The European Lotteries welcome new European Commission for 2024-2029

The Members of the European Parliament approved the European Commission for the period 2024 – 2029 last week, with the term beginning last Sunday (December 1). The “von der Leyen II” Commission’s agenda includes strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, advancing digital sovereignty and promoting sustainability. 

All these areas are of particular relevance to the lottery sector, according to The European Lotteries (EL), which welcomed the approval of the new European Commission.

The umbrella organization of national lotteries operating games of chance in Europe said the 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 is "well-positioned to contribute to these goals," said European Lotteries, by incorporating innovation while prioritizing both social and environmental sustainability.

"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," the organization said in a statement.

• 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 a series of 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, noted EL.

"Any efforts towards market integration should therefore respect these established regulatory structures and the vital role lotteries play in local communities," the organization warned.

• 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 the lottery sector says is aligned with its commitment to responsible gaming. Micallef also emphasized the role of sport and culture in promoting health, peace, and well-being across Europe.