COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 14.05.19% 
COM(96) 188 final 
95/0156 (CNS) 
Amended proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
adopting a multi-annual Community programme 
to stimulate the development of a European multimedia content industry 
and to encourage the use of multimedia content 
in the merging information society 
(INFO 2000) 
(presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 a (2) 
of the EC-Treaty) 

Explanatory memorandum 
1. Introduction 
1.1 On 30 June 1995 the Commission adopted a proposal for a Council Decision 
adopting a multi-annual Community programme to stimulate the development of a 
European multimedia content industry and to encourage the use of this multimedia 
content in the emerging information society (INFO 2000) (COM(95) 149 final). 
This proposal was transmitted to the Council on 30 June 1995. 
1.2 The Council reached a political agreement on this proposal on 27 November 1995. 
1.3 The ESC delivered its opinion at the meeting on 20-21 December 1995 (ESC(95) 
1455). 
1.4 The European Parliament adopted its opinion on 28 March 1996. That opinion 
contains 52 amendments to the original text presented by the Commission. 
1.5 The Commission can accept 24 of these amendments, of which 16 in whole and 8 
in part. It cannot accept the remaining 28 amendments. 
1.6 The reasons for which the Commission has adopted this position on the 
amendments are set out in paragraph 3 below. The text of the amended proposal is 
given in Annex 1 (right-hand column) as compared with the text of the original 
proposal (left-hand column). 
2. Object of the proposal 
The proposal concerns the establishment of a multi-annual Community programme, 
called INFO 2000, aimed at stimulating the development of a European multimedia 
content industry and encouraging the use of this multimedia content in the emerging 
information society. 
The three long-term strategic objectives of the programme are: 
• to facilitate the development of the European information content industry; 
• to optimise the contribution of new information services to growth, competitiveness 
and employment in Europe; 
• to optimise the contribution of the advanced information services to the 
professional, social and cultural development of the citizens of Europe. 
3. Position of the Commission on the amendments presented by the European 
Parliament 
3.1 Amendments accepted as they stand 
The Commission accepts Amendments 4, 6, 8, 9, 15, 17, 20, 22, 27, 28, 33, 34, 39, 44, 47 
and 51. 
Amendment 4 adds a new recital rightly underlining respect for linguistic pluralism. 
Amendment 6 is useful in that it adds a new recital to the effect that the measures under 
the programme must help, in particular, to reduce the risks of exclusion. 
Amendment 8 specifies that cinema and television are included in the audiovisual sector. 
Amendment 9 stresses the synergy to be achieved between the INFO 2000 programme 
and other Community programmes or initiatives. 
Amendment 15 extends the Commission's responsibility to the granting of financial aid. 
Amendment 17 redefines the field of application of the comitology procedure set out in 
Article 5, by deleting the breakdown of the budgetary expenditure and introducing a more 
precise wording as regards the participation of bodies from third countries or 
international organisations. 
Amendment 20 is a technical improvement to the wording employed. 
Amendment 22 is useful in pointing out that the organisations entrusted with awareness 
and information campaigns work in a European and international network. 
Amendment 27 is an improvement to the title of Action Line 2 (Multimedia exploitation 
of public sector information). 
Amendment 28 adds some useful remarks on public sector information. 
Amendment 33 specifies the fields concerned by the pilot projects conducted under 
activity 2.2. 
Amendment 34 improves upon the wording of the original text to express the same idea. 
Amendment 39 rightly reiterates the importance of the coordinated approach adopted in 
the pilot projects conducted under the IMPACT programme. 
Amendment 44 rightly insists on particular encouragement for the development of 
multimedia services for SMEs amongst the measures aimed at developing and 
exchanging good practice. 
Amendment 47 rightly points out that education must devote more attention to Europe's 
cultural and linguistic heritage and to the multimedia aspect. 
Amendment 51 improves upon the wording. 
3.2 Amendments which the Commission can accept in part or subject to modification. 
This concerns Amendments 1, 5, 7, 21, 30, 37, 38 and 50. 
Amendment 1 makes a useful addition in the form of a new recital reiterating the 
principles of equality, accessibility and low cost, with regard to certain basic services, 
which must be respected in the provision of multimedia services. The Commission 
cannot, however, accept the words "and in some cases free provision", which it regards 
as too all-embracing. 
Amendment 5 can be accepted in principle, in that the interests of the public certainly 
merit special attention. Nevertheless, in order to preserve the consistency of the text of 
the recitals, it is preferable to add the words "and the interests of the public" at the end of 
recital 11. 
It is not within the remit of INFO 2000 to settle the questions raised by Amendment 7. 
Nevertheless, the Commission agrees with the spirit of the proposed recital and will 
devote particular attention to the level of implementation of the programme, so as to 
ensure that the measures taken under the programme are compatible with the policy 
guidelines expressed by Parliament. The amendment is therefore acceptable if reworded 
as follows: "Whereas it is necessary to devote particular attention, at the level of 
implementation of the programme, to the risks of abuse of multimedia content in such 
pernicious areas as racism, illegal pornography and other criminal activities;" 
Amendment 21 is acceptable as regards the first two parts, in that it makes useful 
additions. In the third part, however, while the remarks about encouraging the 
development of demand amongst certain user groups is acceptable, the reference to 
certain categories (women, the disabled, associations, NGOs) is too specific in this 
context. 
Amendment 30 is acceptable except for the first point ("and the potential offered by 
women in the subsequent development of such technologies") and the last point ("The 
Commission will assist the Member States ..."). The first point confuses the general and 
the particular and makes it difficult to grasp the real imperatives of the Green Paper. The 
last point seems hardly compatible with the principle of subsidiarity and would require 
financial resources not provided for in the proposed budget. 
Amendment 37 is acceptable provided the specific reference to the United States is 
deleted. 
The first two parts of Amendment 38 provide useful rewordings and additions. As 
regards the second last change (development of new software packages), the Commission 
cannot accept this addition for the reasons set out for Amendment 45. Lastly, in the case 
of the final change, the proposed measure duplicates the measures taken under the Green 
Paper on copyright and neighbouring rights in the information society. 
Amendment 50 is welcome, in that it proposes that the support received for the products 
emanating from a project receiving financial support should be acknowledged. The 
inclusion of the European Union flag, however, is not acceptable, since it could create 
ambiguity by giving the impression of a quality label. 
3.3 Amendments which the Commission cannot accept: 
This concerns Amendments 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 31, 32, 
35, 36, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 48, 49 and 52. 
Amendment 2 raises the risk of duplication with other programmes, in particular the 
Telematics Applications programme, in that it states that the actions should support the 
development of applications serving the purposes of health, education, training and 
regional planning. 
A new recital giving special treatment to associations and NGOs, as proposed in 
Amendment 3. is not justified in the light of the general nature of the recitals. 
Contrary to Amendment 10. the Commission considers that adapting the individual 
projects to developments in the market is essentially a matter for the partners in each 
project. On the other hand, the Commission must ensure that the proposed programme 
adapts to developments in the market, in particular by updating the criteria for calls for 
proposals. 
Amendment 11. which lays down a principle of strict reciprocity in implementing the 
programme in cooperation with third countries or international organisations, seems too 
specific. There is no such statement in other Community programmes. 
Amendment 12 is unacceptable to the Commission as the proposed text is not in line with 
the standard text set out in Annex II, point 2. A, of the Joint Declaration of the European 
Parliament, the Council and the Commission of 6 March 1995 concerning the 
incorporation of financial provisions into legislative acts. However, the Commission 
accepts the introduction of a recital and a provision adapted to and in conformity with the 
aforementioned Declaration. 
Amendment 13 is not in line with the Commission's general policy on the point in 
question. 
Amendment 14 increases the annual budgetary resources by reducing the duration of the 
programme. The Commission shares the view that the programme requires substantial 
budgetary resources in order to achieve its objectives. However, the budgetary 
consequences of the proposed amendment are incompatible with the overall financial 
planning and conflict with the financial outlook in heading 3. For these reasons the 
Commission cannot accept the amendment. The Commission nevertheless welcomes the 
support it demonstrates for its position vis-à-vis the Council on the budget for the 
programme. 
Amendment 16 does not appear to introduce any additional elements over and above 
what is already provided for in the financial statement and Annex 3. At the technical 
level, it would also be preferable to make a general reference to the Financial Regulation 
(instead of the specific reference to Article 57) and to bring the terminology of the 
amendment into line with that used in Article 57 of the Financial Regulation. 
Amendment 18 does not introduce any new element over and above the current practice 
and regulations. 
Amendment 19. setting 30 September 1997 as the date for submission of the evaluation 
report, is undesirable. The deadline is too short and will reduce the value of the mid-stage 
evaluation report, as it will take into consideration only the results obtained over the first 
twelve months, and that is an inadequate reference period. Moreover, because of their 
procedural complexity, there is a risk that the arrangements for appointing the 
independent experts will result in a further reduction in the reference period. 
Amendment 23 adds a function which lies outside the tasks of the organisations in the 
network and which is largely undertaken through other channels. 
Amendment 24 adds nothing useful, since the present wording does not exclude the 
organisations mentioned. 
Amendment 25 makes a statement which concerns action 4.3 rather than action 1.1. 
Although the Commission largely welcomes the substance of the amendment, it 
considers that this aspect is covered by the present wording of action 4.3. 
The Commission considers that action 1.2 must be maintained, in contrast to the 
objective of Amendment 26. Its proposed deletion appears to be inspired more by budget 
considerations than by genuine reasons of justification or problems of implementation. 
The Commission considers the elements of Amendment 29 of relevance to the debate 
which will take place on the Green Paper on access to, dissemination and exploitation of 
public-sector information. However, it would be better not to be too prescriptive as 
regards the Green Paper. 
Amendment 31. concerning an information system on information, adds a statement 
which is of little use, as it is already included in the notion of a directory. 
Amendment 32 proposes a wording which is too specific as regards women's interests 
and too restrictive as regards the concept of an electronic public space (virtual reality), 
which should not be limited to the directories aspect. 
The new wording of the title of Action Line 3.1, as proposed by Amendment 35. is not 
fundamentally different from that proposed by the Commission. The Commission prefers 
to retain the initial wording for reasons of consistency with its position on Amendments 
38, 40 and 45. 
Amendment 36 is redundant in relation to Amendment 8 and makes a superfluous and 
unbalanced statement. 
Amendment 40 deletes the three fields identified as being of strategic importance, in 
which the production of multimedia information content must be stimulated. 
Coordination structures are already covered by action 1.2. Finally, the emphasis placed 
on multimedia products which are easily adaptable from one Member State to the other is 
already adequately expressed in the wording of section 3.1 (multilingual and 
multicultural European approach). 
The first change (risk of diversity in the range of products) introduced by Amendment 41 
relates more to the discussions of the public or private information circles. The second 
element (particular attention to be devoted to small producers) seems largely redundant in 
view of the preceding sentence in the text of point 3.1. 
Amendment 42 proposes a mechanism which the Commission cannot accept for the 
implementation of Action Line 3.1. However, the Commission considers the idea 
interesting and worthy of a more detailed study which can be undertaken under the 
proposed Action Line 4.1. 
The Commission considers that the particular attention to be devoted to the legal 
conditions for transferring information public sector information to the private sector, as 
set out in Amendment 43. should be dealt with under Action Line 2 and not at the 
specific level of Action Line 3.2. 
Amendment 45 aims to establish a new Action Line 3 relating to the development of new 
software packages. This measure is not part of INFO 2000, since it is covered by the 
fourth framework programme of research and development (IT, ACTS, Telematics). 
Amendment 46 is not acceptable, as the text of the preamble is not in line with the 
proposed measures. 
Amendment 48 proposes a new breakdown of the budget which the Commission cannot 
accept. The Commission is aware of the need to increase the resources for Action Line 3 
at the expense of Action Line 1 and can agree with the thrust of the proposed change. 
However, the Commission considers that the proposed percentage spread is too 
restrictive. The Commission therefore proposes the following breakdown: 
.i-i«*w.,Vi..^P 
- action line 1 (stimulating demand and raising awareness): 20-30%, 
- action line 2 (exploiting Europe's public sector information): 18-23%, 
- action line 3 (triggering European multimedia potential): 43-55%, 
- action line 4 (support actions): 7-12%. 
Amendment 49 cannot be accepted for the following reasons. It is not desirable to replace 
"call for proposals" with "call for tender" in point 3 of Annex III, since this point 
concerns shared-cost projects for which the Community's financial contribution will not 
be more than 50% of the cost of the project. As regards point 4, the Commission's text 
aims to allow the cofinancing of projects submitted in the form of unsolicited proposals, 
outside the formal framework of a call for proposals. The amendment does not cover this 
eventuality and should be rejected. 
Amendment 52 introduces an unacceptable procedural complexity. 
4. Conclusion 
The Commission recommends that the Council approve the amended proposal contained 
in Annex . 
Original proposal 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the 
European Community, and in particular Article 130 
paragraph 3 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission Modified proposal 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the 
European Community, and in particular Article 130 
paragraph 3 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission 
(1). 
Having regard to the opinion of the European 
Parliament @)t 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and 
Social Committee @) 
Whereas the European content industry can make a 
significant contribution to the stimulation of growth, 
to the strengthening of competitiveness and to the 
development of employment in the Community, as 
indicated in the White Paper on "Growth, 
competitiveness, employment - The challenges and 
ways forward into the 21st century" W, 
Whereas the European Council at Brussels on 10-11 
December 1993 decided, on the basis of that White 
Paper, to implement an action plan, consisting of 
concrete measures at both Union and Member States 
level, notably with respect to information 
infrastructures and new applications, for which new 
content is required; Having regard to the opinion of the European 
Parliament @), 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and 
Social Committee @) 
Whereas the European content industry can make a 
significant contribution to the stimulation of growth, 
to the strengthening of competitiveness and to the 
development of employment in the Community, as 
indicated in the White Paper on "Growth, 
competitiveness, employment - The challenges and 
ways forward into the 21st century" (4), 
Whereas the European Council at Brussels on 10-11 
December 1993 decided, on the basis of that White 
Paper, to implement an action plan, consisting of 
concrete measures at both Union and Member States 
level, notably with respect to information 
infrastructures and new applications, for which new 
content is required; 
(1) 
(2) 
(3) 
(4) OJN° 
OJN° 
OJN° 
'Growth, competitiveness, employment 
The challenges and ways forward into the 21st 
century', COM(93)700 final of 5.12.1993, Chapter 
5A The information society'. (1) OJN°C 250, 26.9.1995, p.4 
(2) OJ N° 
(3) OJN°C82, 19.3.1996, p. 36 
(4) 'Growth, competitiveness, employment - The 
challenges and ways forward into the 21st century', 
COM(93)700 final of 5.12.1993, Chapter 5A The 
information society'. 
3 
Whereas the European Council at Corfu on 24-25 
June 1994 took note of the Recommendations of the 
High Level Group on the information society as 
presented in the report "Europe and the global 
information society"^); and underlined that the 
Community and Member States have an important 
role to play in bringing about the information society 
by giving political impetus, by creating a clear and 
stable regulatory and legal framework and by setting 
an example in areas which come under their aegis; 
Whereas the Commission's action plan " Europe's 
Way to the Information Society - An Action Plan"(6) 
recognises the importance of content and stipulates 
that the Commission will propose ways to stimulate 
the creation of favourable conditions for content 
providers to adapt their skills and products to the 
new multimedia environment and to stimulate 
increased usage of new information services; 
Whereas the Council on 28 September 1994 (7) 
underlined the particular urgency of the need to 
enhance the global competitiveness of the European 
content industry, taking account of the cultural 
diversity and of the impact of these products on 
society; 
Whereas the European Council at Essen on 9-10 
December 1994 underlined the importance of 
content in bringing about the information society; 
Whereas the Council Resolution on Culture and 
Multimedia (**) 0n 3-4 April 1995 underlined the 
importance of multimedia for facilitating the 
development of the content industry and improving 
access of citizens to cultural heritage, as well as the 
catalysing role of Member States and the Union in 
the creation, production and distribution of high 
quality cultural multimedia programmes; Whereas the European Council at Corfu on 24-25 
June 1994 took note of the Recommendations of the 
High Level Group on the information society as 
presented in the report "Europe and the global 
information society" w); and underlined that the 
Community and Member States have an important 
role to play in bringing about the information society 
by giving political impetus, by creating a clear and 
stable regulatory and legal framework and by setting 
an example in areas which come under their aegis; 
Whereas the Commission's action plan " Europe's 
Way to the Information Society - An Action Plan"(6) 
recognises the importance of content and stipulates 
that the Commission will propose ways to stimulate 
the creation of favourable conditions for content 
providers to adapt their skills and products to the 
new multimedia environment and to stimulate 
increased usage of new information services; 
Whereas the Council on 28 September 1994 (7) 
underlined the particular urgency of the need to 
enhance the global competitiveness of the European 
content industry, taking account of the cultural 
diversity and of the impact of these products on 
society; 
Whereas the European Council at Essen on 9-10 
December 1994 underlined the importance of 
content in bringing about the information society; 
Whereas the Council Resolution on Culture and 
Multimedia (8) on 3.4 April 1995 underlined the 
importance of multimedia for facilitating the 
development of the content industry and improving 
access of citizens to cultural heritage, as well as the 
catalysing role of Member States and the Union in 
the creation, production and distribution of high 
quality cultural multimedia programmes; 
(5) 'Europe and the global information society 
- Recommendations to the European Council', 
Brussels, 26 May 1994. 
(6) COM(94)347 final of 19 July 1994 ' 
Europe's Way to the Information Society - An 
Action Plan' . 
(7) Conclusions of the 1787th Council meeting 
9561/94 (Press 197), 28 September 1994. (5) 'Europe and the global information society -
Recommendations to the European Council', 
Brussels, 26 May 1994. 
(6) COM(94)347 final of 19 July 1994 ' Europe's 
Way to the Information Society - An Action Plan' . 
(7) Conclusions of the 1787th Council meeting 
9561/94 (Press 197), 28 September 1994. 
/Jo 
Whereas the three long-term strategic objectives of 
the Union's content policy shall be to facilitate the 
development of the European content industry; to 
optimise the contribution of new information 
services to growth, competitiveness and employment 
in Europe; and to maximise the contribution of 
advanced information services to the professional, 
social and cultural development of the citizens of 
Europe; Whereas the three long-term strategic objectives of 
the Union's content policy shall be to facilitate the 
development of the European content industry; to 
optimise the contribution of new information 
services to growth, competitiveness and employment 
in Europe; and to maximise the contribution of 
advanced information services to the professional, 
social and cultural development of the citizens of 
Europe; 
Whereas there are numerous barriers to the 
development of a European multimedia content 
industry and market, which are hindering the 
transition towards an information society; Whereas there are numerous barriers to the 
development of a European multimedia content 
industry and market, which are hindering the 
transition towards an information society; 
Whereas the Community needs to build on the strong 
competitive position it has in some content sectors 
and whereas its competitive position needs to be 
strengthened in other content sectors; Whereas the Community needs to build on the strong 
competitive position it has in some content sectors 
and whereas its competitive position needs to be 
strengthened in other content sectors; 
Whereas the needs of users of information services, 
particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises 
and in the less favoured regions of the Community, 
merit special attention; Whereas the needs of users of information services, 
particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises 
and in the less favoured regions of the Community, 
and the public and their interests merit special 
attention; 
Whereas the provision of multimedia services should 
respect the principles of equal access and the low 
cost of certain basic services and should contribute to 
the cohesion of, in particular, the geographically 
disadvantaged regions of Europe; 
Whereas provision should be made for measures to 
encourage the participation of small and medium-
sized enterprises (SMEs) in this programme; Whereas provision should be made for measures to 
encourage the participation of small and medium-
sized enterprises (SMEs) in this programme; 
Whereas the different rates of development in the 
provision and use of information services in the 
Member States deserve special consideration, having 
regard to the internal cohesion of the Community 
and the risks associated with a two-tier information 
society; Whereas the different rates of development in the 
provision and use of information services in the 
Member States deserve special consideration, having 
regard to the internal cohesion of the Community 
and the risks associated with a two-tier information 
society; 
Whereas Community actions undertaken concerning 
the content of information should respect the Union's 
multilingual character and encourage initiatives to 
adapt the content of multimedia information in the 
languages of the Member States; 
(8) Audiovisual/Culture Council session nr 
1841 of 3-4 April 1995, Council document 6072/95 
of 24 March 1995 (8) Audiovisual/Culture Council session nr 1841 
of 3-4 April 1995, Council document 6072/95 of 24 
March 1995 
nn 
Whereas the measures under the programme must 
help to reduce the risks of exclusion of unskilled or 
underskilled workers, the emergence of a dual 
society, the widening of disparities between regions 
and the increased isolation of the individual; 
Whereas policy actions under this programme 
aiming at strengthening the position of the European 
content industry will be complementary to other 
content actions, particularly those related to the 
audiovisual sector (9); 
Whereas any content policy actions must be 
complementary to other ongoing national and 
Community initiatives, as outlined notably in the 
Commission's action plan "Europe's Way to the 
Information Society - An Action Plan", and shall be 
performed in synergy with the Commission's 
education (10), training (n) , RDT (12) and SME 
(l-*) policies and initiatives; Whereas particular attention should be paid, when 
implementing the programme, to the risk of abuse of 
multimedia content in such pernicious areas as 
racism, illegal pornography and other criminal 
activities; 
Whereas policy actions under this programme 
aiming at strengthening the position of the European 
content industry will be complementary to other 
content actions, particularly those related to the 
audiovisual sector (9); 
Whereas any content policy actions must be 
complementary to other ongoing national and 
Community initiatives, as outlined notably in the 
Commission's action plan 'Europe's way to the 
information society - an action plan', and shall be 
performed in synergy with programmes in the Fourth 
Framework Programme (10) (programmes 
concerned with advanced technology, technology, 
advanced communications services and telematics) 
and with the Commission's education (11), training 
(12), cultural and SME (13) policies and initiatives, 
and with the Structural Funds; 
(9) Council Decision 93/424/EEC of 22 July 
1993 on an action plan for the introduction of 
advanced television services in Europe; 
COM(94)523 of 8 February 1995 'Politique Audio­
visuelle. Créer un environnement favorable à l'essor 
des entreprises de l'industrie européenne des 
programmes (MEDIA2 1996-2000)'; Council 
Directive 89/552/EEC of 3 October 1989 
'Television without frontiers' (OJ N° L 298, 
17.10.1989, p. 15). (9) Council Decision 93/424/EEC of 22 July 1993 
on an action plan for the introduction of advanced 
television services in Europe; COM(94)523 of 8 
February 1995 'Politique Audio-visuelle. Créer un 
environnement favorable à l'essor des entreprises de 
l'industrie européenne des programmes (MEDIA2 
1996-2000)'; Council Directive 89/552/EEC of 3 
October 1989 'Television without frontiers' (OJ N° 
L298, 17.10.1989, p. 15). 
(10) COM(93)708 final of 3 February 1994. 
(11) Council Decision of 6 December 1994 (OJ Nc 
L340, 29.12.1994, p.8). (10) Fourth Framework Programme of the European 
Community activities in the field of research and 
technological development and demonstration (1994 
to 1998), adopted by the Decision N° 1110/94/EC of 
the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 
April 1994 (OJN°L 126, 18.5.1994, p.l) 
(11) COM(93)708 final du 3 février 1994. 
/)£ 
Whereas progress of this programme should be 
continuously and systematically monitored with a 
view to adapting it, where appropriate, to 
developments in the multimedia content market; 
whereas in due course there should be an 
independent evaluation of the progress of the 
programme so as to provide the background 
information needed in order to determine the 
objectives for subsequent content policy actions; 
whereas at the end of this programme there shall be 
a final evaluation of results obtained compared with 
the objectives set out in this Decision; Whereas progress of this programme should be 
continuously and systematically monitored with a 
view to adapting it, where appropriate, to 
developments in the multimedia content market; 
whereas in due course there should be an 
independent evaluation of the progress of the 
programme so as to provide the background 
information needed in order to determine the 
objectives for subsequent content policy actions; 
whereas at the end of this programme there shall be 
a final evaluation of results obtained compared with 
the objectives set out in this Decision; 
Whereas the actions in this programme will not in 
any way prejudice the competition rules of the 
Community; Whereas the actions in this programme will not in 
any way prejudice the competition rules of the 
Community; 
Whereas it may be appropriate to engage in 
international co-operation activities with 
international organisations and third countries for 
the purpose of implementing this programme; Whereas the activities which may prove useful in 
international cooperation with international 
organizations and third countries for the purpose of 
implementing this programme should be undertaken 
with due regard to the criterion of mutual advantage; 
Whereas it is necessary to fix the duration of the 
programme; Whereas it is necessary to fix the duration of the 
programme; 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION 
(12) Fourth Framework Programme of the 
European Community activities in the field of 
research and technological development and 
demonstration (1994 to 1998), adopted by the 
Decision N° 1110/94/EC of the European Parliament 
and of the Council of 26 April 1994 (OJ N° L 126, 
18.5.1994, p.l) 
(13) COM(94) 207 final of 3 June 1994 (12) Council Decision of 6 December 1994 (OJ Nc 
L340, 29.12.1994, p.8). 
(13) COM(94) 207 final of 3 June 1994 
43 
Article 1 Article 1 
A programme is hereby adopted with the following 
objectives: 
• Stimulate demand for, and use of, multimedia 
content, 
• Create favourable conditions for the development 
of the European multimedia content industry, 
• Contribute to the professional, social and cultural 
development of the citizens of Europe. A programme is hereby adopted with the following 
objectives: 
• Stimulate demand for, and use of, multimedia 
content, 
• Create favourable conditions for the development 
of the European multimedia content industry, 
• Contribute to the professional, social and cultural 
development of the citizens of Europe. 
Article 2 Article 2 
In order to attain the objectives referred to in Article 
1, the following actions shall be undertaken under 
the guidance of the Commission, in accordance with 
the action lines in Annex I and the detailed 
implementation arrangements set out in Annex III: 
• stimulating demand and raising awareness, 
• exploiting Europe's public sector information, 
• triggering European multimedia potential, 
• support actions. 
Article 3 In order to attain the objectives referred to in Article 
1, the following actions shall be undertaken under 
the guidance of the Commission, in accordance with 
the action lines in Annex I and the detailed 
implementation arrangements set out in Annex III: 
• stimulating demand and raising awareness, 
• making good use by the multimedia industry of 
information held by the public sector, 
• triggering European multimedia potential, 
• support actions. 
Article 3 
The programme shall cover a period of four years 
from 1 January 1996 to 31 December 1999. The programme shall cover a period of four years 
from 1 January 1996 to 31 December 1999. 
Article 4 Article 4 
1. The Commission shall be responsible for the 
implementation of the programme. 1. The Commission shall be responsible for the 
implementation of the programme and for the 
decisions to grant Community financial aid to the 
projects selected. 
2. The procedure laid down in Article 5 shall apply 
to: 2. The procedure laid down in Article 5 shall apply 
to: 
• the work programme, 
• the breakdown of the budgetary expenditure, 
• the content of calls for proposals, 
• the measures for programme evaluation, 
• any departure from the rules set out in Annex III, 
• participation in any project by legal entities from 
third countries and international organisations. • the work programme, 
• the content of calls for proposals, 
• the measures for programme evaluation, 
• any departure from the rules set out in Annex III, 
•consideration of the objective information 
facilitating the participation in any project by legal 
entities from third countries and international 
organizations. 
Article 5 Article 5 
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee 
of an advisory nature composed of the 
representatives of the Member States and chaired by 
the representative of the Commission. 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee 
of an advisory nature composed of the 
representatives of the Member States and chaired by 
the representative of the Commission. 
/)V| 
2. The Commission representative shall submit to 
the committee a draft of measures to be taken. The 
committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft 
within a time limit which the chairman may lay 
down according to the urgency of the matter 
concerned, if necessary by taking a vote. 
3. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in 
addition, each Member State shall have the right to 
ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. 
4. The Commission shall take the utmost account of 
the opinion delivered by the committee. It shall 
inform the committee of the manner in which its 
opinion has been taken into account. 
Article 6 2. The Commission representative shall submit to 
the committee a draft of measures to be taken. The 
committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft 
within a time limit which the chairman may lay 
down according to the urgency of the matter 
concerned, if necessary by taking a vote. 
3. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in 
addition, each Member State shall have the right to 
ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. 
4. The Commission shall take the utmost account of 
the opinion delivered by the committee. It shall 
inform the committee of the manner in which its 
opinion has been taken into account. 
Article 6 
At the mid-term and at the end of the programme, 
the Commission shall submit to the European 
Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social 
Committee and the Committee of the Regions, once 
the committee referred to in Article 5 has examined 
it, an evaluation report drawn up by independent 
experts on the results obtained in implementing the 
action lines referred to in Article 2. The Commission 
may present, on the basis of those results, proposals 
for adjusting the orientation of the programme. 
Article 7 At the mid-term and at the end of the programme, 
the Commission shall submit to the European 
Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social 
Committee and the Committee of the Regions, once 
the committee referred to in Article 5 has examined 
it, an evaluation report drawn up by independent 
experts on the results obtained in implementing the 
action lines referred to in Article 2. The Commission 
may present, on the basis of those results, proposals 
for adjusting the orientation of the programme. 
Article 7 
Participation in this programme may be open, 
normally without financial support by the 
Community, to legal entities established in third 
countries and to international organisations, where 
such participation contributes effectively to the 
implementation of the programme and taking into 
account the principle of mutual benefit. 
Article 8 
This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Participation in the programme may be open, 
without financial support from the Union budget, to 
legal entities established in third countries and to 
international organizations, where such participation 
contributes effectively to the implementation of the 
programme and taking into account the principle of 
mutual benefit. 
Article 8 
This Decision is addressed to the Member States. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the Council Done at Brussels, 
For the Council 
The President The President 
/ir 
ANNEXI ANNEX I 
ACTION LINES FOR INFO2000 ACTION LINES FOR INFO2000 
ACTION LINE 1: Stimulating demand and raising 
awareness 
Lack of awareness of the potential of the new 
multimedia information products and services is an 
important factor constraining demand. This action 
line contributes to redressing that situation by adding 
a European dimension to awareness and user-group 
activities taking place at the national or regional 
level. Specific attention will be given to favouring 
demand development in less-favoured and peripheral 
regions of the Union. ACTION LINE 1: Stimulating demand and raising 
awareness 
Lack of awareness of the potential of the new 
multimedia information products and services is an 
important factor constraining demand. This action 
line contributes to redressing that situation by adding 
a European dimension to awareness and user-group 
activities taking place at the national or regional 
level. These awareness-raising activities must also 
extend to members of the public who could easily be 
sidelined on account of their personal or social 
circumstances. Specific attention will be given to 
encouraging demand development with certain user 
groups and in less-favoured and peripheral regions 
of the Union. 
1.1. Creating new markets by raising awareness at 
the European level with specific user groups 
Under the IMPACT programme a network of 
organisations in the Member States has been created 
that have a responsibility for conducting awareness 
and information campaigns in relation to new 
information services. In different Member States this 
role is performed by different organisations like 
chambers of commerce, professional organisations or 
public bodies. By working in a European network 
these organisations are able to add a European 
dimension to their activities. 1.1. Creating new markets by raising awareness at 
the European level with specific user groups 
Under the IMPACT programme a network of 
organisations in the Member States has been created 
that have a responsibility for conducting awareness 
and information campaigns in relation to new 
information services. In different Member States this 
role is performed by different organisations like 
chambers of commerce, professional organisations or 
public bodies. By working in a 
European/international network these organisations 
are able to add a European/international dimension 
to their activities. 
Under INFO2000 this successful formula will be 
continued and extended. The involvement of the 
Community in the network as a catalyst and a co­
ordinator adds value to the individual activities and 
puts these activities in a clear European context. 
Apart from financial support for specific activities 
with a European dimension the Commission will 
encourage the exchange of know-how and 
experience, the use of common communication and 
information facilities, and co-operation between the 
various organisations in joint projects. 
The organisations in the network will perform the 
following tasks: 
• provide access to information collections and 
catalogues across the European Union; 
• demonstrate and facilitate access to the European 
information highways; 
• advise users on the possible sources for satisfying 
their multimedia content needs, both nationally and 
internationally; Under INFO2000 this successful formula will be 
continued and extended. The involvement of the 
Community in the network as a catalyst and a co­
ordinator adds value to the individual activities and 
puts these activities in a clear European context. 
Apart from financial support for specific activities 
with a European dimension the Commission will 
encourage the exchange of know-how and 
experience, the use of common communication and 
information facilities, and co-operation between the 
various organisations in joint projects. 
The organisations in the network will perform the 
following tasks: 
• provide access to information collections and 
catalogues across the European Union; 
• demonstrate and facilitate access to the European 
information highways; 
• advise users on the possible sources for satisfying 
their multimedia content needs, both nationally and 
internationally; 
s\G 
• organise co-ordinated European awareness 
campaigns at the national or regional level; 
• stimulate the training of users. 
The main target groups for the actions will be small 
and medium-sized companies and libraries. The 
actual selection of specific target groups will be left 
to the national and regional organisations concerned, 
since they are closest to the target groups. • organise co-ordinated European awareness 
campaigns at the national or regional level; 
• stimulate the training of users. 
The main target groups for the actions will be small 
and medium-sized companies, libraries, 
documentation centres and contact points and 
information desks. On the basis of these criteria, the 
national and regional organizations concerned, since 
they are closest to these target groups, will carry out 
the actual selection. 
Following a call for proposals a total of 30 to 50 
organisations will be selected to participate in the 
network. Selection criteria will include knowledge of 
the local information market, affinity with the target 
groups foreseen and readiness to work in a European 
network. Actions which aim to stimulate women's 
interests in new information services are encouraged. 
The network will co-operate with other relevant 
national organisations. It will liaise closely with 
other EU supported bodies and networks that have a 
complementary mission, such as the Information 
Society Project Office (ISPO), the European 
Information Centres (EICs), the Business Co­
operation Network (BC-NET), the Value Relay 
Centres and the University Enterprise Training 
Partnerships (UETPs). Organisations from these 
networks could be selected in the call for proposals. 
Efforts will be made to avoid parallel or overlapping 
networks. Synergy and spin-offs will be sought with 
other awareness activities performed under the 4th 
Framework research programme such as the 
Advanced Communication Technologies and 
Services and Telematics applications programmes. 
1.2. Encouraging clusters of pan-European users 
A flourishing demand side is important for the 
development of a healthy market for advanced 
information products and services such as 
multimedia. In view of the rapid changes taking 
place in the information market, regular dialogue 
between suppliers and users can smooth the 
transition process. In general the supply side tends to 
be better organised than the user side, both at the 
national and at the European level. In two of the 
three sectors that compose the multimedia industry -
information technology and telecommunications -
the user side is increasingly organising itself both at 
the national and at the European level. Following a call for proposals a total of 30 to 50 
organisations will be selected to participate in the 
network. Selection criteria will include knowledge of 
the local information market, affinity with the target 
groups foreseen and readiness to work in a European 
network. Actions which aim to stimulate women's 
interests in new information services are encouraged. 
The network will co-operate with other relevant 
national organisations. It will liaise closely with 
other EU supported bodies and networks that have a 
complementary mission, such as the Information 
Society Project Office (ISPO), the European 
Information Centres (EICs), the Business Co­
operation Network (BC-NET), the Value Relay 
Centres and the University Enterprise Training 
Partnerships (UETPs). Organisations from these 
networks could be selected in the call for proposals. 
Efforts will be made to avoid parallel or overlapping 
networks. Synergy and spin-offs will be sought with 
other awareness activities performed under the 4th 
Framework research programme such as the 
Advanced Communication Technologies and 
Services and Telematics applications programmes. 
1.2. Encouraging clusters of pan-European users 
A flourishing demand side is important for the 
development of a healthy market for advanced 
information products and services such as 
multimedia. In view of the rapid changes taking 
place in the information market, regular dialogue 
between suppliers and users can smooth the 
transition process. In general the supply side tends to 
be better organised than the user side, both at the 
national and at the European level. In two of the 
three sectors that compose the multimedia industry -
information technology and telecommunications -
the user side is increasingly organising itself both at 
the national and at the European level. 
^ 
In the third sector of the multimedia industry - the 
content industry - the demand side is much less 
organised and is fragmented. Historically, the 
relationship between the content providers and the 
users has been indirect, i.e. through intermediaries. 
However, under the influence of the new 
communication networks this situation is changing. 
The need to develop direct relations between 
suppliers and users is increasingly being felt in the 
content sector also. At the national level, 
professional organisations and industry sector 
organisations are beginning to address the issue. 
However, for a successful development of the 
European multimedia content market it is important 
that groupings of users also emerge at the European 
level. In the third sector of the multimedia industry - the 
content industry - the demand side is much less 
organised and is fragmented. Historically, the 
relationship between the content providers and the 
users has been indirect, i.e. through intermediaries. 
However, under the influence of the new 
communication networks this situation is changing. 
The need to develop direct relations between 
suppliers and users is increasingly being felt in the 
content sector also. At the national level, 
professional organisations and industry sector 
organisations are beginning to address the issue. 
However, for a successful development of the 
European multimedia content market it is important 
that groupings of users also emerge at the European 
level. 
The actions foreseen under INFO2000 aim to 
stimulate this process by providing incentives for co­
operation and exchange of experience between 
national user groups, thereby encouraging the 
emergence of European groupings. Specific 
measures will be tailored to address key user 
problems, for example quality assurance and 
questions of liability. The network of awareness 
organisations will be used to analyse the situation in 
individual Member States and will play a catalytic 
role in bringing about pan-European user groups. The actions foreseen under INFO2000 aim to 
stimulate this process by providing incentives for co­
operation and exchange of experience between 
national user groups, thereby encouraging the 
emergence of European groupings. Specific 
measures will be tailored to address key user 
problems, for example quality assurance and 
questions of liability. The network of awareness 
organisations will be used to analyse the situation in 
individual Member States and will play a catalytic 
role in bringing about pan-European user groups. 
ACTION LINE 2: Exploiting Europe's public 
sector information ACTION LINE 2: Making good use by the 
multimedia industry of information held by the 
public sector 
Europe's public sector information is a hidden 
resource to be exploited. The public sector collects 
and produces vast amounts of information, much of 
which is of interest to individuals and businesses, 
and which can be the raw material for value-added 
information services produced by the private sector 
content industry. Official statistical services either at 
regional, national or European level are an example. Europe's public sector information is a substantial 
resource to be made use of by the multimedia 
industry. The public sector collects and produces vast 
amounts of information, which can be the raw 
material for value-added information services for the 
benefit of individuals and businesses. Official 
statistical services either at regional, national or 
European level are an example. 
Three sets of actions will be particularly helpful in 
supporting this public sector role and in exploiting 
its potential at European level: Three sets of actions will be particularly helpful in 
supporting this public sector role and in exploiting 
its potential at European level: 
• developing policies to access and exploit public 
sector information, 
• linking directories of European public sector 
information, 
• making use of content resources in the public 
sector. • developing policies to access and exploit public 
sector information, 
• linking directories of European public sector 
information, 
• making use of content resources in the public 
sector. 
Particular attention will be given to improving 
access from the peripheral regions of the Union. 
2.1. Developing policies to access and exploit 
European public sector information Particular attention will be given to improving 
access from the peripheral regions of the Union. 
2.1. Developing policies to access and exploit 
European public sector information 
A % 
In the Member States, rules for access to public 
sector information are very different or in some cases 
do not exist at all. As the transition to the 
information society progresses, this situation could 
become a barrier to full participation by individuals 
and businesses across Europe and may become the 
cause of unevenly distributed opportunities. 
Therefore, initiatives need to be taken at the 
European level to develop policies which facilitate 
access to and exploitation of public sector held 
information, in particular as regards information 
resources of European interest. 
The Commission will produce, in close collaboration 
with Member States and market actors, a Green 
Paper analysing the situation in the different 
Member States, the relative position of the EU in a 
global context and the various possibilities for 
convergence of national approaches. To lay the 
foundations for this Green Paper, studies comparing 
national situations will be undertaken and exchanges 
of national experience will be encouraged. In the Member States, rules for access to public 
sector information are very different or in some cases 
do not exist at all. As the transition to the 
information society progresses, this situation could 
become a barrier to full participation by individuals 
and businesses across Europe and may become the 
cause of unevenly distributed opportunities. 
Therefore, initiatives need to be taken at the 
European level to develop policies which facilitate 
access to and exploitation of public sector held 
information, in particular as regards information 
resources of European interest. Particular attention 
will be given to the legal conditions for transferring 
public sector information to the private sector, in 
order to preserve and safeguard the public sector's 
rights on information which it collects and produces. 
The Commission will produce, in close collaboration 
with the Member States and market actors, a Green 
Paper analysing the situation in the different 
Member States, the relative position of the EU in a 
global context and the various possibilities for 
convergence of national approaches. To lay the 
foundations for this Green Paper, studies comparing 
national situations will be undertaken and exchanges 
of experience will be encouraged. In this context, the 
experience that emerges following the Commission 
Communication on universal service should be taken 
into account. 
On the basis of the Green Paper, the Commission 
will submit proposals to ensure the convergence of 
national proposals and to strengthen the rules 
governing access to public sector information. 
It should be noted that the development of the 
information systems of libraries and information 
services will promote the use of content, since these 
services themselves produce important information 
about information (secondary information) by 
recording the materials produced in a variety of 
areas. 
2.2. Linking directories of European public sector 
information 
In a number of Member States practical initiatives 
are being taken to improve access to public sector 
information. In the European information society it 
must be ensured that the relevant public sector 
information becomes more easily accessible to all 
European individuals and businesses that may have 
an interest in such information. 2.2. Linking directories of European public sector 
information 
In a number of Member States practical initiatives 
are being taken to improve access to public sector 
information. In the European information society it 
must be ensured that the relevant public sector 
information becomes more easily accessible to all 
European individuals and businesses that may have 
an interest in such information. 
The Commission will support initiatives to produce 
directories of European public sector information to 
a common format, so that they can be interlinked 
and easily accessed from any point in Europe. The Commission will support initiatives to produce 
directories of European public sector information to 
a common format, so that they can be interlinked 
and easily accessed from any point in Europe. 
/)2> 
Following a call for proposals, pilot projects for the 
production of information directories that 
incorporate the above characteristics will be 
supported. These pilot projects may address the 
transnational interconnection of existing national or 
regional information directories as well as the 
collaborative production of new directories. Pilot 
projects based on public/private partnerships and 
applying multilingual solutions will be particularly 
encouraged. Following a call for proposals, pilot projects for the 
production of information directories that 
incorporate the above characteristics will be 
supported. These pilot projects shall make it a 
priority to address the transnational interconnection 
of existing national or regional information 
directories and the collaborative production of new 
directories, depending particularly on their degree of 
economic and social usefulness. Pilot projects 
applying multilingual solutions will be particularly 
encouraged. 
2.3. Making use of content resources in the public 
sector 2.3. Making use of content resources in the public 
sector 
Europe is blessed with a rich stock of what might be 
called "information collections" under public sector 
control, for instance in museums, libraries, copyright 
and patent deposit systems, educational and training 
bodies, historical archives and architectural and 
industrial objects. These information collections 
need to be exploited if Europe is to build on these 
cultural and economic assets commercially and if 
Europe is to realise the potential of advanced 
technologies in support of public sector services. 
They are central to the Union's strength in the global 
information society and their commercial and 
strategic potential has already been underlined by a 
scries of deals transferring control over some of them 
to private companies, not all of which have been 
European. Europe is blessed with a rich stock of what might be 
called "information collections" under public sector 
control, for instance in museums, libraries, copyright 
and patent deposit systems, educational and training 
bodies, historical archives and architectural and 
industrial objects. These information collections 
need to be exploited if Europe is to build on these 
cultural and economic assets commercially and if 
Europe is to realise the potential of advanced 
technologies in support of public sector services. 
They are central to the Union's strength in the global 
information society and their commercial and 
strategic potential has already been underlined by a 
series of deals transferring control over some of them 
to private companies, not all of which have been 
European. 
Most of these information collections are still in 
analogue form but they are increasingly being 
digitised. The INFO2000 programme aims at 
mobilising these digital collections for exploitation 
by the private sector. 
To this end the Commission will support the creation 
of European inventories of digital information 
collections and stimulate their interconnection across 
the EU. This involves defining a common standard 
format for such inventories as well as integrating 
them with intellectual property rights trading 
systems. Support for the creation of inventories and 
their integration with intellectual property rights 
trading systems will be provided on the basis of calls 
for proposals. Related standards and specifications 
will be developed through studies and through task 
groups composed of the actors involved. The INFO2000 programme aims to facilitate the 
transfer of these information collections to digital 
form as well as their valorisation and exploitation. 
To this end the Commission will support the creation 
of European inventories of digital information 
collections and stimulate their interconnection across 
the EU. This involves defining a common standard 
format for such inventories as well as integrating 
them with intellectual property rights trading 
systems. Support for the creation of inventories and 
their integration with intellectual property rights 
trading systems will be provided on the basis of calls 
for proposals. Related standards and specifications 
will be developed through studies and through task 
groups composed of the actors involved. 
ACTION LINE 3: 
multimedia potential Triggering European ACTION LINE 3: 
multimedia potential Triggering European 
do 
The transition from "scribe to screen" is rapidly and 
fundamentally changing the structure of the content 
industry and the roles of the different players within 
it. Internationalisation and multimedia are key words 
in this respect. Content itself and new ways of 
creating, packaging, distributing and marketing it 
are increasingly becoming the key drivers behind 
these changes. The transition from "scribe to screen" is rapidly and 
fundamentally changing the structure of the content 
industry and the roles of the different players within 
it. Internationalisation and multimedia are key words 
in this respect. Content itself and new ways of 
creating, packaging, distributing and marketing it 
are increasingly becoming the key drivers behind 
these changes. The development of new software 
packages and new computerized resources, in 
conjunction with the Community programmes on 
information technologies, is essential if multimedia 
authors are to create attractive and user-friendly 
products in the best possible conditions of 
productivity which make full use of the true potential 
of the multimedia industry. 
Coping with these changes and exploiting the 
opportunities that emerge is primarily the 
responsibility of the industries concerned. However, 
apart from a limited number of large corporations 
that operate on a global scale, the present day 
content sector in Europe is mainly made up of small 
and medium size companies. These have difficulty in 
dealing with a rapidly developing international 
multimedia market and the speed with which the 
changes take place. In addition the initial cost of 
producing high quality multimedia titles is high and 
the European market fragmented through cultural 
and linguistic barriers. The critical mass needed to 
recoup initial investments is therefore much more 
difficult to reach. The rich cultural and linguistic diversity of Europe 
can be used as a means of strengthening European 
competitiveness. 
Coping with these changes and exploiting the 
opportunities that emerge is primarily the 
responsibility of the industries concerned, the 
present-day content sector is made up not only of 
large corporations that operate on aglobal scale and 
are expected to play a determining role in the 
development of the multimedia industry but also of a 
large number of small and medium-sized companies 
which are often inventive and dynamic but often 
have limited financial resources for the high initial 
investment needed to produce and distribute high-
quality multimedia titles. 
Hence the purpose of INFO2000 is to establish the 
conditions to achieve real synergy in industrial terms 
between the large multimedia corporations and small 
businesses. This industrial policy must also seek to 
meet the specific needs of a culturally and 
linguistically fragmented European multimedia 
market. 
This puts European multimedia publishers, 
traditionally used to operating in a national or 
regional setting, at a disadvantage compared with 
their competitors from other parts of the world. 
Exploitation of the single market potential will 
become vital for global competitiveness. 
This action line aims at mitigating these comparative 
disadvantages for European producers in the 
emerging multimedia market by: This puts European multimedia publishers, 
traditionally used to operating in a national or 
regional setting, at a disadvantage compared with 
their competitors from other parts of the world. 
Exploitation of the single market potential will 
become vital for global competitiveness. 
This action line aims at creating the best possible 
environment to favour the development of the 
multimedia industry in Europe and mitigate the 
comparative disadvantages of the European market 
by: 
• catalysing high quality European multimedia 
content, 
• favouring a practical approach to trading 
multimedia rights 
• developing and exchanging best business practice stimulating the production of European 
multimedia products, incorporating the specific 
characteristics of language and culture, 
• favouring a practical approach to trading 
multimedia rights 
• developing and exchanging best business practice 
Zs\ 
3.1 Catalysing high quality European multimedia 
content 
The production of high quality European multimedia 
content will be stimulated in three strategic areas: 
economic exploitation of Europe's cultural heritage, 
business services for SMEs, and geographic 
information. Under the IMPACT programme pilot 
actions in these areas have illustrated the problems 
connected with a pan-European approach and have 
laid the foundations for further actions under 
INFO2000. 3.1 Stimulating the production of European 
multimedia products, incorporating the specif c 
characteristics of language and culture 
The production of high quality European multimedia 
content will be stimulated in three strategic areas : 
economic exploitation of Europe's cultural heritage, 
business services for SMEs, and geographic 
information. Pilot actions under the Impact 
programme have revealed the importance of a co­
ordinated approach to implementing these objectives 
in a pan-European context. 
Multilingual interactive multimedia products can 
build on the wealth of available European content, 
while overcoming language barriers and other 
limitations of national and regional markets. Apart 
from the economic benefits, strong European 
business activity in this area is likely to contribute to 
the safeguarding of cultural identity and linguistic 
diversity. It will also increase the public's 
understanding of European cultural diversity across 
the Member States and regions. 
In the areas indicated above - European cultural 
heritage, business services for SMEs and geographic 
information - calls for proposals will be launched to 
provide support to the initial and pre-commcrcial 
phases of pan-European multimedia content 
developments. The support given should help the 
companies concerned overcome the specific barriers 
with respect to multilingual and multicultural (re)use 
of content and to trans-national co-operation. These 
initial phases would include product definition, 
partner identification, cross-licensing negotiation, 
planning of co-operative distribution etc. up to and 
including the production of a prototype. 
Support will be given to projects that demonstrate 
the feasibility of a trans-European multilingual and 
multicultural approach, contain a risk element, exert 
a strong catalytic effect on the market and imply 
substantial user involvement. Special add-on 
incentives can be provided to encourage participation 
by small and medium sized companies and 
organisations from less favoured and peripheral 
regions. 
The calls for proposals will be co-ordinated closely 
with the Community programmes RAPHAËL and 
the Integrated Programme in favour of SMEs and the 
craft sector, as well as with the sectoral policy 
actions in the areas of Trade, Tourism and Social 
Economics. Multilingual interactive multimedia products can 
build on the wealth of available European content, 
while overcoming language barriers and other 
limitations of national and regional markets. Apart 
from the economic benefits, strong European 
business activity in this area is likely to contribute to 
the safeguarding of cultural identity and linguistic 
diversity. It will also increase the public's 
understanding of European cultural diversity across 
the Member States and regions. 
In the areas indicated above - European cultural 
heritage, business services for SMEs and geographic 
information - calls for proposals will be launched to 
provide support to the initial and pre-commercial 
phases of pan-European multimedia content 
developments. The support given should help the 
companies concerned overcome the specific barriers 
with respect to multilingual and multicultural (re)usc 
of content and to trans-national co-operation. These 
initial phases would include product definition, 
partner identification, cross-licensing negotiation, 
planning of co-operative distribution etc. up to and 
including the production of a prototype. 
The Info 2000 programme will promote the 
development of multimedia products that are easily 
adaptable from one Member State to the other, in 
both linguistic and cultural terms. Support will be 
given to projects that demonstrate the feasibility of a 
trans-European multilingual and multicultural 
approach, contain a risk element, exert a strong 
catalytic effect on the market and imply substantial 
user involvement. Special add-on incentives can be 
provided to encourage participation by small and 
medium sized companies and organisations from less 
favoured and peripheral regions. 
The calls for proposals will be co-ordinated closely 
with the Community programmes RAPHAËL and 
the Integrated Programme in favour of SMEs and the 
craft sector, as well as with the sectoral policy 
actions in the areas of Trade, Tourism and Social 
Economics. 
3.2. Trading multimedia intellectual property rights 3.2. Trading multimedia intellectual property rights 
LI 
Historically, the management of rights is organised 
by sector (text, sound, image, video etc.) and by 
country. With the dawning of the multimedia age 
this situation is increasingly becoming a barrier to 
the development of multimedia content markets, as 
the time and effort that has to be spent on identifying 
and acquiring the different rights increases steeply 
with the number of data types involved and the 
number of countries where right holders are located. 
Small companies and new media start-ups suffer 
most from the present system as they may wish to re­
use existing material. 
The development of pan-European multimedia 
content often requires input from various Member 
States. Effective and efficient mechanisms for 
trading multimedia rights at the European level are 
therefore essential for the development of the 
European multimedia content industry. 
A call for proposals will be launched inviting 
proposals for pilot projects that lay the foundations 
for cross-border trading of multimedia rights 
electronically. In addition, studies will be launched 
to determine how different intellectual property 
rights trading systems for multimedia in Europe can 
work together. As an aid to small and medium sized 
companies practical tools will be developed on best 
practices to acquire, exploit and protect multimedia 
rights. The actions will build on the relevant 
research and technological development activities 
under the Fourth Framework Programme. Historically, the management of rights is organised 
by sector (text, sound, image, video etc.) and by 
country. With the dawning of the multimedia age 
this situation is increasingly becoming a barrier to 
the development of multimedia content markets, as 
the time and effort that has to be spent on identifying 
and acquiring the different rights increases steeply 
with the number of data types involved and the 
number of countries where right holders are located. 
Small companies and new media start-ups suffer 
most from the present system as they may wish to re­
use existing material. 
The development of pan-European multimedia 
content often requires input from various Member 
States. Effective and efficient mechanisms for 
trading multimedia rights at the European level are 
therefore essential for the development of the 
European multimedia content industry. 
A call for proposals will be launched inviting 
proposals for pilot projects that lay the foundations 
for cross-border trading of multimedia rights 
electronically. In addition, studies will be launched 
to determine how different intellectual property 
rights trading systems for multimedia in Europe can 
work together. As an aid to small and medium sized 
companies practical tools will be developed on best 
practices to acquire, exploit and protect multimedia 
rights. The actions will build on the relevant 
research and technological development activities 
under the Fourth Framework Programme. 
Although the difficulty of reaching consensus should 
not be underestimated, in the longer term, 
harmonisation and rationalisation of legal 
requirements may be necessary. 
3.3. Developing and exchanging best practice 
Actions will be supported that aim at developing and 
exchanging best business practice in the multimedia 
content industry at the European level. Such actions 
will include descriptions of business processes and 
models relevant to the content industry, such as 
procedures for intellectual property acquisition and 
content asset valuation and management, and 
exchange of experiences with multimedia consumer 
panels to test and evaluate multimedia products and 
services. 
These activities will be implemented by means of a 
combination of studies, workshops, seminars and 
publications. The relevant organisations in the 
European content industry will be closely involved. 
4. Support actions Although the difficulty of reaching consensus should 
not be underestimated, in the longer term, 
harmonisation and rationalisation of legal 
requirements may be necessary. 
3.3. Developing and exchanging best practice 
Actions will be supported that aim at developing and 
exchanging best business practice in the multimedia 
content industry at the European level. In particular, 
the development of multimedia services which could 
support the operations of SMEs should be promoted. 
Such actions will include descriptions of business 
processes and models relevant to the content 
industry, such as procedures for intellectual property 
acquisition and content asset valuation and 
management, and exchange of experiences with 
multimedia consumer panels to test and evaluate 
multimedia products and services. 
These activities will be implemented by means of a 
combination of studies, workshops, seminars and 
publications. The relevant organisations in the 
European content industry will be closely involved. 
4. Support actions 
Z 3 
The programme support actions aim at amplifying 
the effects of the core actions of the programme by 
addressing a number of horizontal issues relevant for 
the programme as a whole. The programme support actions aim to underpin the 
core goals of the programme and to reinforce the 
effects of its principal measures. These measures 
take account of the importance of developing a 
legislative context that encourages harmonization 
and standardization. 
4.1. Observing and analysing the multimedia 
content market 4.1. Observing and analysing the multimedia 
content market 
At regular intervals senior experts from the content 
industry, from user communities and from Member 
States will be convened to monitor, analyse and 
discuss the impact of multimedia on the content 
industry and on the different actors in the 
information value chain. When organising these 
meetings modern multimedia information and 
communication facilities will be used where possible. 
The composition of the meetings will reflect the 
various segments of content creation, distribution 
and use within the European Union, as well as the 
many regulatory aspects (e.g. personal data 
protection) affecting the content dimension. They 
will thus serve as a focus for discussion, exchange of 
experience and co-operation between the various 
sectors of the content industry, between European 
and national policy makers, and between the supply 
and user sides of the content market. At regular intervals senior experts from the content 
industry, from user communities and from Member 
States will be convened to monitor, analyse and 
discuss the impact of multimedia on the content 
industry and on the different actors in the 
information value chain. When organising these 
meetings modern multimedia information and 
communication facilities will be used where possible. 
The composition of the meetings will reflect the 
various segments of content creation, distribution 
and use within the European Union, as well as the 
many regulatory aspects (e.g. personal data 
protection) affecting the content dimension. They 
will thus serve as a focus for discussion, exchange of 
experience and co-operation between the various 
sectors of the content industry, between European 
and national policy makers, and between the supply 
and user sides of the content market. 
The meetings will focus on: 
• long-term scenarios, updated whenever justified by 
major international developments in markets, 
technologies, industries and policies 
• key issues of common interest to market actors 
from different sectors and from different Member 
States, such as legal aspects and quality assurance 
• obstacles to market development and 
recommendations to the industries, administrations 
and users to overcome them 
• the execution of INFO2000, making 
recommendations on orientations and priorities. 
Studies will be carried out to monitor changes in the 
European and global content markets and provide in-
depth analysis of key issues. 
4. 2. Spreading the use of multimedia content 
standards The meetings will focus on: 
• long-term scenarios, updated whenever justified by 
major international developments in markets, 
technologies, industries and policies 
• key issues of common interest to market actors 
from different sectors and from different Member 
States, such as legal aspects and quality assurance 
• obstacles to market development and 
recommendations to the industries, administrations 
and users to overcome them 
• the execution of INFO2000, making 
recommendations on orientations and priorities. 
Studies will be carried out to monitor changes in the 
European and global content markets and provide in-
depth analysis of key issues. 
4. 2. Spreading the use of multimedia content 
standards 
Standards for the structuring and presentation of 
information, and standards for content encoding, 
including terminology, are essential in order to 
facilitate the exchange of documents and 
publications, and to enable the exploitation, access, 
maintenance and re-use of content. Harmonization of standards is particularly relevant 
to the provision of advanced information services to 
European end-users. Standards for the structuring 
and presentation of information, and standards for 
content encoding, including terminology, are 
essential in order to facilitate the exchange of 
documents and publications, and to enable the 
exploitation, access, maintenance and re-use of 
content. 
z If 
The work started in this domain under the IMPACT 
programme will be continued and extended. Actions 
will be supported that raise awareness of and 
stimulate the use of existing content standards 
through workshops and electronic fora and by 
publishing reports on paper and electronically. 
4.3. Encouraging skills development at European 
level The work started in this domain under the IMPACT 
programme will be continued and extended. Actions 
will be supported that raise awareness of and 
stimulate the use of existing content standards 
through workshops and electronic fora and by 
publishing reports on paper and electronically. 
4.3. Encouraging skills development at European 
level 
In order to stimulate skills development, the relevant 
European associations will be encouraged to develop 
and implement measures to equip the European 
content providers with the necessary skills to enter 
the age of multimedia and interactivity. Actions to be 
supported will normally be based on a three-staged 
approach: In order to stimulate skills development, the relevant 
European associations will be encouraged to develop 
and implement measures to equip the European 
content providers with the necessary skills to enter 
the age of multimedia and inter-activity. In 
education too, greater attention must be devoted to 
the European cultural and linguistic heritage, so that 
at a later stage more use can be made of products 
and services provided by the content industry. In 
European technological education greater attention 
must be devoted to multi-media aspects. Actions to 
be supported will normally be based on a three-
staged approach: 
• identification of the most urgent training needs 
• development of pilot courses to test the 
effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed actions 
• launching of the activities in the relevant parts of 
the content industry and in the educational and 
training systems. • identification of the most urgent training needs 
• development of pilot courses to test the 
effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed actions 
• launching of the activities in the relevant parts of 
the content industry and in the educational and 
training systems. 
The first two steps could be supported under 
INFO2000. The third step would fall within the 
remit of programmes like SOCRATES and 
LEONARDO, thus achieving important multiplier 
effects. The first two steps could be supported under 
INFO2000. The third step would fall within the 
remit of programmes like SOCRATES and 
LEONARDO, thus achieving important multiplier 
effects. 
The content industry will be extensively consulted in 
order to identify urgent needs and key areas. 
Representatives of universities and vocational 
training establishments will be closely associated 
with these initiatives. The role of the Community 
will mainly consist of stimulating, co-ordinating and 
enabling this process. The content industry will be extensively consulted in 
order to identify urgent needs and key areas. 
Representatives of universities and vocational 
training establishments will be closely associated 
with these initiatives. The role of the Community 
will mainly consist of stimulating, co-ordinating and 
enabling this process. 
cs 
ANNEX H ANNEX II 
INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF 
EXPENDITURE INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF 
EXPENDITURE 
1. Stimulating demand and raising awareness 30-
40% 1. Stimulating demand and raising awareness 20-
30% 
2. Exploiting Europe's public sector information 18-
23% 2. Making good use by the multimedia industry of 
information held by the public sector 18-23% 
3. Triggering European multimedia potential 33-
45% 3. Triggering European multimedia potential 43-
55% 
4. Support actions 7-12% 4. Support actions 7-12% 
Total 100% Total 100% 
This breakdown docs not exclude the fact that a 
project could relate to several activities. This breakdown does not exclude the fact that a 
project could relate to several activities. 
U 
ANNEX m ANNEX III 
THE MEANS FOR IMPLEMENTING 
INFO2000 THE MEANS FOR IMPLEMENTING 
INFO2000 
1. The Commission will implement the programme 
in accordance with the technical content specified in 
Annex I. 1. The Commission will implement the programme 
in accordance with the technical content specified in 
Annex I. 
2. The programme will be executed through indirect 
action and wherever possible on a shared-cost basis. 
The Community's financial contribution for shared-
cost projects shall normally not exceed 50% of the 
cost of the project, with progressively lower 
participation the nearer the project is to the market 
place. Special add-on incentives can be provided to 
encourage participation by SMEs and less favoured 
regions. 
3. The selection of shared-cost projects will normally 
be based on the usual procedure of calls for proposals 
published in the Official Journal of the European 
Communities. The content of the calls for proposals 
will be defined in close consultation with the 
relevant experts and according to the procedure 
referred to in Article 5 of the Decision. The main 
criterion for supporting projects through calls for 
proposals will be their potential contribution to 
achieving the objectives of the programme. 
Implementation procedures will accommodate the 
interests of all kinds of market operators and 
facilitate their participation in the programme. 
4. The Commission may also implement a more 
flexible funding scheme than the call for proposals 
in order to provide incentives for the creation of 
partnerships, in particular involving SMEs and 
organisations in less favoured regions, or for other 
exploratory activities in different segments of the 
multimedia content market. This scheme might be 
operated on a permanent basis. 
5. The Commission will make provision for 
considering in exceptional cases unsolicited project 
proposals which involve a particularly promising 
and significant multimedia market development, a 
highly innovative approach or an exceptional 
technology or methodology, and which cannot be 
submitted within the normal call for proposals 
procedure. The objective of avoiding market 
distortion will be maintained. 2. The programme will be executed through indirect 
action and wherever possible on a shared-cost basis. 
The Community's financial contribution for shared-
cost projects shall normally not exceed 50% of the 
cost of the project, with progressively lower 
participation the nearer the project is to the market 
place. Special add-on incentives can be provided to 
encourage participation by SMEs and less favoured 
regions. 
3. The selection of shared-cost projects will normally 
be based on the usual procedure of calls for proposals 
published in the Official Journal of the European 
Communities. The content of the calls for proposals 
will be defined in close consultation with the 
relevant experts and according to the procedure 
referred to in Article 5 of the Decision. The main 
criterion for supporting projects through calls for 
proposals will be their potential contribution to 
achieving the objectives of the programme. 
Implementation procedures will accommodate the 
interests of all kinds of market operators and 
facilitate their participation in the programme. 
4. The Commission may also implement a more 
flexible funding scheme than the call for proposals 
in order to provide incentives for the creation of 
partnerships, in particular involving SMEs and 
organisations in less favoured regions, or for other 
exploratory activities in different segments of the 
multimedia content market. This scheme might be 
operated on a permanent basis. 
5. The Commission will make provision for 
considering in exceptional cases unsolicited project 
proposals which involve a particularly promising 
and significant multimedia market development, a 
highly innovative approach or an exceptional 
technology or methodology, and which cannot be 
submitted within the normal call for proposals 
procedure. The objective of avoiding market 
distortion will be maintained. 
6. The detailed arrangements for the procedures 
referred to under points 4 and 5 will be implemented 
through the consultative committee procedure (type 
I) and in accordance with the Commission's 
financial regulations. They will be published in the 
Official Journal of the European Communities. 6. The detailed arrangements for the procedures 
referred to under points 4 and 5 will be implemented 
through the consultative committee procedure (tjpe 
I) and in accordance with the Commission's 
financial regulations. They will be published in the 
Official Journal of the European Communities. 
£~r 
7. Projects fully financed by the Commission within 
the framework of study and services contracts will be 
implemented through calls for tenders in accordance 
with the Commission's Financial Regulations. 
Transparency will be achieved by publishing the 
work programme and circulating it to trade 
associations and other interested bodies. 7. Projects fully financed by the Commission within 
the framework of study and services contracts will be 
implemented through calls for tenders in accordance 
with the current financial provisions. Transparency 
will be achieved by publishing the work programme 
and circulating it to trade associations and other 
interested bodies. 
8. For the implementation of the programme the 
Commission will also undertake preparatory, 
accompanying and support activities designed to 
achieve the general objectives of the programme and 
the specific aims of each action line. This includes 
activities such as: studies and consultancy in support 
of this programme; preliminary actions in 
preparation of future activities; measures aimed at 
facilitating participation in the programme as well as 
facilitating access to the results produced under the 
programme; publications and activities for the 
dissemination, promotion and exploitation of results; 
analysis of possible socio-economic consequences 
associated with the programme; and support 
activities such as observation and analysis of the 
multimedia content market, spreading the use of 
multimedia content standards, and encouraging 
skills development at European level. 8. For the implementation of the programme the 
Commission will also undertake preparatory, 
accompanying and support activities designed to 
achieve the general objectives of the programme and 
the specific aims of each action line. This includes 
activities such as: studies and consultancy in support 
of this programme; preliminary actions in 
preparation of future activities; measures aimed at 
facilitating participation in the programme as well as 
facilitating access to the results produced under the 
programme; publications and activities for the 
dissemination, promotion and exploitation of results; 
analysis of possible socio-economic consequences 
associated with the programme; and support 
activities such as observation and analysis of the 
multimedia content market, spreading the use of 
multimedia content standards, and encouraging 
skills development at European level. 
9. Participation in this programme by international 
organisations may be financed, in exceptional cases, 
on the same basis as that of legal entities established 
in the Community. 9. Participation in this programme by international 
organisations may be financed, in exceptional cases, 
on the same basis as that of legal entities established 
in the Community. 
10.A11 projects receiving financial support under the 
INFO2000 programme will be required to display an 
acknowledgement of the funding received. 
2<g 
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(96) 188 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 15 10 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-96-196-EN-C 
ISBN92-78-03164-X 
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 
L-2985 Luxembourg 
Z9