June 2016

The emergence of the sharing economy is rapidly changing the way in which goods and services are provided across the EU. However, the policy implications of these new business models are only gradually becoming apparent, whilst policymakers at EU and national levels begin to consider the optimal ways to adapt regulation to the new economic reality.

On 2 June 2016, the European Commission released its guidance and recommendations to Member States on the collaborative economy (EC, 2016a; 2016b). The document is non-binding and intended to inform national and lower-level administrations about applicable EU laws in areas of regulation which are relevant to the sharing economy. The following examines these areas, along with other common policy concerns.