EEA EFTA Forum adopts opinion on the collaborative economy

During the meeting, chaired by Ms Hilde Onarheim from Norway, delegates adopted an opinion on the collaborative economy, exchanged information on “The EU at 60 – European Cooperation towards 2030” and discussed other EEA-related topics such as the New European Skills Agenda and the EU Circular Economy Package.

In their resolution on the collaborative economy, members of the Forum welcome the economic benefits that the collaborative economy may bring for the EEA EFTA States, whilst noting the disruptive innovation in some sectors and the subsequent pressure on traditional business activities in markets such as passenger transport, housing and tourist accommodation. As far as the current legislative framework is concerned, they highlight the need to identify any regulatory gaps and to introduce additional legislation to address the specific aspects of the collaborative economy (in particular in consumer protection, taxation, housing and the labour market). On the other hand, they acknowledge that untimely and overly rigid regulation may inhibit good ideas, innovation and efficiency, and may underpin inefficient business models and established structures. In their resolution, members of the Forum state that they support the establishment of an EEA information portal where consumers, platforms and service providers can find information on their rights and duties related to the collaborative economy. Finally, they encourage the EU to work closely with the EEA EFTA States when developing new EEA-relevant legislation governing the collaborative economy.

During their discussion on “The EU at 60 – European cooperation towards 2030”, members of the Forum exchanged views on Brexit, the White Paper on the Future of Europe, the social dimension of Europe and harnessing globalisation.

The EEA EFTA Forum is an informal body aimed at involving elected representatives from local and regional authorities in EEA matters. The Forum has twelve full members, six from Iceland and six from Norway. Switzerland is an observer and Liechtenstein does not take part in the meetings.