European consumers are becoming increasingly confident about shopping online, with half of those with computers at home indulging in a little e-commerce, according to survey results published on Wednesday.

However most of those doing some home shopping still prefer their home market, with only six percent of EU citizens making a cross-border online purchase in the last 12 months, the Eurobarometer survey on consumer protection showed.

Over the same period, 27 percent of EU citizens made at least one e-commerce purchase and 50 percent of those with internet access at home did so.

"Consumers appear to be more confident shopping online but not yet from websites in other member states," said Markos Kyprianou, EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection.

"We have more to do to boost consumer confidence but also to help businesses overcome obstacles to market and sell their products cross-border," he added.

The survey, carried out by the European Commission, showed that 71 percent of Europeans think it is harder to resolve complaints when buying from another EU country.

Almost as many, 68 percent, fear there is more risk of falling victim to a fraud or scam when buying from abroad.

Nonetheless over the past few years cross-border shopping has increased in the European bloc, as 26 percent of EU citizens have made at least one cross-border purchase in the last 12 months, compared to 12 percent in 2003 (when there were just 15 member states).

However most cross-border purchases take place when consumers are on holidays or business trips, rather than online.

"The growth in cross-border shopping shows that the Commission's vision of a borderless retail market is beginning to take shape," said Kyprianou.

"But we still have some way to go before the real potential of the retail Internal Market is unlocked for consumers and businesses."

The Eurobarometer survey was carried out in February and March, with around 25,000 respondents across the EU.