The development of a competitive and inclusive digital single market was at the heart of a seminar held today by the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament. The workshop aimed at opening up a discussion to set the agenda for a true digital single market, equally open for entrepreneurs and consumers.
 
S&D Euro MPs exchanged views with distinguished academics and researchers in the field of the digital economy as well as with young social entrepreneurs from cutting-edge start-up companies. In addition, the two European commissioners responsible for the digital single market and the digital economy and society, vice-president Andrus Ansip and Günther Oettinger, were also represented.
 
The meeting provided an excellent occasion for European lawmakers to get to the heart of the opportunities and challenges of the digital revolution. 

Maria João Rodrigues, Portuguese MEP and S&D Group vice-president responsible for the internal market said:
 
"The digital economy has a huge potential to create new jobs, to make existing jobs more productive and to make our everyday lives easier and more efficient. 
 
“The digital agenda should be one of the top priorities when discussing projects within the EU Investment Plan. For instance, digital skills are crucial in order to enable every European to take advantage of the possibilities the digital single market can offer."
 
Evelyne Gebhardt, German MEP and S&D Group spokeswoman on the internal market and consumer protection added:
 
"While we have to strengthen the position of European entrepreneurs, especially young entrepreneurs, in the digital realm we also have to be aware of the societal impacts of this revolution, most importantly for the consumers, workers and employees.
 
"As Socialists and Democrats, we have to position ourselves well in order to master this task."