Brussels, 03/10/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission wants to sound out public opinion on crowdfunding - an alternative form of fundraising that is collective and interactive. On Thursday 3 October, it opened a public consultation on the issue to gain a more precise idea of the market need so that it can, if necessary, bring forward legislative proposals or softer measures in certain areas. As Internal Market Commissioner Michel Barnier notes, this alternative form of fundraising is becoming increasingly popular and has the “potential to bridge the financing gap many start-ups face and to stimulate entrepreneurship”. However, considering the scale of crowdfunding and the diversity of regulatory, supervisory, fiscal and social frameworks across the EU, the Commission feels that safeguards may be necessary. “Do we need a single European framework both to support those who develop crowdfunding platforms and to reduce the risks to those who make use of such platforms to finance projects?” he pondered. The consultation will run until 31 December. Stakeholders are invited to share their views on crowdfunding's benefits and risks, and the design of an optimal policy framework to untap the potential of this new form of financing. (MD/transl.fl)