| Author (Corporate) | European Commission |
|---|---|
| Series Title | COM |
| Series Details | (2013) 886 final (16.12.13) |
| Publication Date | 16/12/2013 |
| Content Type | Policy-making, Report |
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E-commerce is one of the main drivers of a more prosperous and competitive Europe, with a significant potential for contributing to economic growth and employment. Between 2013 and 2016, e-commerce is expected to reach an annual growth rate of more than 10 per cent across the EU. Levels of e-commerce vary greatly across EU Member States. Whereas 82% of internet users in the UK bought something online in 2012, only 11% of internet users in Romania did so. EU cross-border e-commerce is growing more slowly than domestic e-commerce: while 54% of EU internet users had bought online from an e-retailer from their own country in 2012, only 14% had bought online from a cross-border e-retailer. A similar situation pertains to enterprises, with 14% of all enterprises having made electronic sales to their own country and only 6% to other EU countries. The European Commission’s Communication on e-commerce together with other EU initiatives identified the physical delivery of goods ordered online as one of the key elements for e-commerce growth. Delivery services offered by e-retailers are one of the fundamental factors influencing a consumer’s decision to shop with them. Currently, delivery and product returns are amongst the top concerns of both e-shoppers and e-retailers in the EU. The Commission’s Green Paper of November 2012 on ‘an integrated parcel delivery market for the growth of e-commerce in the EU’ set out the main issues to be tackled. It placed particular emphasis on the cross-border delivery of parcels, on the needs of SMEs, as well as on less advanced and accessible regions, arguing that e-commerce must be accessible to all citizens and businesses, regardless of their size and location. Following the adoption of the Green Paper, a broad consensus has emerged among all parties concerned, both on the issues identified and on the urgent need to address them. Delivery operators, e-retailers and consumer organisations have engaged in constructive discussions at various dedicated conferences and other fora. Many operators have started to develop solutions that might better correspond to the expectations of their customers. Through this Roadmap, the Commission aims to ensure that tangible improvements are made as quickly as possible. Action is required to provide e-retailers and consumers with high-quality, accessible and affordable parcel delivery services in cross-border delivery, taking due account of the needs of SMEs and of less advanced or accessible regions (including outermost regions). The Roadmap attributes specific tasks and roles to the various stakeholders. The Commission will facilitate this collaborative process through dedicated fora and workshops, and will closely monitor progress. It will take stock after 18 months in order to assess whether additional measures are needed. |
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| Source Link | Link to Main Source http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM:2013:886:FIN |
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| Subject Categories | Business and Industry |
| Countries / Regions | Europe |
