The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament are pushing for the fair taxation of digital giants and an ambitious minimum effective tax rate ahead of a crucial G20 meeting in June this year. For many years, the S&D Group has led the drive in the European Parliament for an effective minimum tax rate and […]
Cities and regions at the forefront of the European debate for a digital and sustainable future
The ECON commission meeting gathers Commission, Parliament and Council representatives with Members of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) The members of the CoR’s commission for economic policy (ECON) support a tougher regulatory stance on large internet platforms in their draft opinion on the Digital Services Act package. In presence of the European Parliament, […]
“Enterprises need financial assistance if they want to transition to digital”, says Maydell
“Enterprises need financial assistance if they want to transition to digital. There is no question about it”, declared Eva Maydell MEP, the EPP Group Spokeswoman on the European Strategy for Data, which is tabled for a vote in the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. “It is not just about unleashing data flows, […]
MEPs consider the ‘Right to disconnect’ a fundamental right for those who work digitally
Parliament calls for an EU law that grants workers the right to digitally disconnect from work without facing negative repercussions. In their legislative initiative that passed with 472 votes in favour, 126 against and 83 abstentions, MEPs call on the Commission to propose a law that enables those who work digitally to disconnect outside their […]
Barriers Down. Business Up. EU Digital Plan Hits ‘Accelerate’
Could creating a digital single market in the EU and removing barriers online help give a boost to European companies? The European Commission outlined its strategy on 6 May, while it will also feature on the agenda of the European Council on 25-26 June. Meanwhile the Parliament is planning to respond with an own-initiative report […]
Schaake: “Council must adopt more ambitious Telecoms plan”
Dutch Member of the European Parliament Marietje Schaake (D66/ALDE) foresees a big fight between the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers on the Telecoms Single Market. Today the Council announced that instead of abolishing roaming, it will be gradually capped. This measure will be effective in 2016 and only in 2018 they will be […]
Back To A Digitised Future For European Business
The 1989 cult movie “Back to the Future II” predicted that the year 2015 would bring with it a world of hover-boards, flying cars and self-lacing trainers, writes Carsten Bruhn, Executive Vice President, Commercial at Ricoh Europe. While few of the flashy gadgets foreseen by the film’s creators have come into existence, 1989 proved a landmark year […]
Digital Travelers Get Tougher Consumer Protection
The internet has revolutionised the way we travel. Many people now prefer to book online through individual travel service providers rather than opt for ready-made packages. On 12 February the consumer protection committee approved new rules to ensure travellers know their rights and are aware of who is responsible for the services provided. We discussed […]
SMEs Leading Big Business In Race To Full Digitalisation
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Europe are moving much faster than their peers in larger organisations in the race to complete key digital transformation initiatives, according to research commissioned by Ricoh Europe. Almost two thirds of SMBs (64 per cent) expect to digitise their remaining physical documents within the next three years, compared to less than […]
The Slim Summit. Barroso Gets Refit And Focused On SMEs
David Cameron is always convinced the EU is losing a few pounds, but more evidence of health fads at the Commission emerged post-Summit. Gone was mention of a well-toned financial Six-Pack, but, wait for it, we’re all buzz with REFIT… Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, is King of the Political Treadmill, but everyone […]