East Midlands MEP supports digital single market

Achieving an effective digital single market could add €800bn (£680bn) to the EU economy, an East Midlands MEP has said today.

Emma McClarkin MEP, a consistent champion of the digital single market, made the comments as MEPs debate EU Commission plans on this key issue, due to be announced later this month.

She will stress her support for the resolution, which amongst other things stresses:

• The Digital Single Market as a priority
•  The need to address existing barriers to the digital single market as a matter of urgency, including a simplification of the legal framework for VAT
• The importance of strengthen the governance of the digital single market to reduce administrative burden for citizens and businesses

Miss McClarkin said:

“The Digital Single Market could add €800 billion (£680 billion) to the EU economy, which is the equivalent of almost €4,200 (£3580) per household. We must do all we can to encourage businesses to trade online and allow for a truly cross-border market.

“A number of specific actions are proposed in order to complete the Digital Single Market, such as investment in fixed and mobile networks, a review of intellectual property rights rules and improved e-payments and delivery services.

“I strongly support this resolution which is a welcome step towards the completion of the Digital Single Market, which could deliver the much needed boost for our economy.”