Brussels, 18/12/2009 (Agence Europe) - The Telecommunications Ministers, meeting in Brussels this Friday 18 December, adopted conclusions on the "post-i2010 strategy", designed to reshape the European strategic framework for information and communication technology (ICT) set in place in 2005. These conclusions are the Council's response to the European Commission, which is preparing a new "i-2010" agenda. "We are working to develop the following stage: how can we more broadly apply information and communication technologies to ensure that they find their place in all political areas? This potential has not been exploited so far", said the Swedish Communications Minister, Ms Asa Torstensson. "These conclusions must be an indication to the Commission on what is most important to us over the coming years to define the new agenda. I hope that this will be a useful contribution", the minister added.
As the current programme is coming to an end, the Commission has sent the Council a report on the main results between 2005 and 2009 (EUROPE 9955) and requested its opinion. It has also launched a consultation open to all interested parties on drafting a new digital strategy in the wake of its "i2010" strategy. On the basis of the conclusions of the high-level conference organised by the Swedish Presidency, the "Visby Agenda", and recommendations the Commission in its report, the Council has drafted its priorities, drawing up the list of points which it believes should be dealt with in the new "Digital agenda for Europe". The conclusions stress the following requirements: 1) encouraging the open, decentralised and dynamic nature of the Internet and promoting its continued expansion; 2) developing electronic identification solutions to guarantee data protection and respect for the citizens' privacy; 3) guaranteeing digital accessibility for all, achieving a maximum broadband penetration rate, a vital objective in fighting the digital divide, and creating a knowledge-based society open to all and promoting autonomy. ICT has a key role to play in this; it should be the subject of correctly targeted priorities and included in all sectorial policies, without being watered down by an excessively broad programme, the delegations stressed during their discussions. We must create better conditions to promote investment in the new-generation networks and allow the citizens to access broadband at competitive prices. Businesses, for their part, must develop attractive products in order to encourage consumer interest in new technologies. Lastly, the new technologies must respond to the current requirements relating to the economic crisis and the environment, by becoming competitive,"greener" and more energy-efficiency, the delegations added.
The new programme is set to be adopted by the Commission in spring 2010 and will be the subject of a debate under the Spanish Presidency. It is worth noting that the initial "i2010" initiative has given a considerable shot in the arm to the development of the telecommunications and media sector of the EU since 2005 and has become a major part of the Lisbon strategy. Its objective is to complete the creation of a single market for products and services in the information and communications technology sector to the benefit of consumers, businesses and public authorities in Europe. (I.L./trans.fl)