Since its inception, the European single market has enabled the free movement of people, goods, services and capital, allowing both large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises alike to transcend national borders, expand their activities and maximise commercial opportunities in more than one member state.However, in the digital age the implementation of the single market has not expanded in line with the rapid growth of the online retailing sector. The €106bn e-commerce market is one of the most dynamic aspects of the European economy and one which has huge potential for growth and can play a significant role in the recovery of the European internal market, safeguard consumer confidence and boost economic progress.E-commerce has grown steadily in the last few years, expanding by an annual average rate of 10% in the UK, Western Europe and Scandinavia, with southern and Eastern Europe following closely behind. In the UK alone e-commerce will account for a third of all transactions in 2010, worth £56bn, with the 50% mark likely to be passed this decade and with a similar story across the Benelux region, Scandinavia and Germany.Currently only a very small proportion of e-commerce transactions within the EU are conducted across national borders (around 2-4%), and it is clear that the existing regulatory framework does nothing to remove the many obstacles in the way of an effective single online market. Many retailers are put off by the 27 different consumer-protection laws and variances in VAT rules, electronic waste regulations and postal systems. These restrictions are directly hindering the growth and competitiveness of SMEs, which represent 99% of EU firms.If Europe is to fully exploit the value of E-Commerce as a key driver of the economic recovery it is imperative that there is a greater harmonisation of national policies in order that the regulatory framework can be simplified. This timely International Symposium will look into the results from the recently published retail market monitoring report of the European Commission and will discuss the latest challenges and possible solutions in the field of e-commerce within the wider context of streamlining the EU internal market.The Centre for Parliamentary Studies welcomes the participation of all key partners, responsible authorities and stakeholders. The Symposium will support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate, providing input and recommendations to the decision makers at EU level.