EN    EN EN 
 
EN    EN  COMMISSION OF THE E UROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 4.8.2009 
SEC(2009) 1060 final 
  
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT 
 
Accompanying document to 
 
COMMUNICATION FROM THE CO MMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMI TTEE OF THE REGIONS 
 
Europe's Digital Competitiveness Report 
Main achievements of the i2010 strategy 2005-2009 
 
i2010 - List of actions  
 
{COM(2009) 390 final} 
{SEC(2009) 1103} 
{SEC(2009) 1104} 
 
ELECTRONIC VERSION ONLY  
 
EN 2   EN i2010 — List of actions  
June 2005 to May 20091 
0 — horizontal i2010 actions 
 
Action and delivery date Overview 
Communication ‘i2010 — A European Information 
Society for growth and employment’, COM(2005) 
229, 01.06.2005 The Communication sets a framework for addressing the main ch allenges and developments in the information society and 
media sectors up to 2010. The i2010 initiative promotes an open and competitive digital economy and emphasises ICTs as a 
driver of inclusion and quality of life. i2010 rests on three pillars: 
(1) Creating the single European Information Space, which pr omotes an open and compe titive internal market for 
information society and media services; 
(2) Increasing investment in innovation and research in ICTs; and 
(3) Fostering inclusion, better public services an d quality of life through the use of ICTs. 
i2010 High Level Conference, London, 06.09.2005 The i2010 conference, hosted by the UK Presidency, provided a key opportunity f or governments and business from across 
the EU to contribute to the definition of the i2010 strategy for the EU up to 2010.  
Establishment of the i2010 High Level Group, 
Commission Decision (2006/215/EC), 15.03.2006 The High Level Group of Member State representatives advises the Commission on the implementation, review and 
development of the i2010 strategy.  
New benchmarking framework for i2010, 20.04.2006 Benchmarking is central to monitoring progress in achieving the i2010 prioriti es. Results are reviewed in the i2010 Annual 
Reports. The indicators are closely aligned with the Lisbon integrated guidelines relevant to ICTs. 
Communication ‘i2010 — First Annual Report on the European Information Society’, COM(2006) 215, 
19.05.2006 The Annual Report took stock of the achievements of the first year of implementation of the i2010 initiative and updated the 
i2010 actions for the period 2006-2007. The associated Commission staff working paper reviewed the i2010 key actions 
against the background of ICT developments in the EU. 
                                                 
1 This is a list of the actions launched, containing all items  officially adopted before ad option of this Annual Report. 
 
EN 3   EN i2010 High Level Conference, Helsinki, 27-
28.09.2006 The 2006 high-level conference on i2010, ‘i2010 — Towards a Ubiquitous European Information Society’, was hosted by 
the Finnish Presidency. It examined the opportunities and challenges associated with a ‘ubiquitous’ information society, in 
which people’s ways of life and work will be based on having ICT services available everywhere, at all times. 
Fostering the competitiveness of Europe’s ICT 
industry — EU ICT Task Force Report, 27.11.2006 The ICT Task Force recommends a focus on interoperability, developing digital and entrepreneurial skills, strengthening the 
internal market, reducing patent costs particularly for translations by application of the London Protocol, and promotion of 
lead markets through public procurement. The task force brought together experts from industry and civil society to identify 
major obstacles to the competitiveness of the ICT sector.  
‘The Challenges of Convergence’ working paper of the i2010 High Level Group, 12.12.2006 The working paper, prepared together with the Member States in the i2010 High Level Group, highlights various 
technological, market and policy challenges posed by digital convergence. The paper concludes that the overall legal and 
regulatory framework is favourable for the further development of convergence, but there might be a need to look at 
emerging bottlenecks and new business models that change t oday’s ways of delivering services and content to users. 
Communication ‘i2010 — Annual Information 
Society Report 2007’, COM(2007) 146, 30.03.2007 The second Annual Report, published on 30 March 2007, reviews the Commission’s and Member States’ progress in 
implementing the i2010 agenda so far. It also updates the set of actions planned for 2007-2008. Finally, the report sets out 
the key policy issues for the future to be debated during the mid-term review of the i2010 strategy. 
‘User and consumer perspective in the context of convergence’ working paper of the i2010 High Level 
Group, 20.04.2007 The issue paper identifies the gaps in the protection of user s in the digital environment and reviews options for policy 
response. 
‘Content and Convergence’ working paper of the i2010 Level Group, 20.04.2007  The issue paper outlines the main economic and cultural challenges  arising from digital convergence and points to ways of 
addressing them that bring benefit in term of European  competitiveness, cultural dive rsity and users’ interests. 
Communication 'Preparing Europe’s digital future. 
i2010 Mid-Term Review' (i2010 Annual Information 
Society Report 2008), COM(2008) 199, 17.04.2008 Two years after the launch of i2010, the Commission reflected on whether its general approach remained valid and best 
suited to today's policy priorities for growth and jobs. The re port shows that the i2010 strategy, which triggered new EU 
initiatives on regulation, research and public-private partnerships , is delivering results. More than half of Europeans are now  
regular Internet users, 80% of them have broadband connections and 60% of public services in the EU are fully available online.  
The strategy, has led to a firm commitment to promoting ICT at EU and national levels. In parallel, the EU institutions have 
encouraged the building of a single market for online services and increased research  funding. A single market for telecoms, 
promoting cross-border communication services, is, however, s till in the making. The mid-term review also identified new 
themes to consider for a longer term agenda  for the EU – the digital single market, the role of the users, the need to continue  
investing in ICT R&D and innovation and the future of networks and the internet..  
 
EN 4   EN Information Society at the Crossroads (i2010 high 
level conference), Brdo, Slovenia, 13-14 May 2008 The conference, organised by the Slovenian Pr esidency, addressed the main topics rais ed by the mid-term review of i2010, 
including the themes identified for future reflection. 
Building on i2010: Which services and networks for 
tomorrow? Paris, 9 September 2008 This French Presidency conference reflect ed on what needs to be done to promote and speed up the development of 
infrastructures and serv ices of the future.  
Communication 'Internet governance: the next steps', 
COM(2009) 277, 18.06.2009 The Communication analyses progress on Inte rnet governance and the changing role of governments in the process. It calls 
for more transparency and multilateral accountability in the gove rnance of the internet and pr oposes an approach for the 
future. 
1 — A Single European Information Space 
 
 
1.1 — Delivering services anywhere, anyt ime over high-speed seamless networks 
 
 
Action 1: Review of the regulatory framework for electronic communications 
 
Communication on market reviews under the EU 
Regulatory Framework, COM(2006) 28, 06.02.2006 The report reviews the state of the elect ronic communications markets in 2005.  
 
Communication ‘European Electronic 
Communications Regulation and Markets 2005 (11th 
Report)’ COM(2006) 68, 20.02.2006 The Commission publishes regular reports on the Member States’ implementation of the EU framework for electronic 
communications. The 11th report looks at market developments in 2005, mainly in broadband, mobile and fixed services, the 
regulatory environment and the consumer interest.  
Communication on the outcome of the review of the scope of universal service, COM(2006) 163, The Commission reviewed the scope of universal service in the Universal Service Directive and concluded that it would not 
extend the scope of universal service to mobile telephony and broadband. However, this theme continued to be discussed in 
 
EN 5   EN 07.04.2006 the context of the general regulatory review of electronic communications in 2006.  
Communication on the review of the EU Regulatory 
Framework for electronic communications networks and services, COM(2006) 334, 29.06.2006 Based on an analysis of the functioning of the regulatory framework and its impact, the Communication indicated possible 
changes and launched a public consultation on the proposals. At the same time, comments were invited on the draft second edition of the Commission Recommendation on Relevant Product and Service Markets. The two main proposals are to 
implement the Commission’s policy approach to spectrum management and to reduce the burden of reviews of relevant 
markets by streamlining the procedures. Other changes proposed would strengthen the internal market, reinforce consumer interests, improve security and generally update the framework. 
Proposal for a Regulation on roaming on public 
mobile networks within the Community, COM(2006) 
382, 12.07.2006 The proposed Regulation does not fix an ideal price for roaming charges but applies a method that ensures, through price 
ceilings, that mobile roaming charges are not unjustifiably higher than those for domestic mobile phone use. The proposed 
regulation also enhances  price transparency.  
Communication ‘European Electronic 
Communications Regulation and Markets 2006 (12th 
Report)’ COM(2007) 155, 29.03.2007 The Commission report took a snapshot of Europe's telecom ma rkets in 2006, worth almost €290 billion in revenues, just 
prior to the reform of the EU telecom rules. It included indivi dual chapters covering the situation in each EU Member State. 
Communication on market reviews under the EU 
Regulatory Framework (2nd report), COM(2007) 401, 11.07.2007 Although the EU’s telecoms regulatory framework has led to sign ificant benefits for citizens and enterprises alike, important 
challenges remain for national and Europ ean regulators, says the Commission report. It presents the results of 600 draft 
regulatory decisions sent to the Commission by National Regulator y Authorities. In a number of cases, the report found that 
the solutions imposed by national regulators to remedy a lack of competition varied considerably, leading to the risk of 
fragmenting the internal telecoms market to the detriment of consumers and pan-European operators. 
Communication on Strengthening the Internal Market for Mobile TV. COM(2007) 409, 18.07.2007 The Commission has adopted a strategy favouring the take-up of mobile TV across the 27 EU Member States. The 
Commission urges Member States and industry to facilitate an d accelerate the deployment of mobile TV across Europe and 
to encourage the use of DVB-H as the single European standard for mobile TV. 
Proposals for a reform of the EU regulatory 
framework for electronic communications, 
13.11.2007: 
 Proposal for a Directive amending Directives 
2002/21/EC on a common regulatory framework for 
electronic communications networks and services, 2002/19/EC on access to, and interconnection of, 
electronic communications networks and services, and 
2002/20/EC on the authorisation of electronic The ‘Telecoms Reform Package’, which was presented by the Commission on 13 November 2007, will change the EU 
telecoms rules adopted in 2002. It is expected to become law by the end of 2009 and includes the following main features: 
- New consumer rights such as the right to switch telecoms ope rators within 1 day; the right to transparent and comparable 
price information; the possibility to call freephone numbers from abroad; and a more effective single European emergency number 112.  
- More consumer choice through more competition, especially by giving national telecoms regulators the new remedy of 
functional separation for dominant telecom operators.  
 
EN 6   EN communications networks and services, COM(2007) 
697; 
Proposal for a Directive amending Directive 
2002/22/EC on universal service and users’ rights 
relating to electronic communications networks, 
Directive 2002/58/EC concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the 
electronic communications sector and Regulation 
(EC) No 2006/2004 on consumer protection cooperation, COM(2007) 698; 
Proposal for a Regulation establishing the European 
Electronic Communications Market Authority, 
COM(2007) 699; 
Communication — Reaping the full benefits of the 
digital dividend in Europe: A common approach to the 
use of the spectrum released by the digital switchover, 
COM(2007) 700;  
Commission recommendation on relevant product and 
service markets, C(2007) 5406 rev 1;  
Report on the outcome of the Review of the regulatory 
framework and summary of the 2007 reform 
proposals, COM(2007) 696 
  - More security in using communication networks, especially through new instruments to fight spam, viruses and other cyber 
attacks.  
- A ‘New Deal’ for radio spectrum — the lifeblood of all wireless communication services — to spur investment in new 
infrastructures and to ensure ‘broadband access for everyone’. In rural areas of the EU, only 72% of the population on 
average have broadband access. The Commission wants to overcom e this ‘digital divide’ by better managing radio spectrum 
and by making spectrum available for wireless broadband services in regions where building a new fibre infrastructure is too costly. The switchover from analogue to digital TV will free a substantial amount of radio sp ectrum (the ‘digital dividend’) 
that can be used for this purpose.  
- Better regulation in telecoms by deregulating those markets where EU-driven market-opening has already led to 
competition; this will allow the Commission and national regulator s to focus on the main bottlenecks, such as the broadband 
market.  
- More independent watchdogs to guarantee fair regulation in the interest of consumers. Too often, telecoms regulators are 
still close to the dominant operator, which continues to be partly owned by the national government in many countries. The 
EU Telecoms Reform is designed to strengthen the indepe ndence of national telecoms watchdogs from operators and 
governments alike. 
To quickly and effectively implement the reform, the Commission proposes estab lishing a European Telecom Market 
Authority that will help ensure that important communication se rvices (such as Internet broadband access, data roaming, 
mobile phone usage on planes and ships and cross-border business services) are regulated more consistently across the 27 
EU Member States. The European Telecom Market Authority will more effectively combine the functions of the current 
European Regulators Group (ERG) and the current European Network and Info rmation Security Agency (ENISA). 
To become law, the Commission proposals need to be approved by the European Parliament and the EU Council of 
Ministers. 
Communication ‘Progress report on the single European electronic communications market 2007 
(13
th Report)’ COM(2008) 153, 19.03.2008 The progress report presented a snapshot of Europe’s Single Telecoms Market as  of December 2007, based on facts and 
figures from national telecoms regulators and market players. 
Communication 'Advancing the Internet - Action Plan 
for the deployment of Internet Protocol version 6 
(IPv6) in Europe', COM(2008) 313, 27.05.2008 Increasing demand for Internet-based servi ces means that there would not be enou gh addresses to support this expected 
growth, if no action is taken. Encouraging internet users and providers to adopt the latest Internet Protocol (IP version 6 or 
IPv6) will provide a massive increase in address space, much in  the same way as telephone numbers were lengthened in the 
20th century. In this Communication, the Commission sets Europe a target of getting 25% of EU industry, public authorities 
 
EN 7   EN and households to use IPv6 by 2010. 
Proposal for a Regulation amending Regulation (EC) 
No 717/2007 on roaming on public mobile telephone 
networks and Directive 2002/21/EC on a common 
regulatory framework for electronic communications, 
COM(2008) 580, 23.09.2008 
Communication on Roaming Regulation COM(2008) 
579, 23.09.2008 Mobile phone users can expect the cost of sending text me ssages from abroad in the EU  to be much cheaper: the 
Commission proposed to reduce the price of roaming text messages by 60% as of 1 July 2009. EU citizens travelling in other 
EU countries should pay no more than €0.11 per SMS compared  to the current EU  average of €0.29. The Commission also 
wants to improve transparency for surfing the web and downloading data on a mobile phone while abroad: consumers used to cheaper data services at home should be better protected against roaming "bill shocks" that can run to thousands of euro. 
The proposals have been submitted to the European Parliament and Council, who must agree before they become law.  
The EU already reduced charges for ma king and receiving calls abroad (voi ce roaming) by 60% in summer 2007. 
Communication on the second periodic review of the 
scope of universal service in electronic 
communications networks and services, COM(2008) 
572, 25.09.2008 The concept of universal service in telecoms is about a safe ty net guaranteeing a minimum level of services, such as 
connection to a phone network and basic Inte rnet access, that would fill the basic needs that the market fails to address. The 
Commission report shows that competitive markets for broadb and Internet are providing EU citizens widespread and 
affordable access; however, further efforts are needed to ensu re broadband for all. The report asks whether a new universal 
service obligation should be considered. 
Communication on future networks and the internet, 
COM(2008) 594, 29.09.2008 The Communication proposes a coherent policy for preparing Europe 's information society for th e next decade of internet. A 
public consultation has subsequently been carried out on best responses to the opportunities. The report also introduced a 
new Broadband Performance Index (BPI) that compares national performance on key measures such as broadband speed, price, competition and coverage.  
Recommendation on notifications, time limits and 
consultations provided for in Article 7 of Directive 
2002/21/EC on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services, 
C(2008) 5925, 15.10.2008 The Recommendation reduces administrative demands on national telecoms regulators when submitting draft regulatory 
measures to the Commission under the so-called 'Article 7 procedure' . Since 2003, the Commission has reviewed more than 
800 national regulators' decisions to br eak traditional telecoms monopolies and ope n up networks for competitors. The new 
Recommendation allows national regulators to use a simplifie d form to notify the Commission of certain decisions.  
Communication on the legal framework for mobile 
TV networks and services: best practice for 
authorisation – the EU model, COM(2008) 845, 
10.12.2009 Consumers are becoming increasingly interested in using mobile TV. However, before a commercial operator can launch 
such a service, they need an authorisa tion from the Member State. The new guide lines identify the main principles which 
regulators and governments in the EU should follow when authorising operators to provide Mobile TV services. The 
guidelines aim to accelerate the roll-out of these services across Europe.  
Communication 'Investing today for tomorrow's 
Europe', COM(2009) 36, 28.01.2009 The Commission aims to achieve 100 % high -speed internet coverage for all citizens by 2010 as part of the European 
Economic Recovery Plan. In January 2009 the Commission proposed to earmark € 1 billion to help rural areas get online, 
bring new jobs and help businesses grow. The funds, to come  from unspent EU budget, were proposed to be targetted 
through the existing EU's Rural Development Fund to cover the "white spots" on Europe's broadband map (30% of the 
 
EN 8   EN Proposal for a Council Regulation amending 
Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 on support for rural 
development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), COM(2009) 38 - 
2009/0011 (CNS), 28.01.2009 population in rural areas who do not have broadband access). 
Communication 'Better access for rural areas to 
modern ICT', COM(2009) 103, 03.03.2009 Connecting the 30% of the EU's rural population that has no hi gh speed internet access should be a priority for achieving 
'broadband for all' by 2010. In a followup to its communica tion of January (see above), the Commission outlined how it 
would use its own support programmes to boost internet networks and services in rural areas, and called on EU Member 
States to do the same. 
Communication ‘Progress report on the single 
European electronic communications market 2008 
(14th Report)’ COM(2009) 140, 24.03.2008 The report gives a snapshot of the EU’s te lecoms market and the main regulatory deve lopments that took place in 2008. It is 
based on facts and figures from national telecoms regulators and market players, verified by Commission experts. The report 
notes that Europe leads the world in mob ile phone services. Despite th e economic crisis, the EU's telecoms sector continued 
to grow in 2008, outperforming the rest of the economy. Average mobile phone bills have fallen. However, the report also 
warns that without better European coordination, the benefits of a single telecoms market could be jeopardised by 
inconsistent national regulation.  
Commission Recommendation on the Regulatory 
Treatment of Fixed and Mobile Termination Rates in the EU, C(2009) 3359, 07.05.2009 The Recommendation sets out guidance for EU telecoms regulators on the cost-based method to be used when calculating 
termination rates – the wholesale fees charged by operators to connect the call from another operator's network which are part of everyone's phone bill. The Recommendation indicates speci fically that termination rates at national level should be 
based only on the real costs that an effi cient operator incurs to establish the connection. Eliminating price distortions 
between phone operators across the EU will lower consumer pr ices for voice calls within and between Member States. 
Communication 'Internet of Things — An action plan 
for Europe', COM(2009) 278, 18.6.2009 Today’s internet links about 1.5 billion users worldwide thro ugh computers and mobile devices (about 300 million in the 
EU). In the coming years also machines and various physical  objects will get connected, thus creating the ‘internet of 
things’. Among the 14 actions proposed in the plan to promote the evolution of this 'internet of things' in the EU, are 
standardisation of the technologies involv ed across Europe and better funding of re search, as well as measures to protect 
people's privacy, data and security as the new technology takes shape around them. 
Commission regulation (EC) No 4521/2009 amending 
Regulation (EC) No 874/2004 laying down public 
policy rules concerning the implementation and functions of the .eu Top Level Domain and the 
principles governing registration, 26.06.2009 The new EU rules make it possible for internet users and businesses to register domain names under .eu using the characters 
of all the 23 official languages of the European Union, now including Cyrillic and Greek scripts. This means that later in 
2009 .eu will also be available in the alphabets used by Bulgar ians, Greeks and Cypriots and special characters used in other 
languages. 
 
 
EN 9   EN  
Action 2: Making spectru m management more efficient 
 
Communication on a forward-looking radio spectrum 
policy for the European Union — Second annual 
report, COM(2005) 411, 06.09.2005 The Spectrum Policy Report identified policy priorities for more flexible spectrum management and an action plan for their 
implementation. 
 
Communication on a market -based approach to 
spectrum management in the European Union, COM(2005) 400, 14.09.2005 The Communication paved the way for the coordinated introduction of secondary trading of radio frequencies in the Union 
by 2010. 
Communication on EU spectrum policy priorities for 
the digital switchover, COM(2005) 461, 29.09.2005 The Communication provided guidance for international spectrum negotiations in the ITU Regional Radiocommunications 
Conference (RRC-06) with par ticular reference to the spectrum imp lications of the digital switchover. 
Commission Decision 2005/513/EC on the 
harmonised use of radio spectrum in the 5 GHz 
frequency band for the implementation of Wireless 
Access Systems including Radio Local Area Networks (WAS/RLANs), 11.07.2005 This decision makes available in all Me mber States a substantial amount of radi o spectrum for radio local area networks 
(RLANs) — commonly known as ‘Wi-Fi’ — to provide access on the move to the Internet and private networks. 
Commission Decision 2005/928/EC on the 
harmonisation of the 169.4-169.8125 MHz frequency 
band in the Community (frequency band originally designated for the ERMES paging system), 
20.12.2005 (amended by Commission Decision 
2008/673/EC, 13.08.2008). Spectrum bands reserved for paging systems no longer in use were reallocated in the whole EU to  special needs applications 
such as hearing aids and emergency alarms. 
Commission Decisions: 2006/771/EC on the 
harmonisation of the radio spectrum for use by short-
range devices, 09.11.2006 (;amended by Commission 
Decisions 2008/432/EC, 23.05.2008 and 2009/381/EC, 13.05.2009) and 2006/804/EC on the 
harmonisation of the radio spectrum for radio The two Decisions, applicable throughout the EU, specify harmonised conditions for the use of radio spectrum for a large 
range of low-power short-range radio transmitters. Thanks to these Decisions, consumers do not need to worry whether a 
wireless product bought in one Member State will work in another. One harmonisation measure covers RFIDs in the UHF 
band and the other addresses certain equipment categories of re levance today, but also has a built-in mechanism to extend it 
to new devices. This update mech anism was already used twice. 
 
EN 10   EN frequency identification (RFID) devices operating in 
the ultra high frequency (UHF) band, 23.11.2006 
Communication on rapid access to spectrum for 
wireless electronic communications services through more flexibility, COM(2007) 50, 08.02.2007 The aim of this Communication is to set out the practical steps necessary from now until 2010 to pave the way towards 
more flexible spectrum management in bands used for electronic communications services with individual rights of use. 
Commission Decision 2007/98/EC on the harmonised 
use of radio spectrum in the 2 GHz frequency bands 
for the implementation of systems providing mobile satellite services, 14.02.2007 This Decision is an important step in facilitating the intr oduction of new and innovative Mobile Satellite Service systems 
providing services such as satellite data casting or multimedia broadcasting (including mobile TV) via a coordinated EU 
approach. 
Commission Decision 2007/131/EC on allowing the 
use of the radio spectrum for equipment using ultra-
wideband technology in a harmonised manner in the 
Community, 21.02.2007 (amended by 2009/343/EC, 
21.04.09). This harmonising decision outlines mandatory conditions for us ing ultra-wideband (UWB) technology in new-generation 
wireless devices (such as laptops, mobile phones, digital cameras)  in the EU. It allows innovators to use this new technology 
throughout the EU without interference with other wireless users.  With UWB, many electronic devices so far linked by cable 
will have a wireless alternative offering the same data rates.  
Communication on Radio Frequency Identification 
(RFID) in Europe: Steps towards a policy framework, 
COM(2007) 96, 13.3.2007 From today’s simple radio tags to tomorrow’s intelligent and networked systems, RFID applications will create many 
opportunities for business and society. But the more intensive and extensive use of RFID also raises questions in the areas of 
privacy, security, technological reliability  and international compatibility. The Communication on RFID identifies RFID-
related issues of high importance for Europe, together  with a plan for future action at European level. 
Commission Decision 2007/344/EC on harmonised 
availability of information regarding spectrum use 
within the Community, 16.05.2007 Radio spectrum users can benefit from great er clarity on what spectru m is available and how this may be used across 
Europe, thanks to this Decision, which defines a common format and level of detail for information that Member States 
should provide. This common approach enables the establishment of a single information point containing comparable data. 
Communication ‘The ITU World Radio-
communication Conference 2007 (WRC-07)’, COM(2007) 371, 02.07.2007 The Communication outlines the EU’s positions on what needs to be achieved at the 2007 World Radiocommunication 
Conference (WRC-07) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in areas such as future terrestrial mobile 
systems, Earth exploration, digital radio broadcasting, and aviation applications. 
Proposal for a Directive repealing Council Directive 
87/372/EEC on the frequency bands to be reserved for 
the coordinated introduction of public pan-European cellular digital land-based mobile communications in 
the Community COM(2007) 367, 25.07.2007 The Commission has proposed measures to make it easier and mo re lucrative for mobile operat ors in Europe to offer and 
develop innovative wireless technologies. By opening radio spectrum for advanced mobile data and multimedia services 
(such as 3G services that allow video streaming and fast downloads on a mobile handset), the Commission proposals aim to increase the number and choice of wireless services available, as well as to expand their geographic coverage to the benefit 
of all European citizens. The proposals also aim to reduce network deployment costs for Europe’s wireless communications 
industry. [to be updated, codecision adoption expected shortly] 
 
EN 11   EN Decision 2008/626/EC of the European Parliament 
and of the Council on the selection and authorisation 
of systems providing mobile satellite services (MSS), 30.06.2008 The new selection mechanism aims to a llow innovative services, such as mob ile TV, broadband data and emergency 
communications, to develop smoothly throughout Europe from 2009. 
Communication ‘Reaping the full benefits of the digital dividend in Europe: A common approach to the 
use of the spectrum rel eased by the digital 
switchover’, COM(2007) 700, 13.11.2007 (See Action 1, Proposals for a reform of the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications) 
 
Commission Decision  2008/286/EC amending 
Decision 2007/176/EC as regards the List of standards 
and/or specifications for electronic communications 
networks, services and associated facilities and 
services, 17.03.2008  The Commission has added the Digital Video Broadcasting Handheld standard (DVB-H) to the EU List of Standards, which 
serves as a basis for encouraging the harmonised provision of  telecommunications across the EU. The addition of DVB-H is 
a new step towards establishing a Single Market for Mobile TV  in Europe that will enable all EU citizens to watch TV on 
the move. Member States are required to encourage the use of DVB-H.  
Commission Decision 2008/294/EC on harmonised 
conditions of spectrum use for the operation of mobile communication services on ai rcraft (MCA services), 
and Recommendation 2008/295/EC on authorisation 
of mobile communication services on aircraft (MCA services), 07.04.2008 The measures harmonise the technical and licensing requirements  for the use of mobile phones on board aircrafts. As a 
result, businesspeople and consumers will be able to receive and make calls and messages safely with their own mobile 
phones while flying all over Europe. This means that the 90% of  European air passengers that already carry mobile phones 
on-board aircraft, can remain contactable during flights.  
Commission Decision 2008/411/EC on the 
harmonisation of the 3400 - 3800 MHz frequency 
band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the 
Community, 21.05.2008 The Decision harmonises 3400-3800 MHz frequency band fo r terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic 
communications and ensures coherent technical conditions within the Community for the provision of services such as 
broadband wireless access.  
Commission Decision 2008/477/EC on the harmonisation of the 2500-2690 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capab le of providing electronic 
communications services in the Community, 
13.06.2008 The Decision harmonises the 2500-2690 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capab le of providing electronic 
communications and ensures coherent technical conditions within the Community for the provision of services such as mobile Internet access. 
Commission Decision 2008/671/EC on the harmonised use of radio spectrum in the 5875 - 5905 
MHz frequency band for safety related applications of The Decision earmarks the frequency band 5875-5905 MHz across Europe for smart vehicle communications systems (so 
called co-operative systems). They are based on wireless communication technology and allow cars to 'talk' to other cars and 
to the road infrastructure providers.  
 
EN 12   EN Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), 05.08.2008  
Commission Recommendation on the implementation 
of privacy and data protection principles in 
applications supported by radio-frequency 
identification, C(2009) 3200, 12.5.2009 The recommendation provides guidance to Member States on the design and operation of RFID applications in a lawful, 
ethical and socially and politically acceptabl e way, respecting the right to privacy and ensuring protection of personal data.  
 
 
Action 3: A consistent internal market framework promoting the development of high quality and innovative information society a nd media services 
 
Commission Recommendation on collective cross-
border management of copyright and related rights for legitimate online music services (2005/737/EC), 
18.10.2005 The Recommendation puts forward measures for improving EU-wide licensing of copyright for online services. The 
development of EU-wide copyright licenses should allow new online music services to develop their full potential. 
Proposal for a Directive on payment services in the internal market, COM(2005) 603, 01.12.2005 The proposed Directive brings down existing legal barriers in or der to create a ‘Single Payments Area’ in the EU. The aim is 
to make cross-border payments — by cred it card, debit card, electronic bank transfer , direct debit or any other means — as 
easy, cheap and secure as ‘national’ payments within one Member State.  
Legislative proposal for an Audiovisual Media 
Services Directive (revision of the ‘Television 
Without Frontiers’ Directive), COM(2005) 646, 13.12.2005 The proposal aims to create a single frame work for all types of audiovisual media services, irrespective of the technology 
used to transmit or receive them. The obje ctive is to create a level playing field fo r the different providers of audiovisual 
content and provide operators of non-linear audiovisual media services with the legal certainty necessary to offer their 
services on a pan-European basis.  
Commission Decision on re-use of Commission 
information (2006/291/EC), 07.04.2006 The Decision determines the conditions for the re-use of documents held by the Commission or on its behalf by the Office 
for Official Publications of the European Communities with the aim of fac ilitating wider re-use of this information. 
European Charter for the Development and the Take-
up of Film Online, 23.05.2006 The Charter identifies commendable practi ces for bringing film onlin e via legitimate services and in a consumer-friendly 
way. It was initiated by the Commission and agreed by business le aders at the Cannes Film Festiv al in 2006. It aims to be 
the point of reference for the film and content indust ry, Internet service provide rs and telecom operators.  
Adoption of the MEDIA 2007 Programme, Decision 
1718/2006/EC, 15.11.2006 Launched on 11.02.2007, the MEDIA 2007 programme will prov ide a €755 million boost to Europe’s film industry over the 
next seven years. Almost 65% of the budget will help broaden the circulation of European works to other countries in 
 
EN 13   EN Europe and worldwide. MEDIA 2 007 provides easier access to finance and prom otes increased use of digital technologies. 
Adoption of the eContentplus 2006 Work Programme 
and call for proposals The work programme set the following objectives for 2006: geog raphic information, educational content, digital libraries 
(cultural and scientific/scholarly content),  and reinforcing cooperation between digital content stakeholders.  
Commission staff working paper on media pluralism, 
SEC(2007) 32, 16.01.2007 Responding to political concerns about media concentration and its possible effects on pluralism and freedom of expression, 
the Commission presented a three-step approach to advancing the debate on media pluralism in the EU. 
Green Paper on the Review of the Consumer Acquis, 
COM(2006) 744, 08.02.2007 The Green Paper launched a major new drive to adapt core EU consumer rules to the challenges of the fast-changing digital 
world. The paper identified a number of problems with the current legislation in the area of consumer protection, presented 
the main options for reform and initiated a public consultation. 
Communication ‘A single market for citizens — 
Interim Report to the 2007 Spring European Council’, 
COM(2007) 60, 21.02.2007 The report sketched out a new vision for th e single market of the future. It was followed later in 2007 by a full review of the  
single market (see below). 
Single market review package: Communication on a single market for 21
st century Europe, COM(2007) 
724 and associated documents, 20.11.2007  The Communication concludes the review initiated in 2006 and transforms the ‘vision paper’ of February 2007 into an 
operational set of initiatives to re-position the single market. Proposals include a European e-invoicing framework, an action plan on e-authentication and e-signatures, a standardisation stra tegy, as well as an initiative on universal service in support  of 
an information society for all, in line with the new reform proposals for EU telecom rules. 
Communication on a European approach to media 
literacy in the digital environment, COM(2007) 833, 20.12.2007 The Communication is the first EU-level policy document on me dia literacy — the ability of people to critically analyse 
what they find in the media and to make  more informed choices. The document focu ses on: 1) media literacy for commercial 
communication, covering issues related to advertising, 2) media literacy for audiovisual works, which is in part about raising 
awareness of European film and enhancing creativity skills, 3)  and online media literacy, which, for example, will give 
citizens a better understanding of how Google and other Internet search engines work. 
Communication on creative content online in the Single Market, COM(2007) 836, 03.01.2008 The Communication launched actions to support the development of innovative business models and the cross-border 
delivery of diverse online creative conten t services. The Commission has identified f our main, horizontal challenges that 
merit further action at EU level: 1) availability of creative c ontent, 2) multi-territory licensing for creative content, 3) 
interoperability and transparency of Digital Rights Manageme nt systems (DRMs) and 4) legal offers and piracy. The 
Communication opened a public consultation in order to prepare, by mid-2008, an EU Recommendation on Creative Content 
Online. 
Proposal for a Decision establishing an audiovisual cooperation programme with professionals from third The new MEDIA Mundus is an international cooperation progra mme for the audiovisual industry to strengthen cultural and 
commercial relations between Europe's film industry and film-m akers of third countries. The EU will provide €15 million of 
 
EN 14   EN countries MEDIA Mundus, COM(2008) 892, 
09.01.2009 funding from 2011-2013 for projects submitted by audiovisual professionals from the EU and third countries. 
Communication concerning the State aid assessment 
criteria of the Commission communication on certain legal aspects relating to cinematographic and other 
audiovisual works (Cinema Communication) of 26 
September 2001, (2009/C 31/01), 07.02.2009 The Communication extends the validity of the state aid assessment criteria for th e production of films and audiovisual 
works until 31 December 2012. These criteria, laid down in a Commission Communication of 2001, are used by the Commission to approve Europe’s national, regional and local film support schemes under the EU's state aid rules. The new 
Commission Communication also identifies a number of trends which are likely to have to be addressed by a future Cinema 
Communication.  
eYouGuide to your rights online, launched 05/05/2009 
http://ec.europa.eu/eyouguide   The Commission's eYouGuide is an online tool giving practical advice on the "digital rights" consumers have under EU law. 
The guide addresses consumer issues such as the rights towards your broadband provider, shopping on the web, 
downloading music and protecting your personal data online and on social networking sites. Giving consumers clear 
information about their rights will increase trust and help unlock the full economic potential of Europe's single online 
market. 
Communication on re-use of Public Sector 
Information - review of Directive 2003/98/EC, COM(2009) 212, 07.05.2009 European citizens use products and services based on the vast amounts of information produced, collected and shared by 
public sector bodies, such as car naviga tion systems, weather forecasts and financia l and insurance services, on a daily basis.  
Still, much of Europe's public sector information is not re-used. The Commission calls on EU Member States to make it 
easier to access and re-use public sector information. 
 
1.2 — Increasing security of networks 
 
 
Action 4: Strategy for a secure European Info rmation Society — increasing trust and confidence 
 
Report on the operation of the Directive on electronic 
signatures, COM(2006) 120, 15.03.2006 The report reviews the operation of the Di rective on electronic signature s: most applications are found in the field of e-
banking and e-government but the use of qualified electronic signatures has been much lower than expected. 
Communication ‘A strategy for a Secure Information 
Society — Dialogue, partnership and empowerment’ The strategy builds a framework and develops synergies among the various policy initiatives for network and information 
security. It calls for a structured process of consultation and dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including public 
 
EN 15   EN COM(2006) 251, 31.05.2006 administrations, the private sector, individual users and the European Network and Information Securi ty Agency (ENISA).  
Communication on fighting spam, spyware and 
malicious software, COM(2006) 688, 15.11.2006 Despite existing EU legislation outlawing spam, Europe continue s to suffer from illegal online activities both from inside the 
EU and from third countries. The Commission stresses that na tional authorities must step up their prosecution of such 
activities. The Communication takes stock of the efforts made so far to fight these threats and identifies further action that 
can be taken.  
Communication concerning the final evaluation of the 
Safer Internet Action Plan (2003-2004), COM(2006) 663, 6.11.2006 The final evaluation of the first generation of Safer Internet activities is a necessary step for further policy development, 
including the presentation of a new programme in 2008.  
Communication on the implementation of the Safer 
Internet plus programme (2005-2008) COM(2006) 
661, 6.11.2006 Assessment of the first phase of operation of the programme provides the basis for defining the complete financial 
framework for the Programme.  
Adoption of the Safer Internet plus 2006 Work 
Programme and call for proposals The 2006 call addressed all action lines under the Programme. For actions to fight illegal  content and raise awareness, the 
call invited proposals from Member States where no hotlin e or awareness nodes had previously been established. 
European Programme for Critical Infrastructure 
Protection (EPCIP), COM(2006) 786, 12.12.2006 Critical infrastructure can be damaged, destroyed or disrupted by deliberate acts of terrorism, natural disasters, negligence, 
accidents, as well as computer hacking,  criminal activity and malicious behavi our. The Commission presented a package of 
new measures to improve the protection of critical infrastru cture in Europe, including cr itical ICT infrastructure.  
Decision C(2007) 249 on reserving the national 
numbering range beginning with ‘116’ for harmonised 
numbers for harmonised services of social value, 
12.02.2007 The Commission has adopted a Decision reserving the 116 000 telephone number in all Member States as a hotline for 
reporting missing children. Calling 116 000 is free of charge throug hout Europe. It is up to the Member States to select an 
association or authority to manage this service. All other numbers beginning with 116 are also reserved for social services in 
Europe.  
Communication ‘Promoting Data Protection by Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs)’ COM(2007) 
228, 02.05.2007 The Communication identifies the benefits of Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) and lays down the Commission’s 
objectives in this field. Those objectives are to be achieved through a number of specific actions supporting the development 
of PETs and their use by data controllers and consumers. 
Communication ‘Towards a general policy on the 
fight against cyber cr ime’, COM(2007) 267, 
22.05.2007 The Communication outlines actions to improve cooperation between law enforcement authorities and between law 
enforcement and private sector operators in fighting cyber crime. The actions will complement other actions taken at 
national, European and international level. 
 
EN 16   EN Proposal for Decision establishing a multiannual 
Community programme on protecting children using 
the Internet and other communication technologies, COM(2008) 106, 27.02.2008 Safer Internet 2009-2013 builds  upon the successful Sa fer Internet plus programme and will have a budget of €55 million. 
Encompassing recent Web 2.0 communications services such as  social networking, the new programme will fight not only 
illegal content but also harmful conduct such as grooming and bullying.  
Communication 'On the protection of consumers, in 
particular minors, in respect of the use of video 
games', COM(2008) 207, 22.04.2008 There are public concerns that video games can cause aggressive behaviour, heightened by school shootings such as in 
Helsinki (Finland, November 2007). The Commission has surveyed existing measures protecting minors from harmful video 
games across the 27 EU Member States. 20 EU Member Stat es now apply PEGI (Pan European Games Information), an 
age-rating system developed by industry, with EU support, since 2003. In the Commission's view, industry must invest more 
to strengthen and in particular to regularly update the PEGI sy stem so that it becomes a truly effective pan-European tool.  
Communication 'Protecting Europe from large scale 
cyber attacks and disruptions: enhancing 
preparedness, security an d resilience', COM(2009) 
149 Our life and economy have become increasingly dependent on information infrastructures such as computer networks and 
telephone lines, which therefore need to be safe. As we get mo re and more interconnected, fail ures of these infrastructures 
may cascade and spread beyond national borders. To address this risk, the Commission has launched a policy initiative on 
Critical Information Infrastructure Protection (CIIP), which focuses on prevention, preparedness and awareness and defines a plan for immediate actions to strengthen the security and resilience of CIIs. It complements the European Programme for 
Critical Infrastructure Protection (EPCIP).  
Communication on the application of State aid rules to 
public service broadcasting as adopted by the Commission, COM(2009) …, 02.07.2009 The Communication provides a clear framework for the development of public broadcasting services and enhances legal 
certainty for investment by public and private media alike. The main changes include an increased focus on accountability 
and effective control at the national level, including a transp arent evaluation of the overall impact of publicly-funded new 
media services. 
 
2 — Innovation and in vestment in research 
 
 
2.1 — Promoting research and innovation 
 
 
EN 17   EN  
Action 5: Strengthening European rese arch through the Framework Programmes 
 
Launch of the European Technology Platforms 
(ETPs), 2005-2006 European Technology Platforms help industrial and academic research communities in specific technology fields to 
coordinate their research and tailor it to a common ‘strategic re search agenda’. Nine Platforms have been established in ICT 
areas: nanoelectronics (ENIAC), embedded systems (AR TEMIS), mobile and wireless communications (eMobility), 
networked electronic media (NEM), networked software and services (NESSI), robotics (EUROP), photonics (PHOTONICS21), satellite communi cations (ISI) and smart syst ems integration (EPoSS).  
Adoption of Decisions establishing the 7th Framework 
Programme for Research (2007-2013), Decision No 
1982/2006/EC, 18.12.2006, and others (2006/971/EC, 
19.12.2006 — Specific Programme ‘Cooperation’) The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) bundles all research-re lated EU initiatives together under a common roof and has 
a crucial role to play in reaching the goals of growth, co mpetitiveness and employment. The broad objectives of FP7 are 
grouped into four categories: Cooperation, Ideas, People and Capacities. The ICT priority theme is addressed mainly in the 
‘Cooperation’ Specific Programme.  
Adoption of the ICT Work Programme 2007-2008 
under the 7th Framework Programme for Research 
(FP7) The Work Programme for the ICT theme of the FP7 Specific Pr ogramme ‘Cooperation’ defines the priorities and criteria for 
the calls for proposals launched in 2007. It addresses seven ‘challenges’ of strategic interest to European society (1. 
Pervasive and trusted network and service infrastructures; 2.  Cognitive systems, interaction and robotics; 3. Components, 
systems and engineering; 4. Digital libraries and content; 5. Sustainable and personalised healthcare; 6. Mobility, 
environmental sustainability and energy efficiency; 7. Independent  living and inclusion), along with research into ‘future and 
emerging technologies’ and support for horizontal actions, such  as international cooperation. Furthermore, research e-
Infrastructures is supported through th e Research Infrastructures Work Programme for the ‘Capacities’ programme. 
Proposal for a Council Regulation on the 
establishment of the ‘ARTEMIS Joint Undertaking’ to implement a Joint Technology Initiative in Embedded 
Computing Systems, COM(2007) 243, 15.05.2007 The Commission proposed a new kind of Europe-wide public-private R&D partnership — Joint Technology Initiatives 
(JTIs) — in embedded computing systems. JTIs pool industry , Member State and Commission resources to conduct targeted 
research programmes. They move away from the traditional case-by-case public research funding approach towards large-
scale research programmes with co mmon strategic research targets. 
Proposal for a Council Regulation Setting up the 
‘ENIAC Joint Undertaking’, COM(2007) 356, 22.06.2007 The second Commission proposal for a Joint Technology Initiative concerns nanoelectronics. This Europe-wide public-
private research partnership, called ENIAC, is to have a €3bn budget from industry, the Member States and the Commission, and aims to create a strong nanoelectronics  research and manufacturing sector in Eu rope. The ultimate aim is to generate 
innovative products with in-built intelligence in numerous areas  such as the consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare 
and environmental management sectors. 
 
EN 18   EN  
Action 6: Making innovation a nd research policies more efficient 
 
Action Plan for European Standardisation, April 2006 This four-y ear rolling action plan outlines the main actions to be impleme nted, including in the area of ICTs, and defines a 
timeframe for carrying out these actions, subject to a review after 2 years. 
Communication ‘Putting knowledge into practice: a 
broad-based innovation strategy for the EU’, 
COM(2006) 502, 13.09.2006 This 10-point programme urges action at national and European levels to foster innovation in the EU economy. The 
Commission outlines the concept of lead markets where public authorities facilitate industry-led innovation by creating 
conditions for the successf ul market uptake of innovative products and se rvices in key areas of societal demands.  
Communication to the European Council informal 
meeting in Lahti: An innovation-friendly, modern 
Europe. COM(2006) 589, 12.10.2006 The document focuses on several specific measures that could boost Europe’s inn ovative capacity in a relatively short period 
of time. The proposed measures concern the establishment of European leadership in future strategic technologies, forging 
stronger links between universities, research and business,  as well as improving the framework conditions for R&D 
investment. 
Launch of a European Network of Living Labs, 
20.11.2006 The European Network of Living Labs creates a platform wher e firms, public authorities and citizens can work together on 
developing and testing new technologies, business models and se rvices in real-life contexts. The ultimate aim is to set up a 
new European Innovation Infrastructure where users play an active role in innovation. 
Preparation of the ICT PSP Work  Programme 2007 The ICT Policy Su pport Programme (ICT PSP) in th e Competitiveness and Innovation  Programme (CIP) supports the aims 
of the i2010 strategy, building on the previous e-TEN, Modinis and e-Content programmes. In 2007 the programme focused 
on three main themes: efficient and interoperable eGove rnment services; ICTs for accessibility, ageing and social 
integration; and ICTs for sustainable and interoperable health services.  
Green Paper: The European Research Area- New Perspectives, COM(2007)161, 4.4.2007 The Green Paper launched a debate on how to create a unified  and attractive European research area (ERA), a European 
internal market for research, where res earchers, technology and knowledge freely circulate and where there is effective 
European-level coordination of national and regional rese arch activities, programmes a nd policies. The Commission and 
Member States launched new iniatives to develop ERA, including enhanced political governance through the ´Ljubljana Process´ and five specific policy initiatives. 
Communication on pre-commercial procurement: 
driving innovation to ensure sustainable high quality 
public services in Europe, COM(2007) 799, The Communication proposes a new strategy for harnessing the innovative potential of public spending in Europe in the 
field of Research and Development (R&D). Europe could do subs tantially more at the pre-comm ercial stage, where products 
and services are not yet ripe for the market, and where invest ment is particularly risk-prone but crucial for research 
breakthroughs. For the Commission, such pre-commercial procurement could tap unused potential especially in high-tech 
 
EN 19   EN 14.12.2007 areas, such as research into information and communication technologies fo r health care and medicine. The strategy 
launches a debate with the 27 EU Member States on where and how to focus the pre-comm ercial procurement of R&D. 
Communication ‘A lead market initiative for Europe’, 
COM(2007) 860 21.12.2007 Europe can develop innovation-friendly markets in a more targeted way, considerably facilitating the marketing of 
innovations. That is what the Lead Markets Initiative seeks to do. eHealth is one of the six markets identified for the initial  
stage of the initiative. The Commission presents ambitious ac tion plans for these markets to rapidly secure tangible 
advantages for Europe’s economy and consumers. 
Council regulation on the Community legal 
framework for a European Research Infrastructure 
(ERI), COM (2008) 467  The legal framework assists Member States to develop a nd fund pan-European Research Infrastructures, including 
eInfrastructures, many of which have already been identified through ESFRI, the European Strategic Forum on Research Infrastructures.  
Towards joint programming in research: Working 
together to tackle common challenges more 
effectively, COM(2008)468, 15.7.2008 The Commission proposed that Member States develop and implement common Strategic Research Agendas addressing 
major societal challenges, thereby elim inating unnecessary cross European duplication by pooling data, resources and 
expertise currently scattered across Europe. 
Communication 'A strategic European framework for 
international science and technology cooperation', 
COM(2008) 588, 24.09.2008 The Commission proposes a strategy for strengthening science and technology cooperation with non-EU countries, notably 
in the field of ICT, where Europe is a st rong exporter. The Commission invites Member States to define together, rather than 
in isolation, research areas where a cohe rent EU effort would have more impact. 
Communication 'A strategy for ICT R&D and 
innovation in Europe: raising the game', COM(2009) 
116, 13.03.2009 Both Europe's market and research efforts are fragmented; as a result, Europe is lagging behind its global competitors in ICT 
research and in production of innovative ICT-based products and services. The proposed strategy calls on Member States 
and industry to pool resources and work together more in ICT research and innovation. The strategy also proposes showcase 
ICT innovation projects to deliver modern services infrastr uctures in areas like healthca re and energy efficiency.  
Communication 'Moving the ICT frontiers – a strategy 
for research on future and emerging technologies in 
Europe', COM(2009) 184, 20.04.2009 Unlimited computing power, computers mi micking the brain, mind-controlled wheelch airs and friendly robotic companions 
are part of this new European plan to boost visionary research. The Commission proposes to boost Europe's high-risk 
research into future technologies by doubling research inve stment at national and EU level in this area by 2015. The 
Commission pledges to lead by example, increasing the current funding of € 100 million per year by 70% by 2013. 
 
2.2 — Promoting ICT innovation and adoption for competitiveness and employment 
 
 
EN 20   EN  
Action 7: Promoting eBusiness solutions 
 
Establishment of the Enterprise Interoperability 
Centre (EIC), April 2006 The EIC provides a platform for companies to discuss interoperability issues in their business relationships, with the focus 
on business-to-business processes, taking into account the various messaging standards available in each industry.  
 
3 — Inclusion, better public services and quality of life 
 
 
3.1 — Facilitating wider inclusion, accessibility and digital literacy 
 
 
Action 8: Further developmen t of eAccessibility and a compre hensive eInclusion strategy 
 
Communication on eAccessibility COM(2005) 425, 
13.09.2005 The Communication calls upon the Member States to do more  to promote eAccessibility and to encourage take-up by 
industry. While continuing to support measures such as standardisation, De sign for All, web accessibility and research, the 
Commission also proposes: to im prove the consistency of accessibility require ments in public procurement; to explore 
certification schemes for accessible products and services; and to  make better use of the ‘eAccessibility potential’ of existin g 
legislation.  
Communication ‘Bridging the broadband gap’, COM(2006) 129, 20.03.2006 The Communication focuses on the lack of adequate broadband services in the less developed areas of the Union. It assesses 
the instruments available at EU level to address this issue and proposes two main strands of action: the strengthening of 
national broadband strategies to set clear targets and reflect  regional needs; and better exchange of best practice. 
 
EN 21   EN Riga Ministerial Declaration on eInclusion, 
11.06.2006 The ministerial conference in Riga launch ed preparations for the 2008 European Initiative on eInclusion. The concluding 
declaration set priorities and commitments for addressing the needs of older people, reducing geographical digital divides, 
enhancing eAccessibility, improving digital literacy and prom oting cultural diversity as well as inclusive eGovernment. 
Recommendation on key competences for lifelong 
learning, (2006/962/EC), 18.12.2006 Every citizen must be equipped with the skills needed to live and work in the new information society. The European 
Parliament and the Council adopted the Commission proposal for a Recommendation providing a European reference tool 
on key competences, including digital competence, and on access to these co mpetences through lifelong learning. 
Communication ‘E-skills for the 21st century: 
fostering competitiveness, growth and jobs’, COM(2007) 496, 07.09.2007 Recent surveys indicate that Europe may f ace severe e-skills shortages in the coming years. At the same time, e-skills are 
becoming central to productivity, employability and the response to global challenges. The Commission has therefore proposed a long-term e-skills agenda and a set of actions at EU level. 
Communication ‘European i2010 initiative on e-
Inclusion — To be part of the information society’, 
COM(2007) 694, 08.11.2007 Despite technological progress and enhanced competition, more than one in three Europeans are still excluded from the full 
benefits of the digital society. To address this, the Commission  sets out a European initiative to: 1) enable everyone to take 
part in the information society by br idging the accessibility, broadband and co mpetence gaps; 2) boost the effective 
participation of those at risk of exclusion, and improve their quality of life; and 3) integrate e-Inclusion actions in Europe,  so 
as to maximise their lasting impact. Among other things, the Communication announced a 2008 awareness-raising campaign ‘e-Inclusion, be part of it!’ and a minister ial conference at the end of that year.  
'Digital Literacy Report: a review for the i2010 
eInclusion Initiative ', European Commission Working 
Paper, December 2008 As part of its the commitment made in the 2006 Ministerial Riga Declaration on eInclusion, the Commission has carried out 
a review of 470 digital literacy initiatives in Europe. It finds th at Member States have invested heavily in digital literacy a nd 
much has been achieved with increasing in ternet use by all sections of the population. However it warns that much remains 
to be done, particularly for the elderly, and finds evidence of  a possible secondary digital divide in terms of quality of use.  
 
3.2 — Providing better public services 
 
 Action 9: Promoting ICT-enabled public  services (eGovernment and eHealth) 
 
 
EN 22   EN Commission decision on e-Commission 2006-2010: 
enabling efficiency and tr ansparency, C(2005) 4473, 
23.11.2005 The Commission intends to lead by example by applying eGovernment to its own administration. The e-Commission 
initiative aims to deliver better-quality and more transparent se rvices, guaranteeing security of information including the 
protection of personal data. 
Action plan for the implementation of the legal 
framework for electronic public procurement 
(2004)841, 13.12.2004 and its implementing 
directives  'The application of new ICT technologies has the potential to transform public (and private) procurement. It can enhance and 
expedite communication between contracting authorities and bidd ers, reduce delays and trans actions costs, and widen the 
pool of tenderers. Many of the technical solutions to support 'straight through' e-procurement are coming on stream. The 
Commission – through its e-procurement Action plan (2004) and support for the PEPPOL project – is working to ensure that interoperable solutions are rolled out on a pan-European basis. 
Communication on interoperability for pan-European 
eGovernment services, COM(2006) 45, 13.02.2006 Interoperability in eGovernment requires that the multiple layers  of government at national, regional and local levels are able  
to ‘talk to each other’. The Communication calls upon the Member States and industry to collaborate to make such 
interoperability happen. More concrete steps follow in the eGovernment Action Plan. 
Communication on i2010 eGovernment Action Plan: 
Accelerating eGovernment in Europe for the Benefit 
of All, COM(2006) 173, 25.04.2006 The eGovernment Action Plan addresses five priority areas, with ambitious objectives to be reached by 2010: 1) ensuring all 
citizens have access to a wide range of technologies; 2) raising administrative efficiency; 3) implementing e-Procurement; 4) 
ensuring secure access to services across the EU; and 5) st rengthening participation and democratic decision-making.  
Decision of the Commission on the EU Public 
Licence, C(2008) 891,9.1.2008  The EUPL is the first European Free/Open Source Software (F /OSS) Licence. The EUPL has been approved as a Licence to 
be used for the distribution of software developed in the framework of the IDA and IDABC programmes. Nevertheless, the 
text of the Licence is drafted in general terms, so the Licence may be used for other software applications, as the case may 
be, by other European Institutions, by national, regional or local administrations, other public entities as well as private entities and natural persons.  
Commission decision on e-Commission 2006-2010: 
Mid-Term Review, C(2008)7961, 11.12.2008 Three years after the adoption of the e-Commission 2006-2010 st rategy the overall picture is encouraging and most actions 
are on track. The Commission thus faces  a new stage of e-government maturity where collaboration, common repositories, 
rationalisation and integration of the information systems port folio will provide the framework to assemble processes in 
seamless operations so as to sustain the Commission's efforts in  being a world-class, knowledge-based public administration.  
Proposal for a decision of the European Parliament 
and of the Council on interoperability solutions for 
European public administrations (ISA), COM(2008)583 12.12.2008 This programme is the follow-on of IDABC which will come to an end on 31 December 2009. The ISA programme is 
focusing on interoperability solutions supporting the interaction between European public administrations and the 
implementation of Community policies and activities. 
The European Interoperability Framework (EIF) has been deve loped in the context of the IDA and IDABC programmes to 
support the European Union's strategy of providing user-centr ed eGovernment services by facilitating, at a pan-European 
level, the interoperability of services a nd systems between public administrations, as well as between administrations and the 
public (citizens, businesses). The EIF defines the general rule s and principles for collaboratio n on interoperability between 
 
EN 23   EN Member States and European Institutions. The first version of the EIF has been issued in 2004: the Commission is currently 
revising the European Interoperabilty Framew ork (EIF) to prepare a second version.  
Communication on the final evaluation of the IDABC 
programme, COM(2009)247, 29.5.2009 The evaluation describes the IDABC programme as being in lin e with the eGovernment policy priorities of the European 
Commission, as expressed in the i2010 strategy and the re lated eGovernment action plan and identifies some future 
challenges in this area. 
EU Health Portal ‘Health-EU’, launched 10.05.2006 Health-EU provides a single point of entry where citizens, administrations an d specialists can find a wealth of health-related 
information and data from EU, national an d sub-national levels. It is accessible at http://health.europa.eu . 
Recommendation on cross-border interoperability of 
electronic health record (EHR) systems, (2008/594/EC), 02.07.2008 The Recommendation aims to prov ide Member States with basic principles and guidelines for ensuring that doctors can gain 
access to vital information on patients that they are trying to treat, wherever such information may be located in Europe. This  
will improve the safety and quality of care for people who require medical assistance while travelling or living abroad.  
Communication on telemedicine for the benefit of 
patients, healthcare system s and society, COM(2008) 
689, 4.11.2008 This Communication aims to support and im prove access to telemedicine for EU citizen s and healthcare professionals across 
Europe. In response to a call for action from Member States, this initiative aims to increase and broaden telemedicine 
services, including diagnosis, treatment and monitoring at a di stance across Europe. Such services will allow, for example, a 
patient suffering from a rare retinal disease to be diagnosed in  his hometown by a specialist working at a European Centre of 
Excellence for eye diseases located thousands of kilometres aw ay. Patients with chronic heart failure will be able to have 
their disease more closely monitored and to enjo y better quality of life while staying at home. 
 
Action 10: Ageing Well in  the Information Society  
 
Communication ‘Ageing well in the Information 
Society — An i2010 Initiative — Action Plan on 
Information and Communication Technologies and 
Ageing’, COM(2007) 332, 14.06.2007 
Proposal for a Decision on participation by the 
Community in a research and development 
programme aimed at enhancing the quality of life of older people through the use of new Information and 
Communication Technologies (ICT), COM(2007) Responding to the needs of Europe’s growing ageing population, the Commission adopted a European Action Plan for 
‘Ageing Well in the Information Society’. Th e action plan aims to help overcome tech nical and regulatory barriers to market 
development, to help raise awareness and share best practice,  as well as to accelerate take-u p through, for example, pilot 
projects and a European award scheme for smart homes and independent living applications. In particular, three areas of user needs are to be addressed: ageing well at  work or ‘active ageing at  work’, ageing well in the community, as well as ageing 
well at home.  
The action plan is accompanied by a new joint European re search programme raising to over €1bn the investment on 
research into ICTs to improve the lives of older people.  
 
EN 24   EN 329, 14.06.2007 
 
Action 11: Intelligent Car  
Second eSafety Communication ‘Bringing eCall to 
Citizens’, COM(2005) 431, 14.09.2005 eCall is an in-vehicle safety system: when a car senses a majo r impact in an accident, its eCall device automatically calls the  
nearest emergency centre using 11 2. In response to the slow progress of eCall in the Member States, the Commission urges 
the national and regional governments to do more. The Communication provides a roadmap for full-scale roll-out of eCall. 
Communication on the Intelligent Car Initiative ‘Raising Awareness of ICT for Smarter, Safer and 
Cleaner Vehicles’, COM(2006) 59, 15.02.2006 The Commission’s Intelligent Car Initiative is a comprehensive initiative for smarter, safer and cleaner vehicles. The long-
term objective is a situation where cars no  longer crash and traffic congestion is reduced. The Communication presents a 
policy framework for action, comprising coordination of releva nt stakeholders (eSafety Forum), ICT-based research and 
development, as well as awareness raising and stimulation of user demand. 
Third eSafety Communication ‘Bringing eCall back on track — Action Plan’, COM(2006) 723, 
23.11.2006 An urgent set of actions to roll out emergency call (eCall)  technology for cars in Europe has been proposed by the 
Commission. Member States have been given clear tasks with deadlines for solving the remaining issues and proceeding 
with the necessary 112, E112 and eCa ll infrastructures. Industry is asked to renew its commitment to eCall. 
Commission Recommendation on safe and efficient 
in-vehicle information and communication systems: update of the European St atement of Principles on 
human machine interface (2007/78/EC), 22.12.2006 The Commission has updated the Recommendation on human-machin e interfaces in vehicles. This update responds to the 
increased presence of portable devices in cars such as mobile telephones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) or laptops. The objective is to make the design and installation of these systems safer.  
Communication ‘Towards Europe-wide safer, cleaner and efficient mobility: the first Intelligent Car report’, COM(2007) 541, 17.09.2007 The Commission has outlined new plans to accelerate the drive for safer, cleaner and smarter cars. The next step is 
negotiations with European and Asian automotive industry associations to reach an agreement on offering the pan-European in-vehicle emergency call system (eCall) as a standard option in all new cars from 2010. The Commission continues to 
promote the take-up of other life-saving technologies and investigate how technology can help make cars greener and 
smarter. 
Commission Decision 2008/671/EC on the 
harmonised use of radio spectrum in the 5875 - 5905 
MHz frequency band for safety-related applications of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), 05.08.2008 As part of its overall fight against road accidents and traffi c jams, the Commission decided to reserve, across Europe, part of  
the radio spectrum for smart vehicle comm unications systems (so called co-operative systems). They are based on wireless 
communication technology and allow cars to 'talk' to other car s and to the road infrastructu re providers. They can, for 
example, warn other drivers of slippery roads or of a crash which just happened. Smart vehicle communication systems have 
 
EN 25   EN the potential to make safer and ease the lives of Europe's drivers. 
Communication 'Action Plan for the Deployment of 
Intelligent Transport Systems in Europe', COM(2008) 
886, 16.12.2008 With the objective to accelerate and coordinate the deployment  and use of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) applications 
and services for road transport and their connections with other modes of transport, the ITS action plan proposes concrete 
measures in six priority areas to ensure seamless access and con tinuity of services throughout the EU. Such systems can help 
to make transport greener, reduce congestion and save lifes on Europe's roads. The ITS Action plan is a transport policy initiative which complements the Intelligent Car initiative and the work of the eSafety forum to make cars safer, cleaner and 
smarter. 
Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament 
and of the Council laying down the framework for the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in the 
field of road transport and for interfaces with other 
transport modes, COM(2008), 887, 16.12.2008 The proposed Directive accompanying the ITS Action Plan lays down the framework for the implementation of the 
measures identified in the Action Plan. It establishes a framework for the coordinated deployment and use of intelligent transport systems within the Community and the development of  the specifications necessary. By ensuring the development 
and adoption of the necessary specifications and procedur es, the proposed Directive w ill guarantee the required 
interoperability of systems and continuity  of ITS services and applications. Both  ITS Action Plan and Directive proposal 
will benefit from work carried out in the framework of the Intelligent Car Initiative. 
 
Action 12: Digital Libraries 
 
Communication on digital libraries, COM(2005) 465, 
30.09.2005  The Commission is promoting and coordina ting work to build a Euro pean Digital Library — a common multilingual access 
point to Europe’s cultural heritage. The Communication proposes a first set of actions in the areas of: digitisation of content  
stored in traditional formats; online accessi bility of this content; and digital preser vation. The target as set to make two 
million books, films, photographs, manuscr ipts, and other cultural works accessible through the European Digital Library by 
2008. This figure is planned to grow to at least six million by 2010.  
Commission Decision setting up a High Level Expert 
Group on digital libraries, (2006/178/EC), 28.02.2006 This advisory group also provides a forum for discussion with stakeholders. Its first contribution on the management of 
copyright addresses the practical problems of dealing with orphan and out-of-print works and digital preservation. 
Commission Recommendation on the digitisation and 
online accessibility of cultural material and digital 
preservation, (2006/585/EC), 24.08.2006 In the Recommendation, the Commission urges Member States to  tackle three main areas: the digitisation of cultural 
material, its online accessibility and digital preservation. The institutions or Member States themselves are responsible for 
the selection of the material to be digitised.  
 
EN 26   EN Communication on scientific information in the digital 
age: access, disseminati on and preservation, 
COM(2007) 56, 15.02.2007 The Communication examines how new digita l technologies can be better used to increase access to research publications 
and data. The Commission thereby launches an EU framework to support new ways of promoting better access to scientific 
information online and to preserve research results digitally for future generations. 
Commission Decision setting up the Member States’ 
Expert Group on Digitisation and Digital Preservation 
(2007/320/EC), 22.03.2007 The group monitors progress and assess the implementation of the Recommendation on the digitisation and online 
accessibility of cultural material and digital preservation, and the Council Conclusions on  this topic. It is also a forum for 
sharing strategies and best practice. 
'Europeana' – Europe's Digital Library, launched at 
www.europeana.eu , 20.11.2008 At www.europeana.eu, In ternet users around the world can now access more than two mi llion books, maps , recordings, 
photographs, archival documents, paintings and films from nationa l libraries and cultural institutions of the EU's 27 Member 
States. Anyone interested in literature, art, science, politics, history, architecture, music or cinema will have free and fast  
access to Europe's greatest collections and masterpieces in a si ngle virtual library through a web portal available in all EU 
languages. And this is just the beginning: Europeana will be expanded.  
 
Action 13: ICTs for sustainable growth 
 
Communication 'Addressing the challenge of energy 
efficiency through Info rmation and Communication 
Technologies', COM(2008) 241, 13.05.2008 As part of its effort to combat climat e change, the Commission is promoting the use of ICT to improve energy efficiency 
throughout the economy, starting with buildings, lighting and th e power grid. ICT can enable 'greener' behaviour across the 
economy, which would massively cut Europe's carbon footprint if widely deployed.  
The Commission encourages the IC T sector, which accounts for 2% of global CO 2 emissions, to lead by example the drive 
towards carbon neutrality. This will be done by reinforcing research, developm ent and deployment of components and 
systems, complemented by voluntary agreements, for exampl e on green procurement. The real gains from green ICT will 
come from developing energy-efficient ICT solutions that impact the other 98% of global emissions. The Communication focuses on three energy-intensive areas: energy generation and distribution, buildings, and lighting.  
Communication 'Mobilising information and 
communication technologies to  facilitate the transition 
to an energy-efficient, low-carbon economy', COM(2009) 111, 12.03.2009 The Commission calls on Member States and industry to use ICT to improve energy efficiency, as this can reduce total 
carbon emissions in Europe by up to 15% by 2020 (Europe's overall target is 20%). ICT can help make people and 
companies more aware of how they use en ergy. It. With smart metering in their ho mes, for example, consumers have been 
found to reduce their energy consumption by as much as 10 %. A public consultation was launched on what measures and 
commitments should follow.