Platform Economy
For the past two decades, the digital transformation has (re)shaped the European Union, its citizens, and the Single Market. Parts of the analogue life have moved online and the online world has created an ecosystem in continuous evolution. This environment led to the establishment of new ventures, created new business opportunities for SMEs, and opened up new markets, contributing to the advancement and deepening of the Single Market.
Like other historical transformations, e-commerce has impacted and restructured the marketplace. Within this evolution, Europe must enable its SMEs take full advantage of the digital transformation while adjusting its pace and development to global market players. In order to break through the status-quo, upcoming frameworks need to be focused on SMEs. Only by addressing their concerns and barriers to full market access, Europe will fully embrace the potential of the platform economy and ensure future competitiveness.
The platform economy within the EU is also facing major challenges. The online sale of counterfeit, dangerous and illegal products is putting consumers at risk and harming legitimate businesses. The infringement of intellectual property devalues the work of artists and content creators. Furthermore, the implementation of measures to counteract the negative impact of the digital transformation by individual Member States is causing a fragmentation of the European Single Market.
This Working Group aims to bring together SMEs and key stakeholders in order to create a discussion that targets challenges, emphasizes opportunities, create a sustainable environment for fair competition and effective consumer protection. Only an active exchange ensures Europe’s competitiveness and prosperity for the future.
- Member of the European Parliament
- Committee on Internal Market & Consumer Protection
- Committee on Employment & Social Affairs
- Rapporteur on the Digital Services Act
- Member of the European Parliament
- Committee on Industry, Research & Energy
- Committee on Transport & Tourism
- Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence in a Digital Age
- Co-chair of the SME Circle in the European Parliament
- ITRE Committee Shadow Rapporteur on the DSA
Making the EU
a Strong Player in the Platform Economy
This Working Group aims to bring together SMEs and key stakeholders in order to create a discussion that targets challenges, emphasizes opportunities, create a sustainable environment for fair competition and effective consumer protection. Only an active exchange ensures Europe’s competitiveness and prosperity for the future.
Future of Work
As innovation drivers, online platforms play an important role in the evolution of labor and the future of work. True to their flexible nature, digital platforms promote flexibility and agility, whether it pertains to self-employment, remote working or securing additional revenue streams in the gig economy.
Fair Competition & Taxes
Developing a practical and sustainable approach within the current framework will ensure fair and just taxation for all actors within the platform economy. Similarly, policy should be aimed at encouraging competition between players without hindering innovation or the creation of prosperity.
Digital Transformation
Thanks to e-commerce and digital platforms, SMEs can reach new markets and prospective customers all over Europe. This creates alternative sales revenues beyond traditional, brick-and-mortar channels and contributes to a flourishing Internal Single Market.
B2B / B2C
Using trust, transparency and fairness as guiding standards, through interaction online platforms create added value for all users in their network, enabling further connection and creating business opportunities.
Consumer
& Trading Practices
To take full advantage of the untapped potential of platforms, companies should embrace the digital transformation and embed this new paradigm in their business models. When buying products or acquiring services, consumers can enjoy improved convenience, lower prices, and greater availability, while sellers can offer a personalized experience and reach a wider audience.
Fragmentation
of the Single Market
The advancement of the platform economy throughout the European Union caused individual adjustments by the Member States. A channeled and European level approach is needed, in order to promote further integration and counteract fragmentation of the Single Market.