Strong internet usage but low online turnovers

Almost 30% of the EU citizens use the internet for shopping purposes, but only 4,2% of the total turnover of companies in the EU are achieved by online distribution.

The internet has a wide spread in the EU. Even about 30% of the Bulgarian households and 40% of the Romanian households have an internet connection. Internet is being often used also for shopping. About 30% of the EU citizens stated in a questionnary in 2009 in the past 3 months to have used the internet for shoppings. Financial transactions have not been considered in this questionary. The Britons seemed to be the most active: About 60% of them stated to have shopped online in the last months. Macedonia and Romania were with only about 2% of the interviewed persons shopping via internet on the last place in this ranking.

Allthough the internet seems to be so popular, the average online turnover in the EU amounts only about 4,2% of the total turnover of companies with more than 10 employees. In Ireland, Norway and Great Britain this amount is with about 9,8%, 8,5% respective 7% the highest. Very low rates are in Italy (0,9%), Greece (0,6%) and Bulgaria (0,5%).