Four Italian S&D MEPs — Georgia Tramacere, Sandro Ruotolo, Pina Picierno, and Brando Benifei — have asked the European Commission to verify whether Italy's legislation on digital tickets for shows and amusement parks complies with EU e-commerce rules. The MEPs warn that the law, which requires online platforms based in other EU countries to obtain prior approval from the Italian Revenue Agency, could create barriers to cross-border e-commerce and put Italy's amusement parks at a competitive disadvantage by limiting their access to major international sales platforms.
Parliamentary question submitted on 22 May 2026
The question, submitted on 22 May 2026 under Rule 144 of the European Parliament's rules of procedure, is addressed to the Commission. The MEPs specifically ask whether Italy's framework is compatible with the 'country of origin' principle enshrined in Directive 2000/31/EC on electronic commerce, which generally allows online service providers to operate across the EU under the rules of their home Member State.
Concrete asks and expected follow-up
first, that the Commission formally assess the compatibility of Italy's law with EU legislation; second, that it outline what measures it will take if a violation is found. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it views Italy's additional national procedure as a disproportionate restriction on the internal market for e-commerce services, potentially triggering infringement proceedings.
Policy orientation and stakeholder impact
The MEPs' intervention reflects a push for market liberalisation and the removal of national administrative hurdles that could fragment the EU's digital single market. If the Commission sides with the MEPs, Italy may be required to amend its law, benefiting international ticketing platforms and Italy's theme parks seeking access to them. Conversely, maintaining the law could protect Italy's tax oversight but risk isolating its parks from pan-European online sales channels.
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