According to a new report by eMarketers there will be 108 million active internet users in Europe by the end of 2001. The eEurope report predicts that the total number of users by year-end 2001 will show an increase of 54% on the 2000 total of 70 million.
“The European online community reflects a moderate slowdown in the global economy from the past few high-growth years,” said Nevin Cohen, eMarketer senior analyst. “However, if the US faces a more serious-than-expected recession this year, internet penetration in Europe is likely to proceed much more slowly, particularly in large portions of the region with nascent market economies.”
The eEurope Report also predicts that European e-commerce will generate $69 billion by 2001, an increase of 103% from the $34 billion recorded last year. This figure is expected to rise to $980 billion by 2004.
“This rapid expansion of e-commerce activity depends on increased investment in information technology, steadily increasing internet access, and public policies to make e-business more secure and appealing,” said Cohen.
