Brussels, 24/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - In a speech to the European Parliament industry committee (ITRE) in Brussels on 23 April, Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes spoke of the need for a “digital transition” in Europe to derive full benefit from information and communication technologies (ICT), a sector “among the most productive there is”. ICT, she said, can fuel growth and a job-rich recovery, allowing companies to reduce their spending (through “cloud computing”) and health systems their costs. ICT innovation also gives consumers new equipment at increasingly competitive prices. Three things are essential if the digital single market is to become a reality: a solid legal framework; network infrastructure; and human capital.
Kroes laid emphasis on the need for a legal framework that opens up a vibrant digital single market, arguing, for example, that the Commission was right to intervene on roaming charges. Consumers want rich, diversified online content and the Commission will continue to work on reforming copyright, to make it appropriate for the reality of the digital era. People must have access to orphan works, something that is not possible at present because of the rules currently in force, she stated. The commissioner sharply criticised the attempts by the member states, using numerous amendments, to hinder the progress of the latest proposals on copyright from the Commission. The process of digitisation of orphan works will be slowed as a result, she regretted. Change will come, however, in public sector information where the Commission's proposals will, she argued, stimulate new economic and social applications. Following on from its public consultation, the Commission has announced that it will publish a legal proposal on electronic identification, authentication and signatures before summer. This framework will, firstly, ensure EU-wide mutual recognition and acceptance of e-ID and e-authentication and, secondly, make electronic signatures more interoperable and more usable, including through mobiles. “That will give people new confidence to transact across the EU. It will open up new market opportunities. And it will give governments new opportunities to save money”, Kroes said. A cloud-computing-friendly framework is also needed, with clear rules on how to protect data, and on product and service liability.
With regard to network infrastructure, while welcoming the adoption of a policy programme on the radio spectrum Kroes said that spectrum was not enough, that fixed broadband was needed, too, to allow the new applications to work. She called for large-scale broadband roll-out, particularly in rural and suburban areas, with the assistance of the Connecting Europe Facility, set up to finance digital infrastructure projects, including high-speed broadband connections. The commissioner is hoping to adopt proposals by the end of the year for cutting the costs involved in broadband deployment by
around 30%.
On human capital, Kroes said that soon 90% of jobs will require digital skills, but there is a shortage of qualified people. This is a unique opportunity to cut youth unemployment, encouraging them into ICT, she noted. Repeating her call of last year, with European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, she again urged member states to appoint a “digital champion”. These digital coordinators will submit proposals to develop the potential of the digital sector based on best practice. Seven member states have already put forward names; the other proposals are expected by 11 June, she said. Turning to the issue of network security the commissioner highlighted the importance of prevention in a world where operation of services is interconnected. In the third quarter of this year, the Commission will adopt a European strategy for internet security, Kroes announced.
In their questions to the commissioner, several MEPs highlighted the need for a European cloud computing strategy [Pilar del Castillo Vera (EPP, Spain), Silvia-Adriana Ticau (S&D, Romania), Judith Merkies (S&D, Netherlands), Angelika Niebler (EPP, Germany)]. The commissioner's view on the ACTA agreement also drew the interest of Niebler and Werner Langen (EPP, Germany), the Commission having referred the agreement to the Court of Justice of the EU for a preliminary ruling. Kroes replied that the Court ruling had to be awaited to see whether the agreement complies with the provisions of the European Treaty and the Charter on Human Rights. (IL/transl.rt)