Brussels, 12/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 11 April, Commissioner for the Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes addressed the European Parliament culture and education, industry, research and energy committees. She provided an overview of accomplishments in 2010 in the digital economy and drew up an inventory for her 2011 action plan. The programme is far reaching: radio-electric spectrum, cyber security, cloud computing, network neutrality, electronic signatures, online administration, Europeana and copyright in the digital environment, in addition to the eighth framework programme, roaming and the internet of things.
MEPs from the CULT committee argued that they should avoid moving into an ideological debate on radio-electric spectrum. Petra Kammerevert (S&D, Germany), Sabine Verheyen (EPP, Germany) and Helga Trüpel (Greens/EFA, Germany) argued that they needed a practical and pragmatic approach in order to shift towards optimum use and avoid customary transmission resource difficulties. Trüpel also referred to the need for a legal basis for Europeana and better access for citizens and young people, whilst Silvia Costa (S&D, Italy) focused on the fight against piracy and the difficulty of ensuring respect for copyright in the digital environment. In their questions, MEPs from the ITRE committee tackled the issue of respecting private life in the cloud computing arena (Pilar del Castillo Vera (EPP, Spain) and broadband progress. Several MEPs discussed legislative objectives on roaming and certain dysfunctions still being identified on the market -Angelika Niebler (EPP, Germany), Francesco De Angelis (S&D, Italy), Lambert van Nistelrooij (EPP, Netherlands). Ioannis Tsoukalas (EPP, Greece) and Ivaylo Kalfin (S&D, Bulgaria) asked about the Commission's strategy on cyber security. In the different replies provided by Commissioner Kroes, she particularly demonstrated an eagerness to take action in the field of radio spectrum. She underlined that it was certain that decisions taken could have an impact on operators in this field. The commissioner added that the 800 MHz frequency band would need to be subject to a specific timetable. She is still hoping that 2013 will be the cut-off date but underlined that exemptions could still be granted to member states experiencing specific difficulties. The exemptions should be granted sparingly and be subject to strict preliminary examination. Kroes appealed for greater resources to be allocated to Europeana. She also said that they should try to make the online digital library as attractive as possible for citizens. The priority will also be one of resolving intellectual property problems. In the context of cloud computing, the Commission will be following developments closely in this new “fascinating” data management practice, a practice that requires the greatest attention. (I.L./transl.fl)