Brussels – As EU and U.S. negotiators meet in Brussels for a “fresh start” on trade talks this week, they have an historic opportunity — to eliminate outdated barriers to digital trade. This is crucial since the EU digital economy is projected to grow seven times faster than the overall EU GDP, according to a European Commission report.
Today, the Computer & Communications Industry Association released its five recommendations on how TTIP can boost Europe’s digital trade. The following can be attributed to CCIA Europe Director, Christian Borggreen, who will moderate a panel on digital trade at the EU-US Trade Conference Thursday:
“We need trade policies that recognize the Internet’s powerful role as a driver of prosperity not just for Europe’s technology industry, but for all companies that rely on the Internet for everything from product and services development to access to the global marketplace. As all types of companies now utilize the Internet to trade, we must ensure a solid framework for cross-border data flows, while respecting data protection rules.
“The Internet has removed traditional barriers to trade. Europe is winning in digital trade, but differently than how most people might think. Europe’s data enabled ‘traditional industries’ for instance are first in class. To keep on winning, we need international trade rules based on our shared transatlantic values and high standards.
“The EU-U.S. trade talks offer an historic opportunity to eliminate needless barriers to digital trade and create policies that reflect the realities of a 21st Century, Internet-enabled economy.
“We hope these recommendations will be useful as negotiators this week discuss how to further enable digital trade to boost prosperity and job creation in Europe.”
Contact:
Heather Greenfield +1 202-783-0070 ext 113
Christian Borggreen +32 (0)49 754 3636