Brussels, 14/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 14 October in Brussels, the Italian Undersecretary of State for Communications, Antonello Giacomelli, Marita Ulvskog MEP (S&D, Sweden), rapporteur at the European Parliament on E-identification and signatures, together with Commissioner Neelie Kroes, responsible for the Digital Agenda, took part in a launch ceremony for the eIDAS. This regulation entered into force on 17 September last and will now provide legal substance to electronic identification, recognition and signature of public and private legal persons throughout the European Union. It will not, however, be applied before July 2016, in order to enable member states and their respective national services and legislation to adapt accordingly. Giacomelli explained, “this regulation constitutes a first concrete step in the direction of the single digital market, for example, with the European electronic signature, SMEs will be able to take part, without a red tape or stamps, in calls for tender in all European countries. The digital field is the main area in which action can be taken to restart the European economy”. Commissioner Kroes made a request to the future president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, calling on him to, “practice what we are preaching”, namely, ensuring that every business transaction involving the Commission is done so electronically. (IL)