How to Fully Reap all the Benefits of the Internal Market for E-Commerce?

The study analyses the role of e-commerce in the Internal Market and provides a framework to answer the question of how to maximise current and potential benefits of e-commerce while minimising the ensuing economic and societal costs. More specifically, the study aims to (1) take stock of accrued and expected benefits from e-commerce; (2) identify the remaining barriers to e-commerce, with special emphasis on cross-border flows; (3) examine the role of online marketplaces, given their rising prominence; (4) analyse the emerging costs of e-commerce in the platform economy; (5) formulate solutions to foster cross-border transactions, facilitate cross-border access to digital copyrighted content and ultimately ensure the sustainability of e-commerce in the age of platforms. The study is based on desk research.