Brussels, 24/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - At the plenary session of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in Brussels on Wednesday 19 January, Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes set out her objectives for creating a flourishing digital economy. She asked EESC President Staffan Nilsson and Committee members to act as ambassadors for the initiative.
Reacting to Kroes' plans, EESC Vice-President responsible for communication Anna Maria Darmanin (Employees' Group, Malta) asked for more attention to be paid to “digital inclusion” to ensure that the most vulnerable in society are not left out. She also stressed the importance of online security, the EESC reports in a press release.
President of the EESC section dealing with digital agenda Stéphane Buffetaut (Employers' Group, France) said that 30% of European households did not have an internet connection and repeated the EESC idea of making internet access a universal service. Thomas McDonogh (Employers' Group, Ireland), EESC rapporteur on “A digital agenda for Europe”, singled out underinvestment in networks, e-skills and research and innovation as hindering the advent of a truly digital economy in Europe. Dirk Westendorp (Various Interests' Group, the Netherlands) said the success of the digital agenda depended on appropriate funding and strong leadership from the European Commission.
In their comments on fostering a cross-border e-commerce economy, EESC members called for the introduction of an electronic ID card for each citizen and pan-EU certification of e-traders. (G.B./transl.rt)