On 25 May 2012 the EEA EFTA States submitted a Comment on e-Commerce to the Danish Presidency, in view of the Council meeting scheduled to take place on 30 May 2012 during which the Council is expected to adopt conclusions on the Digital Single Market and Governance of the Single Market.
Overall, the EEA EFTA States share the Commission’s view on the importance of strengthening the conditions for cross-border e-commerce in the EU/EEA. They emphasise the need to support emerging new digital business models and to remove barriers such as fragmented legislation and different standards in order to take full advantage of the digital era.
Furthermore, the EEA EFTA States highlight the importance of cooperation across the different fields, between the areas of broadband development and cloud computing, dispute resolution for consumers, data protection, copyright and payment and delivery systems.
On consumer protection, the EEA EFTA States stress the need to provide consumers with better information when purchasing digital content and the need for the consumer to gain online trust. It is also important for the EEA EFTA States that existing rules work efficiently in practice.
The EEA EFTA States are of the opinion that businesses and governments should also acquire the necessary skills and seize the digital opportunities. Regarding notice and action procedures to combat illegal content, the EEA EFTA States support the launch of an impact assessment by the Commission in order to determine what action is needed, and they commend the Commission for proposing to develop a European Strategy for Internet Security. Lastly, the EEA EFTA States emphasise the importance of PEPPOL-standards on electronic invoicing, not only for e-government but also when used in the private sector.