Brussels, 31/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - On 31 May, a scoreboard was published by the European Commission showing the performance of the EU and member states in delivering on the agreed targets of the Digital Agenda for Europe after the first year of its existence. Almost 10% of action has been completed, 80% of projects are on track and 10% delayed. As a whole, progress has been accomplished with the implementation of 101 Digital strategy projects. This is a fairly satisfactory outcome, particularly with the issue of internet use (65% of the EU population). On the other hand, progress in some areas is disappointing, in particular roll-out of new superfast broadband networks, which is one of the key Digital Agenda goals, even if there is some progress in upgrading existing cable and copper networks. Neelie Kroes, European Commissioner for the Digital Agenda, said: “Member states, industry, civil society and the Commission need to do more if we want to maximise the Agenda's potential for retaining Europe's competitiveness, stimulating innovation, and creating jobs and prosperity.”
The Digital Agenda committed the EU to carry out 101 specific actions (78 for the Commission, of which 31 are legal proposals, and 23 for member states), which will together boost investment in, and use of, digital technologies. Overall, 11 DAE actions have been completed, 6 actions due in 2010 are delayed and the remaining actions are largely on track. On the 13 key performance targets, good progress has been made on regular internet use, online shopping, eGovernment and low energy lighting. Mixed progress in broadband availability and take up has been made. On the other hand, insufficient progress has been made in cross-border eCommerce, online presence of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), roaming prices and public research. The implications of the scoreboard will be discussed in Brussels on June 16-17 at the Digital Agenda Assembly. (I.L./transl.fl)