Brussels, 04/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, the European Commission launched a consultation exercise, inviting citizens, businesses and researchers to share ideas on how best to use information and communications technologies (ICTs) to help older Europeans live more independently, and, more generally, to establish new ways of putting ICTs at the service of the most vulnerable members of society. The consultation will be led by a high-level panel established to advise the European Commission on the functioning of the “Ambient Assisted Living joint programme”. The panel is chaired by former European Commissioner Meglena Kuneva. The public consultation, which will run until 1 July 2010, is the first step towards meeting the target of doubling the take-up of independent living arrangements for the elderly by 2015. (I.L./transl.rt)