Brussels, 17/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 16 June, the Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE) at the European Parliament adopted the report of Carlos Zorrinho (S&D, Portugal) on the ISA(2) programme. This programme seeks to help member states modernise their administrative facilities and provide interoperable digital services at national and European levels. MEPs on the Parliamentary committee emphasise the importance of interoperability, which provides major potential for removing electronic cross-border obstacles by facilitating the development of common public services at a European Union level.
Rapporteur Zorrinho stated: “The ITRE reinforces the focus on creation of common benchmarks (common frameworks) for the development or updating of interoperability solutions, allowing public administrations to become more integrated, effective and inclusive in its relation with citizens and businesses and help build a competitive EU in the new digital economy”.
The ISA(2) programme is due to replace and further develop the ISA programme currently in force. It will help to bolster and promote the assessment, fine-tuning and reuse of existing interoperable solutions, as well as help elaborate new solutions. The report believes more attention should be given to end users, particularly the needs of citizens and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and maintaining the possibility of accessing services through both traditional and electronic solutions.
The ISA(2) programme was the subject of a political agreement at the Telecoms Council on 12 June last (see EUROPE 11334). The European Parliament is expected to adopt the report during the plenary session on 8 September. (Isabelle Lamberty)