Brussels, 09/12/2004 (Agence Europe) - With the adoption of a resolution on the future of information and communication technologies (ICT), the Telecommunications Council states it is at a crossroads. Ministers also adopted conclusions on unwanted communication for commercial purposes (SPAM). European Commissioner Viviane Reding trusts that the proposal for the future eEUROPE 2010 plan of action will be ready under Luxembourg Presidency.
ICTs are increasingly becoming the driving forces for economic growth. They will therefore play a driving role in reactivating the Lisbon Process, as recently highlighted in the Kok report. Ministers consider that the name of their formation no longer sufficiently reflects the extent of its powers, and that ICTs should be included in it. Should a different name be envisaged? Laurens Jan Brinkhorst, Council President, pointed out that, at least, it would be "necessary to strengthen the link between the Telecommunications Council and the Competitiveness Council. The term 'telecommunications' mainly highlights the notion of networks", whereas that of Telecommunications Council "is increasingly linked to the information society". Viviane Reding, Commissioner for the Information Society, added: "The Telecommunications Council has changed direction. ICTs and the information society cover broader areas than just regulation on telecommunications matters. They are the key elements for economic and social progress in our societies". On the subject of the resolution that the Council adopted on the future of ICTs, Laurens Jan Brinkhorst identified several priorities: interoperability, access to networks, development of services, the role of SMEs and the role of national authorities. Viviane Reding also spoke about the future eEUROPE 2010 action plan "I am delighted at the unanimous reception the Commission report on the challenges facing the information society after 2005 in Europe, got. I very much want to base things on the ideas that ministers expressed for preparing the proposals for the future eEUROPE 2010 action plan. It hope that the Commission will be ready under the Luxembourg presidency. For eEUROPE 2010, we need a European framework but also national strategies implemented by Member States with a follow up. It's a change in working methods".
The Telecommunications Council adopted conclusions on Spam, which according to Laurens Jan Brinkhorst was an increasingly important problem (60% of e-mail, according to a journalist present at the press conference). Brinkhorst indicated that there was a real desire to progress with raising awareness in the political world and strengthening dialogue at international level. A questionnaire will be sent to Member States. the objective is that EU countries confirm their political commitment to the fight against this phenomenon.