EU policy makers are working on deepening and broadening the completion of the European Single Market as a key factor in attracting investment, encouraging growth, and creating jobs.

The single market remains one of the EU’s greatest achievements, but much work remains to be done. Indeed, the single market needs to better reflect the manner in which businesses and consumers now operate. Digital communications are deeply woven into the way we do business today: from the demand of Europe’s citizens for greater connectivity, to the spread of online retail, to mobile banking.

Despite this, European communication markets remain highly fragmented because of the wide variation in European laws governing digital services. Remaining obstacles to the completion of a full Digital Single Market need to be removed to create a more consistent regulatory environment. This could spur further innovation, encourage investment, and create greater digital opportunities which could ultimately revitalise the European economy. 

This EIF dinner debate will be a great opportunity to discuss these issues with prominent guests and stakeholders.

The European Council conclusions and Statement of Heads of State or Government on the Digital Single Market (24/25 October 2013) are available here (pdf download).

• Programme - 26th November 2013

  Welcome and introduction:

  Malcolm Harbour, MEP and EIF Governor

  Speakers:

  Claire Bury, Director of the Directorate E (Services), DG Internal Market and Services, European Commission

  Christian Verschueren, Director-General, EuroCommerce

  Comments by:

  Penelope Naas, Vice-President and Head of EMEA Public Affairs for UPS

  Monique Goyens, Director General of BEUC

  Exchange of views with participants