Luxembourg, 08/06/2006 (Agence Europe) - Meeting in Luxembourg on Thursday afternoon under the chairmanship of Austrian Minister Hubert Gorbach, EU telecommunications ministers opened the session by unanimously adopting conclusions regarding on-line administration for all citizens. Welcoming the conclusions recently adopted by the European Commission aimed at establishing on-line administration for all in the context of the i2010 action plan for e-government, they agreed to respect the roadmap and to ensure that the five priority objectives identified are attained (access for all, increased effectiveness, on-line awarding of contracts, secure access to services throughout the European Union and strengthening of the democratic process (see EUROPE 9179). Given the growing impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on activities in the political field, the role of ICT in improving the competitiveness of the European economy and the quality of life of citizens and public and private enterprises, ministers recommended, for all actors concerned and at all levels (national, local and regional), “active coordination and cooperation culture” in order to finalise by common accord a series of best practices and key tools intended to promote the interoperability of on-line systems.
Ministers agreed it was necessary for Member States to adopt an effective framework allowing for progress accomplished to be noted and compared and for the elements necessary to be provided for confrontation with the Commission's action plan. The latter is invited to make an annual assessment of the national frameworks in order to measure developments of each and to possibly suggest adjustments. In their national action plans, Member States should ensure, for their part, that the long-term financial viability of the system and its effectiveness are ensured, and that the services with the greatest impact on citizens and business are promoted. Mr Gorbach said their aim is to set in place “citizen-friendly electronic methods”. So far, he said, their collaboration has been successful but greater cooperation is needed between public administrations at every level as well as in the exchange of experience. He added: “We want to prove our resolve to set up synergies for all citizens”. “We want to bridge the gap that is still wide between citizens and their administrations. Our aim is to reach a more inclusive information society and better quality of services for the citizens”, put in Commissioner Viviane Reding, responsible for information society and media policy. Portugal was pleased that, during its term of Presidency in the second half of 2007, it will be organising the 4th ministerial conference on e-government which, two years after Manchester, will allow them to note progress made and the visibility of projects developed, the Portuguese minister said.