Governance and Control of Data and Digital Economy in the European Single Market

In an era where the digital realm is evolving at an unprecedented pace, the legal framework must adapt accordingly to ensure effective governance and control. This book delves into the intricate web of regulations governing new digital assets, identities, and data spaces within the European Single Market. Through a comprehensive exploration of emerging concepts, it provides clarity amidst complexity and empowers stakeholders to navigate the evolving digital landscape with confidence.



The book first explains the need for legal adaptations to incorporate new technologies in the European Union, ensuring a more inclusive and protected digital economy. In particular, regulating Distributed-Ledger Technologies (DLT/Blockchain) and crypto-assets in the European market (through the MiCa Regulation) is a crucial aspect addressed in the book, which highlights the challenges and opportunities involved in ensuring stability and user protection. It further explores Asset-Referenced Tokens, E-money Tokens, Utility Tokens, and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), shedding light on their regulatory frameworks and market dynamics. In addition to crypto-assets, it discusses closely related topics such as artificial intelligence, digital identities, data spaces and cyber-security.



The approach employed is specific and focused, rooted in European Law and with a decidedly lege ferenda perspective. Furthermore, the book analyzes the regulation of digital assets and data from a 2024 perspective, offering an updated view on an ever-evolving area of law and technology. Open Data and Open Finance are examined in detail, with an emphasis on their role in promoting competition and innovation, while also addressing data privacy and security concerns. The book also covers the potential implications and challenges associated with Digital Money and Digital Payments, in particular in the Digital Euro project, offering insights into their impact on monetary policy and financial inclusion. In parallel, the recent Roadmap to the Digital Decade, with concrete goals and targets for 2030, includes the European Digital Identity in the eIDAS2 Regulation and the Artificial Intelligence (AI Act) , both adopted in 2024. In this regard, the book addresses the European Digital Identity —the EU Digital Identity Wallet, EUDI— which will enable the mutual recognition of electronic identification systems in different EU countries and allow European citizens to identify and verify their own personal information online, without having to use commercial providers, regardless of where they are in the EU.



This open access book is essential reading for legal professionals, policymakers, regulators, academics, and industry practitioners seeking to navigate the complexities of the digital frontier. By providing a comprehensive overview of the legal frameworks governing new digital assets, identities, and data spaces, it arms readers with the knowledge and tools needed to address the challenges of and seize the opportunities presented by the digital transformation of the European market.