The Consumer Choice Center Europe, in collaboration with EU Tech Loop, has released the latest edition of E-GOV OWL, a bi-annual review of digital advancements in Central and Eastern Europe.

This edition covers key legislative changes from the past year and highlights innovative initiatives driving digital transformation across the region. Featured countries include Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Slovenia.

Consumer Choice Center Europe (CCCE) examined how startups in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) are affected by the EU’s data regulations, including GDPR, DSA, DMA, DA, DGA, and the AI Act.

Startup representatives from 11 CEE countries shared their experiences with regulatory challenges, their interactions with national authorities, and their recommendations for policymakers. Many highlighted the need for clearer guidelines, a streamlined “one-stop-shop” regulatory approach, and the completion of the Single Digital Market. They also expressed concerns that EU policymakers do not fully understand the challenges of building globally competitive products, pointing to the US as an example of a less restrictive regulatory environment that has enabled the rise of major tech companies.

Consumer Choice Center Europe wrote a letter for the incoming VP for Tech sovereignity, security and democracy Henna Virkkunen, urging her to take a pragmatic and balanced approach to policymaking - one that builds trust, fosters innovation, and keeps Europe competitive.