Brussels, 16/09/2005 (Agence Europe) - Coordinated action by EU Member States is needed to make information and communication technologies (ICTs) more accessible to all, and particularly to people with disabilities and some older persons, said the European Commission in a Communication on “Electronic Accessibility” (eAccessibility), adopted on Thursday, the Commission calls upon Member States to do more to promote EU e-Accessibility initiatives in a concerted approach and to encourage uptake by industry. Progress will be reviewed two years from now to decide whether it is appropriate to continue on a voluntary basis, when additional measures may be proposed, including new legislation if necessary. Martin Selmayr, spokesperson for Commissioner Viviane Reding, said the Commission would be launching an initiative in 2008, following the Commissioner's discussions with ministers in the next few days - the issue will be on the agenda of the December Council. Rather than proposing new legislation immediately, the Commission has decided first to fully explore the possibilities available with stakeholders, including users, industry and standardisation bodies. While continuing to support ongoing measures such as standardisation, Design for All (DFA), Web accessibility and Research & Technology Development, the Commission proposes the use of three policy levers available to Member States. Per Blixt, Head of the Inclusion Unit at DG Information Society, said several Member States are developing initiatives, like Italy, the UK, Denmark and Sweden. He said this action needs to be coordinated to ensure it takes a common path since it sometimes goes in different directions. He underlined the attractive nature of using ICT to enhance quality of life and “electronic accessibility” chiefly through market-oriented policies. “The demographic change in Europe is a tremendous social challenge that Information and Communication Technologies can help to tackle”, said Information Society and Media Commissioner Viviane Reding. The Commission is determined to improve eAccessibility which is a prerequisite for everyone's ability to participate fully in a knowledge-based society. This holds true in particular for older persons and also for people with disabilities.