This week President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the 2024-2029 European Commission, introducing a more interlinked structure with six key priorities: strengthening technology, security, and democracy; implementing a robust industrial strategy; promoting regional cohesion; fostering social prosperity through skills training; defending the European social model; and enhancing Europe's external relations. Of particular interest to EL and the games of chance sector will be initiatives related to consumer protection, the single market and digital technologies.

EL and its members will continue to promote the sustainable lottery model and work with the new College of Commissioners over the coming years, 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.

Key portfolios relevant to lotteries and other games of chance 

• Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law (Ireland) will lead the development of a new common policy framework and present the forthcoming Consumer Agenda 2025-2030. He will also introduce a new Action Plan for consumers in the Single Market and the Digital Fairness Act.
• Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy (France) will oversee Industry, SMEs and the Single Market. His mandate includes developing a comprehensive Single Market Strategy, focusing on enhancing the cross-border provision of goods and services, and removing barriers that hinder market integration.
• Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy (Finland) will oversee the European Digital Rulebook and effective enforcement measures under the Digital Services Act when necessary. Her portfolio also includes tackling unethical practices in the digital space, such as dark patterns, influencer-driven marketing, addictive product designs and online profiling — especially when these techniques exploit consumer vulnerabilities for commercial gain.

Additionally, Glenn Micallef (Malta) will focus on intergenerational fairness, youth, culture (including heritage), and sports, while Jessika Roswall (Sweden) will lead efforts in building a competitive circular economy. Maria Luís Albuquerque (Portugal) will oversee the implementation and enforcement of the new Anti-Money Laundering package and prepare for the launch of the AML Authority. Ekaterina Zaharieva (Bulgaria) as new Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation will address issues with significant social impacts, which EL and its members will closely monitor. 

Next steps and EL’s call to action 

As the Commissioners-Designate await European Parliament approval (expected by December 2024), EL remains committed to the goals outlined in its Manifesto ‘’Lotteries in Europe: At the Service of the Common Good’’. Safeguarding the sustainable lottery model and the important role lotteries play for the benefit of society must adhere to the subsidiarity principle, ensuring decisions are made at the closest possible level to citizens, with EU intervention only when necessary. 

Digital technologies play a crucial role in the games of chance sector, particularly in promoting responsible gambling, ensuring the highest level of consumer protection and combating illegal online gambling. EL will continue to promote the sustainable lottery model and work further with the new Commission to ensure the sector continues to thrive in its mission to serve the public good.

Further information:

• EL Manifesto 2024-2029
• Press statement by President von der Leyen on the next College of Commissioners
• Political Guidelines for the next European Commission 2024-2029
• Mission letters to Commissioners-designate

https://www.european-lotteries.org/news/el-welcomes-european-commissioners-designate-2024-2029