Obstacles to e-commerce

30.6.2016

Question for written answer E-005288-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz (PPE)

The Commission has introduced a package of proposals aimed at breaking down the obstacles to e-commerce within the EU, which has already received sporadic criticism, including for the unambitious nature of its measures to combat area-based access restriction. Many citizens and stakeholders also regard the Commission proposal as a missed opportunity, which does not remedy even the most glaring geographical restrictions. The non-discrimination principle, for example, is explicitly not extended to musical works and content, nor to sporting events with large viewer numbers, which massively detracts from the value of the regulation.

— How does the Commission justify its decision on this issue?

— Is the Commission not concerned that its proposal can only continue to impose burdens on commercial enterprises, and that consumers will not ultimately see its benefits?