Protest against EU ecommerce ruling

Delegates from about 50 multinational businesses and industry associations are meeting at a one-day forum in Brussels this week to mount a challenge to draft EU legislation governing ecommerce.

Two months ago, the EU revealed plans to introduce consumer protection legislation which would make ecommerce retailers subject to the laws of all 15 member states, rather than just those of the country in which they are based.

Mike Pullen, internet lawyer at Brussels firm Dibb, Lupton Alsop, has mounted a protest campaign against the proposed legislation, which he believes will stifle the growth of ecommerce in Europe.

Pullen claims having to comply with multiple sets of trading regulations will make online selling too complex and expensive for SMEs.

The Ecommerce and Jurisdiction Forum, to be held at the European Parliament tomorrow, will canvass the issues surrounding the legislation. Speakers will include MPs from the European Parliment's legal affairs, industry and external trade committees.

Pullen claimed delegates from 27 well-known companies and organisations had pledged to attend the event, with many more expected to sign up in the next week.