Brussels, 16/09/2015 (Agence Europe) - The Vice President of the European Commission, Andrus Ansip, said that Belgium is on the right track when it comes to developing digital networks. On Tuesday 15 September in Brussels, Ansip met representatives from the Belgian government to discuss the objectives set out in the European strategy, as well as the ideas developed by Belgium in this area. Ansip explained that the “EU welcomes ambitious BE digital agenda launched by Alexander de Croo and support to the EU digital single market”.
The European Commission Vice President debated the European digital strategy with members of the Federal Recommendations Committee in charge of European issues, as well as Chamber of Representatives committee members in charge of infrastructure, communications and public enterprise. Discussions were also held more specifically with the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Development Cooperation, Digital Agenda and Telco. Representatives from the Belgian government provided assurances that digital issues were at the centre of the government's priorities and that they strongly supported the strategy proposed by the Commission on 6 May (see EUROPE 11309). Andrus Ansip welcomed the progress made by Belgium in the digital field. He welcomed the fact that Belgium has a very well developed and connected network, which puts this member state in fifth place among European countries in this field. A similar meeting has been planned for the end of the month in Berlin. (Isabelle Lamberty)