This requires rapidly removing key differences between the online and offline worlds to break down barriers to cross-border online activity.
Make cross-border commerce easier, especially for small and medium businesses. Today only 15% of consumers shop online from another EU country. Harmonising consumer and contract rules will both encourage more businesses to sell online across borders and give consumers more confidence.
Promote affordable, high-quality cross-border delivery services — building consumer trust, making delivery more efficient and affordable, and making it more attractive to buy from another EU country. 62% of companies who would like to sell online say that high delivery costs are a problem for them.
Geo-blocking leaves many Europeans unable to use the online services available in other EU countries, or redirects them to a local store with different prices. This is often done without any justification. Such discrimination cannot exist in a single market.
Modernise copyright and ensure the right balance between creators' and consumers' interests. This will give people better access to culture, support cultural diversity, and open new doors for artists and creators. The Commission will also step up enforcement against commercial-scale infringements of intellectual property rights.
Make it easier for businesses – especially small businesses – to buy and sell in other EU countries. Selling cross-border within the EU can mean over € 5 000 in VAT compliance costs, per extra country per year. Single electronic registration and payment, and common thresholds, can cut the burden.