to continue requiring websites to ask for cookie consent. Ensuring transparency and allowing users to control their data are fundamental to protecting privacy rights in the digital age.

Exempting small companies from AI regulations might seem to boost innovation, but it creates an uneven playing field and may lead to ethical lapses or misuse. All companies, regardless of size, should adhere to regulations ensuring AI is safe and nondiscriminatory.