The event aims to explore the territorial dimension of the single market, by fostering a constructive and informed debate amongst several experts.

After the adoption of the Geo-Blocking Regulation and the Portability Regulation during the previous legislature, the Digital Single Market got one step closer to completion. However, obstacles to the circulation of goods and services in the EU are not a thing of the past. National implementation delays and a reluctancy of sellers to offer cross-border delivery options make it sometime difficult to purchase goods from other EU Member States. When it comes to content, access to copyright protected works, such as movies, videogames, music, and e-books, is not covered by the Geo-Blocking Regulation. This means that EU consumers cannot seamlessly access every kind of content from any Member State, as copyright is acquired and enforced on a country-by-country basis.

At the same time, creating a true Digital Single Market by removing territorial barriers is a complex task and every new measure must be carefully assessed because of multiple effects connected thereto. Would removing geo-blocking restrictions also impact prices of subscription, availability of European content and consolidated distribution practices? Would creators be able to efficiently finance their works and what role should be played by EU funds? And what would be the effects of imposing the cross-border delivery of goods?

• Programme

  Opening remarks

  Roza Thun MEP and EIF Steering Committee Member

  Andrus Ansip MEP and EIF Member

  Speakers

  Prabhat Agarwal, Head of Unit ‘E-Commerce and Platforms’, DG CNECT, European Commission

  L?on M?lenberg, Senior Policy Advisor, Ecommerce Europe

  Linn Selle, Policy Officer, the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (VZBV)

  John Phelan, Director General, ICMP

  David Martin, Senior Legal Officer, Team Leader, BEUC

  First Respondent

  Enrico Turrin, Deputy Director/Economist, Federation of European Publishers

  Moderator

  Maria Rosa Gibellini, Director General, European Internet Forum

  Exchange of views with the participants under the Chatham House rules

  Closing remarks

  Roza Thun MEP and EIF Steering Committee Member