Brussels, 06/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - Internet governance, as well as the use and development of the web were at the focus of discussions during the informal European telecommunications ministers' meeting in Milan on 2-3 October. European Commissioner for the Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes attended the meeting, which chaired by the Italian under-secretary of state for economic development, Antonello Giacomelli. The Italian Presidency explained that Europe intends to participate as a coherent partner in the debate on internet governance, given the importance of the subject for the economy and European society and the way in which it can help bolster its relationship with the US and other sectors.
In the field of internet governance, member states confirmed that they sought to speak with a single voice at international meetings, whilst preserving their rights and individual prerogatives. They will subsequently deliver common and consistent messages about the transition of the IANA functions. This body is in charge of overseeing the way in which the internet's central coordination is performed and ICANN, the body responsible for managing internet domain names. The ongoing transition process is expected to lead to the setting up of an inclusive, transparent and reliable mechanism. Member states pointed out that they support the development of internet governance according to an open and transparent multilateral model. They also consider that the approach obtained at the end of the Net Mundial is a good basis for developing a multi-stakeholder community. In addition, they underlined that EU cooperation in this area should be strengthened in view of forthcoming international meetings.
In a press release, the French secretary of state for digital affairs, Axelle Lemaire, emphasised France's determination to proactively define new internet governance. “The case of the delegation's .vin and .wine extensions project is still suspended… and illustrates the limitations to the current ICANN model and the way it functions. France has been very active in contesting this and it will equally be so in its proposals”. Lemaire was delighted that the informal meeting in Milan had helped identify the determination of all member states to speak with a single voice in this debate. She hopes that the Italian Presidency will continue work to ensure that concrete and ambitious proposals can be formulated on the behalf of all European countries. She concluded that “Europe is a democratic continent that is anxious to preserve the general interest and provide leadership for new internet governance that is more balanced, more efficient and transparent in order to tackle future challenges involving the protection of an open network” (our translation throughout). (IL)