EL welcomes new European Commission
This week Members of the European Parliament approved the European Commission for the period 2024 – 2029. Set to begin its term on 1 December 2024, the ”von der Leyen II” Commission’s agenda includes strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, advancing digital sovereignty and promoting sustainability — all areas of relevance to the lottery sector.
Upcoming initiatives by the Commission related to consumer protection and digital innovation will be of particular interest to lotteries over the coming years.
Commission Priorities Relevant to Lotteries and Other Games of Chance
Innovation and Sustainability for a Competitive Europe
President von der Leyen stressed the importance of closing Europe’s innovation gap, accelerating decarbonization and boosting global competitiveness. The lottery sector, which incorporates innovation while prioritising both social and environmental sustainability, is well positioned to contribute to these goals. Lotteries play a key role in supporting Europe’s growth, while delivering important benefits to local communities, particularly in sectors such as health, education and social welfare.
Strengthening Digital Consumer Protection
One of the key priorities for Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, will be ensuring the effective enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA set out essential regulations to provide consumers with a safer and more transparent digital environment. Virkkunen has underscored the need to tackle harmful digital practices, such as manipulative marketing and exploitative design, which particularly affect vulnerable users, including minors. Additionally, the expected new law Digital Fairness Act which will be spearheaded by Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, will likely introduce measures to increase transparency and reduce exploitative practices, further strengthening the protection of consumer rights.
Enhancing the Single Market While Preserving Safeguards
Under the leadership of Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity, the Commission will continue to push for deeper integration within the Single Market by removing barriers to cross-border services. While this offers opportunities for growth, the lottery sector operates within national frameworks that ensure strong consumer protections and that the revenues generated benefit public causes. Any efforts towards market integration should therefore respect these established regulatory structures and the vital role lotteries play in local communities.
Protecting Youth and Promoting Fairness in Sport
Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, has highlighted the importance of protecting children’s mental health online, which is aligned with the lottery sector’s commitment to responsible gaming. Micallef also emphasized the role of sport and culture in promoting health, peace and well-being across Europe.
EL’s Commitment
EL welcomes the new Commission and will collaborate over the next years to promote the sustainable lottery model and to advance shared objectives that benefit society as a whole. National lotteries play a vital role in generating positive social impact across Europe, through their support for good causes. In 2022 alone, EL members contributed over €22 billion for society, funding critical projects in sports, culture, health and education.
