Completing the Digital Single Market: EP to push for robust Digital Single Market to boost SMEs' global competitiveness

The European Parliament adopted a Resolution today drafted by EPP Group MEP Pablo Arias Echevarría by a large majority. The aim of the Resolution is to develop policy and practice for building a real Digital Single Market in the European Union to face 27 different sets of rules in key areas such as VAT, postal services or intellectual property rights, among others.

Connecting SMEs to the digital revolution through a real and developed pan-European e-commerce is one of the recommendations to the Commission and the Council to break down digital barriers between Member States. "In Europe there are 23 million SMEs representing 99% of EU business and employing 85% of the European workforce which are often prevented from reaping the benefits of the Internet and ICTs due to the fragmented nature of the EU's Digital Single Market. As SMEs are the main tools for innovation, it is in our hands to create a favourable environment for better productivity and employment in Europe", said the Rapporteur, Pablo Arias Echevarría MEP.

"This is one of the main, ambitious and innovative initiatives that we have developed in the European Parliament over the last few years. It is the answer to the challenge of adapting the European Digital Single Market to the digital revolution that has transformed our daily lives."

Pablo Arias Echevarría insists that the Digital Market is the key to development and economic growth to boost consumption, in turn creating employment and getting out of the crisis. "This year, when we are celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the creation of the Single Market, it is mandatory to give the necessary impulse to our economy to offer our companies and citizens the opportunity to create growth and employment through the Digital Single Market", he said. The text establishes the roadmap to set up the basis to improve European competitiveness by using measures such as, among others, the Connecting Europe Facility, a Code of EU Online Rights (more information for consumers), e-procurement and guidelines for e-signature which will be important catalysts in setting the basis for technological developments and innovation for business.

The text also underlines that the Internet economy 'offers better options for consumers, even in rural and isolated areas'. "We are faced with a sector that develops very quickly and we need to be able to anticipate what's coming in the future so we can create the tools and make investments face the challenges to come. Ultra high-speed broadband and other infrastructures will also be decisive for the competitiveness of our companies", Mr Arias Echevarría explained.

""Now the ball is in the European Commission's and Member States' court who have to apply and develop these measures in the framework of Europe 2020, the Digital Agenda and the Single Market Act 1&2", Mr Arias Echevarría concluded.