Creating the Digital Single Market – The Next Steps - Events - IIEA - The Institute of International and European Affairs

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About this Event

08 Sep 2011 @ 12:45

About the Speech:

The Single Market is the key tool of economic integration in the European Union but it is in pressing need of renewal in order to serve the needs of a knowledge economy. Europe's telecoms, audio-visual and online markets remain partitioned by Member State. Fragmented national markets and regulations inhibit everything from electronic payments to roaming charges to public procurement and e-commerce.

The EU is attempting to resolve this patchwork by establishing a European Digital Single Market. Among the aims are to boost the music download business, establish a single area for online payments, and further protect EU consumers in cyberspace.

This speech covered pan-European licensing, open data standards for public authorities, interoperability of eAuthorisation systems and the standardisation of rules for eCommerce. Other areas that will be looked at include the management of the radio spectrum and the establishment of a true Single Market for European telecoms.

A functioning Digital Single Market would be a key driver of productivity and innovation and could account for an estimated increase of up to 4% of GDP by 2020.

About the Speaker:

As Chairman of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee of the European Parliament, Malcolm Harbour MEP (UK/ECR) is in an influential position at the heart of EU policy making for the digital age. Responsible for legislative oversight and scrutiny for all EU rules on the free movement of goods, services, people and capital throughout the common market, Mr Harbour has made digital and 'knowledge economy' issues a top priority during his Chairmanship.

A member of STOA, the Parliament’s science policy unit, Malcolm Harbour has previously served as the Governor of the European Internet Foundation.

This content forms part of the E View project, which is part-funded by DG Communication of the European Parliament.