WEST Midlands MEP, Malcolm Harbour, Chairman of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, has welcomed the EU Commission’s plans to boost improved and seamless cross-border parcel delivery.

With studies showing that only nine per cent of EU consumers buy goods online from other countries, he said “a lack of confidence from retailers and consumers alike” quickly needed to be addressed.

Mr Harbour said: “With Christmas fast approaching, many e-commerce businesses and consumers are missing out on opportunities due to the lack of confidence in buying online from other European countries.

“I’m delighted that the EU Commission has launched this Green Paper, as confidence in cross-border delivery is a quick and easy way to boost the impact of the Single Market and help businesses grow in these difficult times.”