The automatic exchange of data and structured documents, and the implications of 'paperless trade' is a key issue for business in the Europe of the 21st century. EDI in Europe is part of a Europe wide effort to provide business with the best tools and practices in this vital area. At the beginning of this decade, the Commission of the European Communities launched the TEDIS Programme (Trade EDI Systems) in order to promote the use of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) in the European Community and to increase the competitiveness of European business. SISnet, a research consortium which includes academics from major European business schools and universities, was commissioned to study the use of EDI in Europe within the framework of the TEDIS programme. Specifically this was to take an audit of the adoption and implementation and then to assess its effects on the firms and industries using it. EDI is a recent phenomenon and since it can only really be studied in context, case studies have been used which will encourage understanding of the dynamics within individual settings. Cases spanning a wide range of industries come from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland. EDI in Europe brings all the research together. The team's work is set to continue as the issues are analysed - it is ongoing and will affect business at all levels. EDI in Europe will help make everyone aware of EDI in practice and further its diffusion into, and acceptance by, the entire European business community.