On October 19th, METRO GROUP and the Federation of German Food and Drink Industries (BVE), in cooperation with the European Movement International (EMI), held the 6th Brussels Wednesday Social with Günther H. Oettinger, European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, who discussed with us “Can the Digital Single Market re-connect citizens with Europe?”

The Commissioner spoke about one of his priority projects, the realisation of a digital single market aimed at improving the global competitiveness of the EU.

Visionary appeal by Commissioner @GOettingerEU for Europe to become a global digital leader at Brussels Wednesday Social #WSBRU @METRO_EU pic.twitter.com/FCTaRZV4bc

— Sergey Filippov (@FilippovEU) October 19, 2016

Moreover, the Commissioner discussed with stakeholders and citizens whether and to what extent the Digital Single Market can reconnect people to the European project and foster citizens’ support for the EU and Europe as a whole.

Agree! @PetrosFassoulas stresses civic society needs to get more involved. @JEF_Europe discusses #dsm soon #wsbru pic.twitter.com/EOXvI9Il3N

— Leonie Martin (@leoniemartin90) October 19, 2016

The event was additionally taken up as an opportunity to speak about the challenges the EU faces after the Brexit referendum and the increase in Euroscepticism among political parties, Member States and citizens.

@GOettingerEU stressing need to overcome #fragmentation to create a true #DSM at #wsbru @METRO_EU pic.twitter.com/gOjMFneA5v

— Johannes Nitschke (@jonitschke) October 19, 2016

You can find additional commentary and photos on the Metro Group website here.

Additional comments made via Twitter on the event can also be found under #WSBRU.

Key speakers were:

Welcome: Christian Baier, Chief Financial Officer METRO Cash & Carry
Keynote speech: Günther H. Oettinger, EU Commissioner for Digital Economy & Society
Closing Remarks: Jürgen Abraham, Honorary Chairman BVE
Moderator: Detlef Fechtner, Journalist, Börsen-Zeitung