On Thursday 26 May 2016, Étienne Schneider joined other EU Economy Ministers at the "Competitiveness" Council in Brussels to discuss the creation of a digital single market without borders for European businesses and consumers.
During the meeting, the European Commission presented to the ministers the package of measures designed to alleviate barriers for cross-border e-commerce which was adoped the previous day. The package contains proposals on cross-border parcel delivery and the removal of unjustified geoblocking.
"I hope the new rules will allow us to really end with the partitioning of the European market in 28 national mini-markets," commented Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Economy of Luxembourg, Étienne Schneider. "Our consumers must have access to online goods and services without being discriminated against based on their place of residence. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate to our citizens that Europe is capable of tackling this unacceptable situation."
A first step was made towards a Digital Single Market with the agreement among Member States on a proposal to allow European consumers to use their subscriptions to digital content when travelling in other EU States, guaranteeing the portability of digital content.
"The new rules will allow Luxembourg consumers access across Europe to digital content they have purchased from them - be it movies, music or online games," the Deputy Prime Minister explained. "This is an important step in the right direction. I hope that we can quickly reach an agreement with the European Parliament."
Étienne Schneider also presented at the Council a large-scale project on the High Performance Computing and Big Data project that Luxembourg is launching alongside France, Italy and Spain. The project aims to develop technological applications for the creation of an ecosystem capable of providing connectivity and secure storage for large amounts of data across the EU.
"Europe must invest in future technologies," the Luxembourg Minister of the Economy stated. "Otherwise our lagging behind the United States will grow even more. The project initiated by Luxembourg and its three partners brings together the know-how available across the EU. We have the amnition to be part of the world class in this crucial area for growth and job creation."
Photo by EU (L-R): Henk KAMP, Dutch Minister for Economic Affairs; Mr Harald MAHRER, State Secretary, Austrian Federal Ministry for Science, Research and Economy; Mr Etienne SCHNEIDER, Luxembourg Minister of the Economy and Foreign Trade.
