Brussels, 28/10/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 28 October, the European Commission set up an expert group to work on safe and fair terms for cloud computing contracts, on the basis of an optional instrument. The objective is to identify best practices for addressing the concerns of consumers and small companies, who often seem reluctant to purchase cloud computing services because contracts are unclear. This initiative is part of the Commission's push to enhance trust in cloud computing services and unlock their potential for boosting economic productivity in Europe. It is one of the key actions under the Commission's Cloud Computing Strategy as adopted last year (see EUROPE 10698). “Last week, EU leaders called for action to help create a single market for cloud computing. (…) We are asking experts to provide a balanced set of contract terms for consumers and small and medium-sized enterprises to use cloud computing services with more confidence…citizens need to be able to trust that the services they use are fair and reliable” explained Viviane Reding, the Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship. According to the commissioner, making full use of the opportunities presented by cloud computing could create 2.5 million extra jobs in Europe and add around 1% a year to the EU's Gross Domestic Product by 2020. The group of experts will be meeting on 19-20 November and will report back on their work in spring next year. They will then draft an orientation document that will be subject to public consultation. (IL/transl.fl)