Brussels, 14/04/2004 (Agence Europe) - The Council of the EU recently approved the amendments adopted by the European Parliament (EP) on its common position for a draft decision on "the delivery of interoperable eGovernment services to public administrations, businesses and citizens (IDABC)". The common position thus amended will be presented for definitive adoption at the signing by the presidents of the EP and Council.
As a successor to the IDA II programme, which will come to an end on 31 December 2004, the IDABC seeks, within the framework of the eEUROPE 2005 initiative to provide a new dimension to the deployment of telematic networks via the provision of pan-European interoperable services. The programme includes two elements: projects of common interest backed up by sectoral policies and horizontal measures supporting interoperability. The projects of common interest involve implementation of Community policies and action, as well as in-institutional information exchange. In the context of horizontal measures it is also planned to promote the provision and maintenance of software applications and to develop strategic activities for e-government and information technology. The field of the programme's application will be extended to third countries, as well as international organisations and bodies.
In second reading on 11 March, Parliament reached a decision in support of the Council's common position if a few minor amendments were added. This will include the provision of pan-European services and on-line administration. The EP particularly wanted the decision to take into account the directive's provisions on data processing of a personal nature and protection of private life in the e-communication sector.