Brussels, 25/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - The ITRE committee (on industry, research and energy) of the European Parliament adopted, on 25 April, the European Commission's proposal on recycling public data. EU firms could save billions thanks to EU legislation allowing them to re-use public data instead of producing that data from scratch. Amendments introduced by MEPs will allow businesses to gain access to data free of charge or in exchange for a minimum charge, except in a few clearly-defined cases. If the authorities refuse access to public information or impose a prohibitive charge for allowing access, it will be possible to appeal against their decision swiftly at low cost, if not entirely free of charge. MEPs also defined clear limits regarding the scope and duration of contracts whereby the authorities assign companies exclusive rights to digitise and manage public data. The vote in committee aims to endorse an informal deal reached with member states. A final plenary vote is scheduled for June. (IL/transl.jl)