Every European citizen will have access to broadband internet in 2013, according to Neelie Kroes, European Commissioner-designate for ICT / Telecom. Kroes revealed her plans for the Digital Agenda last January, hoping to increase jobs, improve lives, save taxpayer money and stimulate the economy.

Internet Access

The first theme of the Agenda will be to secure basic broadband internet access for every European citizen in 2013, after which speeds will be increased up to 100Mb/s in the year 2020.

The internet is quickly becoming a necessity in our daily lives and a Digital Divide is on the rise between people with internet access and those without. Being disconnected nowadays means missing out on a great knowledge base, many online services and resources, social inclusion and much more. That’s why Kroes decided to level the European playing field, by guaranteeing everyone internet access.

Online Single Market

Kroes wants to eliminate legal and regulatory barriers for international online transactions and create a true European online economy, the Online Single Market. These barriers are currently hurting the e-economy, by scaring off large numbers of individual consumers and businesses.

Trust & Security

Online services and actions are largely based on trust. By educating young and old about their rights and obligations on the internet, this trust can be increased. To rightfully keep this trust, new technologies and open standards will have to create secure services and applications with respect for privacy.

Get Ready

The number of Europeans you’re able to reach through online advertisements will be growing quite fast over the next few years, reaching a high level of saturation. Meanwhile, education in trust and security will encourage more people to buy online at trustworthy locations.

Combine the above with a single European online market and you’ve got the e-commerce opportunity of a lifetime, or at least a good chance to expand your client base throughout all of Europe!