Programme

10 a.m. - 10.30 a.m. | Opening session: The Digital Single Market: How does it benefit consumers?

  • Gonçalo Lobo Xavier, Vice-President of the European Economic and Social Committee in charge of Communication (EESC)
  • Helena Dalli, Maltese Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties
  • Vĕra Jourová, European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality (video message)

10.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. | Panel 1: A genuine single market for consumers in the digital economy

Moderator: Martin Siecker, Member of the Employees' Group, EESC

  • Data sharing: consumer safety on the line? Saviour Cachia, Information and Data Protection Commissioner (Malta)
  • Smart mobility and what it means to consumers: Joost Vantomme, Smart Mobility Director, ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers' Association)
  • The EESC's view of the Digital Agenda, Antonio Longo: EESC Member and President of the Permanent Study Group – Digital Agenda
  • The Consumer's view of the Digital Single Market: Ursula Pachl, Deputy Director General, BEUC - The European Consumer Organisation

= Discussion

12.30 p.m. - 2 p.m. |  Lunch

2 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Debate: The Digital Single Market: fertile ground for a sustainable collaborative economy?

Moderator: Clare Agius, TV Producer and Presenter

  • Viktorija Molnar, Policy Affairs Advisor, European Holiday Home Association
  • Pauline Azzopardi, Executive Member, Association for Consumer Rights - Malta

3 p.m. - 4.15 p.m. | Panel 2: The Digital Single Market: threats and opportunities

Moderator: Stefano Mallia, Member of the Employers' Group, EESC

  • Digital inclusion for ALL consumers: Jens Henriksson, International Officer, ANEC (European Consumer Voice in Standardisation)
  • Geo-blocking: Georgios Petropoulos, Research fellow, Bruegel
  • Roaming costs: Marlene Mizzi, Member of the European Parliament (video message)
  • Fintech: Opportunities for Consumers, Supervisory Challenges for Regulators: Michelle Mizzi Buontempo, Director, Malta Financial Services Authority

= Discussion

4.15 p.m. -  4.30 p.m. | Coffee break

4.30 p.m. | The Digital Single Market: results for consumers

Moderator: Evangelia Kekeleki, Member of the Various Interests Group, EESC

  • Werner Stengg, Head of Unit, e-commerce & platforms, DG CNECT, European Commission
  • Island consumers in the Digital Single Market: Josephine Borg, Director General, Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA)
  • Bernardo Hernández Bataller, EESC Member and Spokeperson of Consumer's Category

Closing remarks

  • Martin Siecker, President of the Section for the Single Market, Production and Consumption, EESC

Interpretation was provided from Spanish, English, French, Italian and Maltese into English, French and Maltese.

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Journée européenne du consommateur 2017 - Programme
Journée européenne du consommateur 2017