Brussels, 11/05/2015 (Agence Europe) - Reaction continues following the presentation of the digital strategy by the European Commission on Wednesday 6 May (see EUROPE 11309).
Social partners and economic sector: among the social partners, BusinessEurope, the European employers' organisation which represents the interests of private sector employers with the EU, focuses on the competitive edge that Europe will recover if the member states do what the Commission has set out. “Not acting can cost losing 10% of Europe's industrial base.” A digital single market will facilitate more efficient industrial processes, increase cross-border e-commerce, improve logistics and promote smarter energy use through data analysis. A heavy-handed regulatory approach must be avoided, it says. ESBA, the European Small Business Alliance, welcomes the new digital single market strategy as it is vital to the completion of the European single market. More and more small companies operate online, ESBA notes. It is particularly pleased with the focus on the core issues of connectivity and skills as well as the simplification of contract law. Perhaps most importantly, it says, VAT issues are finally being addressed. However, like Eurochambres, the European Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, ESBA draws attention to the failure of the services directive in boosting cross-border trade.
For eCommerce Europe, which represents selling goods and services online in Europe, the Commission correctly identifies the barriers to online trade. It highlights six points which it feels should be the priorities in the coming months: simplifying rules for online cross-border purchases, harmonising privacy and data protection legislation, putting in place an interoperable EU-wide parcel delivery system, clarification on geo-blocking, simplifying VAT systems to reduce red tape, and fair competition. CEEP, the European Centre of Employers and Enterprises providing Public Services, says that the strategy rightly focuses on both networks and content. It emphasised the importance of acquiring appropriate digital skills and expertise, and access to e-services.
Cultural and creative industry: eleven audiovisual sector associations (FIAPF, cepi.tv, Premier League, Bundesliga, FIAD, MPA, Independent Film&Television Alliance, IVF, Eurocinema, UNIC and ACT) published a joint press release to express their concerns at some policy options which “could negatively impact the sustainability of the film and audiovisual sector and severely decrease the incentives for investing in the production, distribution and dissemination of high quality films and audiovisual works across Europe”. The Commission must change its approach if it wants to put into practice its promise to respect “the value of rights in the audiovisual sector”. The sector is fearful of a power shift towards internet platforms which will ultimately reduce consumer choice and cultural diversity. To achieve the objectives of the digital single market, “we must continue to build on the strength of copyright and more specifically the notions of territoriality and exclusivity”, the associations argue. GESAC, representing the interests of 34 authors' societies in Europe, welcomes the intention of the Commission to clarify the conditions for the use of copyright protected works by online intermediaries, while pointing out the low remuneration currently received by creators. FEP, the Federation of European Publishers, whose principle goal is to disseminate the books they publish, is pleased to note the willingness to put in place simplified and modern rules for cross-border purchases and to simplify VAT regimes. It also would like to see an efficient framework for copyright.
Broadcasters: the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which represents most public service media organisations, underlines the important role played by these associations in achieving the goals of affordable, universal and non-discriminatory access to good quality content. Welcoming what it sees as the necessary reform on copyright, the EBU is pleased with the intention of the Commission to examine more closely the role played by platforms and digital intermediaries in giving access to audio-visual content and, in spectrum policy, it urges the Commission to build on the important recommendations in the Lamy report, which acknowledges the key role of digital terrestrial television in media pluralism and diversity.
Gaming industry: the European Lotteries association notes the Commission's intention to continue to regulate certain sectors in the interests of consumers, for example, in the online gambling sector. It is in favour of a model that respects the very specific nature of the sector but within a safe regulatory framework that tackles illegal operators. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) also welcomes the Commission's intention to propose greater harmonisation of the sector as most of the applicable regulation relating to online gambling consumer protection is still national. (Isabelle Lamberty)