The new Eurostat publication Services in Europe offers a comprehensive overview, by sector and country, of the European service economy, and reveals which branches have contributed to this dominant position. Commerce employs some 22 mio people in the EU , making it one of the largest economic sectors. Its performance has a major impact on our lives in terms of quality of life and good environmental, ethical and social standards. The Commission's White Paper on Commerce proposes actions to further promote this important sector, including an improved use of policy instruments to assist commerce and improving the administrative, legislative and financial environment. The Commission also foresees strengthening competitiveness, promoting entrepreneurship, and encouraging europeanization and internationalization.
Competitiveness is the best response to consumer demand.
The concentration of retailing is a striking trend that could lead to restriction of choice and higher prices. However, the competitiveness of the sector is not just a matter of achieving lowest prices what today s consumers want is a balance between high quality products, acceptable prices and good services. To this end, the Commission proposes an information campaign in the Member States to draw attention to its role. Thus it is important to encourage tour operators to respond to clients' needs, upgrade human resources and encourage tourism's sustainable development. There is also talk about the creation of an online observation network, connecting confirmed information market sources and jobs in tourism.