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,4 COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
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-.VK'a EUROPE'S WAY TO THE INFORMATION SOCIETY. 
AN ACTION PLAN 
COMMUNICATION 
from the 
COMMISSION 
to the 
COUNCIL and the EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 
and to the 
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE and the COMMITTEE of REGIONS 
--nsS& 
H 
EUROPE'S WAY TO THE INFORMATION SOCIETY. 
AN ACTION PLAN 
INTRODUCTION 
I. REGULATORY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK 
1. Towards a competitive environment 
2. Standardisation, interconnection and interoperability 
3. Tariffs 
4. Worldwide dimension 
5. Intellectual property rights 
6. Privacy 
7 Electronic protection, legal protection and security 
8. Media ownership 
9. Competition 
10. Audiovisual 
II. NETWORKS, BASIC SERVICES, APPLICATIONS AND CONTENT 
1. Networks 
2. Basic services 
3. Applications 
4. Content 
III. SOCIAL, SOCIETAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS 
IV. PROMOTION ACTIVITIES 
ANNEX: Tables: pending measures 
new measures under consideration 
partnership 
Ao, 
IMTROBUenON 
The information society is on its way. A "digital revolution" is triggering structural 
changes comparable to last century's industrial revolution with the corresponding high 
economic stakes. Hie process cannot be stopped and will lead eventually to a knowledge-
based economy. 
The Commission's White paper on "Growth, Competitiveness, Employment - The 
challenges and ways forward into the 21st century" acknowledges the importance of this 
process, critical to the future of European society. It develops a positive vision, stressing 
that information and communication technologies and related services have the potential 
to promote steady and sustainable growth, to increase competitiveness, to open new job 
opportunities and to improve the quality of life of all Europeans. 
The White piper was examined by the European Council at its December 1993 meeting. 
The Council gave its Ml political support and requested that a report be prepared on the 
information society by a group of prominent persons, providing concrete 
recommendations for action 
The report "Europe and the global information society - Recommendations to the 
Europecm Coatneir^ illustrates the search for a consensus on this issue and beads on the 
White paper's analysis It highlights the need for an acceleration of the liberalisation 
procès and the achievement and the preservation of universal service «id the internal 
Market principles of free movement Public authorities will have to set new "rules of the 
game*, control their implemeraati^^ The deployment 
and financing of an information mfrastructure wifl be the primarily responsibility of the 
private sector At a Community level, in addition to legislative initiative, it will be 
necessary to better target available resources to corrtribute to the rœw ob^Orves 
Finally, the report emphasizes the urgency of adopting its recommendations. The race is 
on at global level, notably US and Japan Those countries which will adapt themselves 
most readily will de facto set technological standards for those who follow. It also 
underlines the global nature of the issue, and calls for proper coordination mechanisms, 
and the advancement of international negotiations. 
The report was submitted to the European Council for its meeting in CORFU on 24-25 
June 1994. The European Council's conclusions recognize the importance of the 
opportunity and the scale of the challenge facing Europe. It has emphasized that the 
prime responsibility for acting rests with the private sector, and that the role of the 
Community and the Member States is to back up this development by giving a political 
impetus, creating a clear and stable regulatory framework and by setting an example in 
areas of their direct responsibility. 
The Commission fully supports these conclusions. It welcomes the European Council's 
invitations (a) to the Council and the European Parliament to adopt before the end of this 
year measures already proposed by the Commission and (b) to itself to establish a work 
programme for the remaining measures needed at the Community level. 
Air 
This Communication is a response to that invitation, and the signal that the information 
society challenge is effectively being taken up. The momentum established since the 
publication of the White Paper must be maintained. But it is not sufficient merely to act; 
there is a need for a consistent response by Europe to the challenge, avoiding initiatives 
which neutralise each other or are mutually incompatible. A global, coherent and 
balanced approach of mutually supportive measures is called for. The Community will 
assume its responsibilities for setting the appropriate regulatory environment. In parallel, 
the private sector is invited to play its enterpreneurial role and launch without delay 
concrete intiatives for the prompt deployment of the information society. 
While a number of proposals have already been made and are under consideration, there is 
a need for new proposals in a number of areas. This Communication presents an 
overview of the Commission's work programme on the information society. It constitutes 
an action framework within which a series of relevant policies will be articulated and more 
specialised Communications will be released. 
The Commission's response covers four areas: 
• the regulatory and legal framework, for which new proposals will be made, in 
particular regarding telecommunications infrastructure and services, on the protection 
of intellectual property rights and of privacy, on media concentration, as well as the 
updating of the "rules of t]he game" for the free movement of TV broadcast in the 
Community; 
• networks, basic services, applications, and content, where there is a need to bring the 
parties concerned together in order to stimulate the development of applications in the 
areas proposed by the High Level Group and endorsed by the European Council; 
• social, societal and cultural aspects, including the linguistic and cultural dimensions of 
the information society stressed by the European Council; and 
• promotion of the information society in order to increase public awareness and 
support. 
The Commission invites the Council and the European Parliament, as well as the Social 
and Economic Committee and the Committee of Regions, to debate the issues and give 
political backing to the development of this action plan. 
L REGULATORY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK 
The CORFU Summit's Presidency's conclusions underline the importance of backing up 
the efforts of the private sector with the rapid establishment of a clear and stable 
regulatory framework, notably with regards to market access* compatibility between 
networks, intellectual property rights, data protection and copyright. As a response, the 
Commission proposes a broad regulatory framework package (cf. Annex 1 and 2), while 
preserving missions of public interest according to the principles of universality, equality 
and continuity. More specific Communications will follow, covering different areas 
outlined below. 
Of central importance to the development of the European information society is the need 
to safeguard the free circulation of services across our internal frontiers. Given the range 
of measures mat might be necessary, the Commission will, as a matter of importance, set 
such issues in me œntext of an Internal Market framework, with the view to guaranteeing 
a level playing field 
report recommends that Member States accelerate the on­
going liberalisation of the telecom sector. It is now appropriate to seek agreement 
on the principle of infrastructure liberalisation fir the telecommunications sector, 
together with clear dates for its implementation. These efforts would complement 
the agreement on full service liberalisation according to Council Resolution of My 
1993*. A Communication will be presented in September on the approach proposed. 
The second stop will be for the Commission to publish a Green Paper on 
infrastructure by the end of the year. This will be open to a broad consultation 
process on line conditions for general' HberaRsation of infrastructure for the provision 
of public telecom services. 
Establishment of an authority at European level 
The question of establishing an authority at European level has been raised Whilst 
fully respecting the subsidiarity principle, the Commission will launch in-depth 
studies to examine institutional aspects and to see which activities at present 
exercised by the Member States and the Commission might be entrusted to such an 
authority; and will initiate discussions with Member States authorities. 
In the light of these consultations, proposals might be made by January 1996. 
Council Resolution of 22 July 1993 on the review of the situation in the telecommunications sector 
and the need for further development in that market (93/C213/01; OJ C213/1, 06.08.93) 
2. Standardisation, interconnection and interoperability 
• Standardisation 
Standardisation is essential to achieve network interconnection and interoperability 
of services at the international level. The Commission is initiating a debate on 
standardisation in information technology and communications policy in order to 
increase its responsiveness to market realities. It will issue a Communication in 
October on the wider use of standardisation in support of Union policy. 
On the specific aspects of information technology and communication, a major 
Workshop open to all concerned parties will be held in November. It will identify 
measures for the improvement of planning and prioritisation, for facilitating 
consensus building, for speeding up the standard making process and for appropriate 
use of standards in the international context. On the basis of this workshop, the 
Commission will initiate appropriate actions during the course of 1995. 
• Interconnection and interoperability 
Interconnection of networks and interoperability of services and applications become 
increasingly important as competition is introduced, if fragmentation is to be avoided. 
The emphasis on interconnection must be reflected in the adjustment of the overall 
regulatory regime, in preparation for the liberalisation of telecommunications 
services. The Commission will update the Open Network Provision framework, 
focusing on rules for interconnection between existing and new service providers, the 
entities which are concerned, standards interfaces for networks and services enabling 
fair and open network access, with proposals to be submitted by end of 1995. 
The Commission's proposals for TEN-ISDN (integrated services digital networks) 
will improve the interconnection of networks. The IDA (networks for the exchange 
of information between administrations) addresses inter alia the interoperability of 
application services between administrations. The Council and Parliament are invited 
to adopt these before the end of the year. 
3. Tariffs 
• Tariff adj ustment 
Almost every Member State has started or announced plans to rebalance current 
tariff structures as a key element in preparing for liberalisation, in accordance with 
Council Resolutions of July 1993 and February 19942. 
Cost-orientation is an objective the Commision is pursuing in view of the transition 
to competition. At the Community level there are already binding requirements for 
tariffs for leased lines to be cost-oriented, and for verifiable cost-accounting systems 
to be established by the TO's in each Member State. The corresponding Directive is 
still not fully transposed by all the Member States. The Commission is, therefore, 
putting infringement procedures in place. 
Council Resolution 94/C 48/01 of 7 February 1994 on universal service principles in the 
telecommunications sector (OJC48/1, 16.02.94) 
• Financing of universal service 
The Commission will complete investigations on financing universal service in 
accordance with Council Resolution of February 1994 and will report before end 
1995. In this context the Commission will develop common access charge 
principles. 
4. Worldwide dimension 
The Commission is involved in the negotiations on so-called "basic" telecom services in 
the context of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). Specific 
telecommunication trade issues will be addressed (e.g. the need to ensure a balanced 
participation in the new personal communications satellite systems and the need for 
effective access for new land-based mobile technology in world markets). 
Additional trade issues will concern services (other than télécoms), IPRs, or mutual 
recognition agreements (eg. on standardisation issues). These problems must also be 
addressed on a global basis, notably under the auspices of the new World Trade 
Organisation and the World Intellectual Property Organisation. The Community is 
participating actively in these discussions. 
These trade policy aspects must be formulated in a global and consistent approach, 
necessitating an intensified dialogue with the US in the context of the information society. 
Bilateral discussions with other major trading partners, such as Japan and Canada, will be 
broadened. Furthermore, several issues related to the global information society will be 
addressed in the near future in other fora such as the International Telecommunication 
Union. 
The Commission will also promote the setting up of a cooperation framework and support 
concrete actions in the field of RDT and industrial cooperation with third countries in 
order to contribute to the development of infrastructures and applications compatible with 
those of the Union. 
The NAPLES G7 meeting agreed to convene in BRUSSELS a conference of the relevant 
Ministers to discuss the development of an open, competitive and integrated worldwide 
information infrastructure. The Commission will organise this conference for the end of 
this year. 
5. Intellectual property rights (IPRs) 
IPR measures, whether already adopted or addressed in the 1990 Working Programme in 
the field of copyrights and neighbouring rights will have to be reviewed, and the possible 
need for additional measures examined. A Green paper on IPRs in the information society 
will be prepared in the coming months and give the opportunity for extensive 
consultationss with interested parties. 
The proposal for a Council Directive on the legal protection of databases3 is critical to the 
development of an appropriate regulatory environment for networks. The Council is 
invited to adopt it as a matter of urgency. 
Proposal for a Council Directive on the legal protection of databases, COM(93) 464 final, SYN 393 
5 
In the field of private copying, the Commission will shortly present a proposal for a 
Directive. 
6. Privacy 
Following the conclusions of the CORFU Summit urging for the rapid adoption of the 
data privacy framework Directive4, the Commission will strive to have the text adopted in 
Autumn. The Commission is, however, aware of the need to specify how the general 
principles will be applied to specific situations raised by the introduction of new 
technologies. It has modified its proposal for a Directive on the protection of personal 
data and privacy in the context of digital telecommunications networks5 in the light of the 
subsidiarity principle and of the first opinion given by the Parliament. 
7. Electronic protection, legal protection and security 
• Electronic protection 
The Council and Parliament have asked for rules concerning conditional access to be 
included in the proposed Directive on the use of standards for the transmission of TV 
signals6. Economic actors are currently trying to reach an agreement under the 
auspices of the European project on Digital Video Broadcasting. In the light of the 
results of this process, which will end in September, the Commission will include 
appropriate provisions in the Directive. 
• Legal protection 
The Commission is preparing a Green paper on the legal protection of encrypted 
broadcasts in the internal market, concentrating on problems associated with the 
absence of specific legislation in some Member States and with the disparities 
between existing legislation in others. The Commission will examine the need of 
harmonising the legal provisions in Member states relating to unauthorised access 
and the appropriate level of intervention. 
• Security 
The Commission, advised by the Senior Officials Group on Information Security, 
intends to put forward by September 1994 a further proposal addressing the 
requirements for encryption for business and commerce and also the integrity of 
signatures. 
COM(92)422 
Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive concerning the protection of 
personal data and privacy in the context of digital telecommunications networks, in particular the 
integrated services digital network (ISDN) and digital mobile networks, COM(94) 128 final -COD 
288, 13.06.94 
Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and the Council on the use of standards for the 
transmission of the Television signals, COM(93) 556 final -COD 476 
With the subsidiarity principle in mind, the Commission will undertake a broad 
examination of the issues relating to information security and the information society, 
culminating in the presentation of a communication. 
The Community will explore cooperation with third countries, notably the US, on 
encryption. 
8. Media ownership 
The Commission will shortly present a Communication to the Council and Parliament on 
the follow-up to the Green paper "Pluralism and media concentration in the internal 
market", in particular to avoid the risk of further fragmentation of the Internal Market 
with the emergence of new national regulations. The Commission will analyse the 
comments which have been received during consultations with interested parties and will 
take a position on the different options regarding the need and the appropriate level of 
intervention. 
9. Competition 
Competition law plays an important role in maintaining open markets, as well as in 
ensuring that cooperation between TOs does not result in new barriers being set up. The 
Commission takes an active role in the application of the competition rules to the telecom 
sector, as shown by two Directives based on article 90, and many individual cases falling 
under articles 85 and 86. The rules will in particular play an increasing role in the 
settlement of interconnection disputes. The Commission is considering whether to take 
measures on the use of alternatives and cable TV networks for non-reserved services. 
The competition rules support a positive contribution to the achievement of the 
information society, and the Commission will apply these rules taking into account the 
reality of the newly emerging global markets and the rapid speed of change. 
10. Audiovisual 
The regulatory framework which applies to the content of audiovisual services must 
contribute to the free movement of such services within the Union, and be responsive to 
the opportunities for growth in this sector opened up by new technologies. These 
measures must take into account the specific nature, in particular their cultural and 
sociological impact, of audiovisual programmes, whatever their mode of transmission. 
Traditional television remains an important service with regards to extending the 
information society into the home. The 1989 Directive "Television without frontiers"1 
must be reviewed. A proposal will be submitted in the Autumn. 
Council Directive 89/552/EEC of 3 October 1989 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down 
by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the pursuit of television 
broadcasting activities, ECOJ 17.10.1989, L298/23 
n. NETWORKS, BASIC SERVICES, APPLICATIONS AND CONTENT 
The private sector will take the leading role in the implementation of the Information 
Society. It is used to risk-taking, has extensive experience in exploring and developing 
new markets, and is a valuable source of capital. The Commission will play its catalytic 
role by putting in a user-friendly and coordinated fashion its various instruments at 
disposal and by stimulating partnership-building and the launching of new concrete 
initiatives. 
Applications in the area of Trans-European Networks, as well as the audiovisual field, will 
play a major role in the development and implementation of the information society. 
1. Networks 
• Euro-ISDN: The Commission's proposals on TEN-ISDN8 should be adopted by the 
Council and Parliament before the end of the year. 
• Integrated Broadband Communications (EBC): Work is performed under the 
RDT specific programmes on information and communication and the 
"asynchronous transfer mode" (ATM) trial (at present 18 public network operators 
involved). 
The Bangemann report recommends setting up a European Broadband Steering 
Committee involving all relevant actors in order to develop a common 
implementation strategy by the end of the year. The Commission will encourage 
such an activity by the end of 1994. 
• Mobile communications: The Commission has recently issued a Green Paper 
proposing further liberalisation of the sector and the development towards Union-
wide markets for equipment, networks and services9. The Commission will present a 
report on the results of the consultation phase by the end of 1994 and will table 
respective legislative measures in 1995. 
• Satellite communications: The Commission is finalising the first phase of its 
policy based on the Satellite Green Paper10. This phase could, if necessary, conclude 
with the adoption of an article 90 based Directive liberalising satellite services and 
8 Communication from the Commission related to the development of the ISDN as a trans-European 
network, proposal for a Council Decision on a series of guidelines for the development of ISDN as a 
Trans-European network, and proposal for a Council Decision adopting a multi-annual Community 
action concerning the development of ISDN as a trans-European network, COM(93) 347 final 
(01.09.93) 
9 Towards the Personal Communications Environment: Green Paper on a common approach to mobile 
and personal communications in the European Union, COM(94) 145 final. 
10 Towards Europe-wide systems and services: Green Paper on a common approach in the field of 
satellite communications in the European Community, COM(90)490, 20.11.90) 
Parliament of a Directive on the mutual recognition of licences for satellite services11 
by the end of 1994. 
With the recent adoption of a Communication on the provision of, and access to, 
space segment capacity12, the Commission intends to launch a new phase in its policy 
and the Council is invited to adopt a Resolution on this issue. Extensive discussions 
will take place with US authorities and European industry on satellite personal 
communications services. 
The Commission will produce before the end of the year an overall conceptual framework 
for these various trans-European telecom networks initiatives. 
2. Basic services 
With the emergence of Euro-ISDN and the introduction of ATM-based broadband 
communication services, more diversified basic services for electronic mail, video 
conferencing and multimedia services can be provided. 
The Commission will initiate a European Forum for basic services, aiming at a closer 
cooperation on common services and functional specifications and on the timing of their 
introduction. 
The Commission will set up a group to identify the benefits and the conditions for 
coexistence and convergence of the INTERNET and OSI protocol suites in the context of 
the Union's commitment to standardisation. 
3. Applications 
Research projects and experimental applications must be moved from the laboratory 
into real life in order to create new markets and new job opportunities. The CORFU 
Summit endorsed the application areas proposed by the Bangemann group: 
teleworking, distance learning, a network for universities and research centres, 
telematic services for SMEs, road traffic management, air traffic control, healthcare 
networks, trans-European public administration network, electronic tendering, and 
city information highways. 
• Methodology for implementation 
Initiatives will be designed and set up in a bottom-up fashion by the private sector, 
possibly in partnership, for those applications which are related to public interest or 
influenced and regulated by public authorities, with Member States, regions and 
cities. 
1 ] Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive on a policy for the mutual recognitio of 
licences and other national authorisations for the provision of satellite network services and/or 
satellite communications services, COM(93) 652 final - COD 482, 04.01.94 
12 Communication from thr Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on Satellite 
Communications: The provision of- and access to - Space Segment Capacity, COM(94) 210 final, 
100694 
9 
Besides its actions in the regulatory and legal domain, the Commission will support 
the development of applications in various ways. Each case being different, no single 
universal solution exists, and a combination of different means will be needed. As an 
immediate practical step, the Commission will set up an "Information Society Project 
Office". This office will act as a single user-friendly interface between the 
Commission and those who are taking initiatives in the various areas ("one-stop 
shopping" approach) in order to facilitate an optimal use of these various 
instruments. 
Financing 
Whilst the creation of the information society will be entrusted to the private sector, 
the Commission will see to it that better focused and more effective use is made of 
existing financial instruments. 
Building on the results of the 3rd Framework programme, the 4th RDT Framework 
programme will contribute extensively to accelerate the deployment of the 
applications taken up in the conclusions of the European Council. New technologies 
will be developed in the framework of the specific programmes for full-scale 
implementation of the applications following the pilot experiments. While the 
"Advanced Communication and Telecommunication Services" specific programme 
has been adopted, the Commission will seek rapid decisions on "Telematics", and 
"Information technology". Call for proposals are likely to be issued on respectively 
15 September and 15 December 1994. The 4th Framework programme will also 
support diffusion and valorisation activities, including financial engineering schemes 
and technology transfer activities. 
In the context of Transeuropean networks, The Commission will use the TEN-
ISDN and TEN-IBC initiatives to support those applications that contribute to the 
development of advanced communication networks by means of feasibility studies, 
loan guarantees and interest rebates. 
Within the context of the Structural funds, the Commission welcomes the emphasis 
given to aspects of the information society in the Community Support Framework 
/single programming documents agreed for the Objective 1 regions for the period 
1994-1999 . The Commission will seek to ensure through the monitoring 
Committees that sufficient account is taken of the needs of the information society 
when selecting projects to be financed. These needs will also be addressed in the 
negotiations of the Objective 2 and 5b plans. In addition, the Member States will be 
able to include appropriate measures within the draft programmes to be submitted 
under the SME initiative by the end of October 1994. 
Initiative definition, partnership-building and concrete experiments 
The Commission will take a number of initiatives to stimulate private and public-
private partnerships and to increase user involvment. 
It will, from its own initiative or to respond to expressions of interest (for which it 
will issue Call for ideas and Call for intentions in various domains), gather potential 
actors (users, operators, service providers, equipment manufacturers, etc..) in Round 
tables, Fora and Conferences, according to the degree of maturity of the initiatives. 
Discussions will address such issues as the identification of needs, cost estimates, 
10 
organisational structures, and financing mechanisms. Current areas where this 
methodology will first be applied concern teleworking, distance learning, research 
networks, health care, as well as the examples described below. 
Through these common definition and partnership-building exercises, and with the 
support of the Commission's instruments, the aim is to arrive at the launching oîfield 
trials and large-scale pilot experiments in real-life commercial environments. 
Besides this, the Commission will reflect on new ways and approaches to further 
facilitate the deployment of concrete initiatives. 
Examples (cf. Annex 3) 
Following is a non-exhaustive list of themes mentioned in the Bangemann report 
which are already well under way: 
Telematic services for SMEs: In the framework of the implementation of the 
integrated programme for SMEs, and with the collaboration of appropriate 
local institutions, the Commission will stimulate the creation of telematic 
networks to reinforce the partnership relations between SMEs and between 
SMEs and large enterprises. In parallel, new services such as diffusion of new 
technologies, partnership research, training, legal support, as well as a new 
culture of cooperation and parnterships between enterprises will be promoted, 
notably by the development of advisory agencies. 
Transport telematics field: the Commission will issue in the late Summer 1994 
a Communication on "Telematics applications for transport in Europe" which 
will identify the required actions (technical, legal, organisational) for the 
development of the telematics infrastructure and will propose priority telematic 
projects for various means of transport. 
The Commission will continue to collaborate with associations of cities and 
regions, such as POLIS and CORRIDOR in order to develop common 
networks for pilot projects and ERTICO (which brings together more than 30 
administrations, undertakings, operators and users), in order to coordinate the 
implementation of telematics road transport. 
Trans-European public administration networks: the Commission proposed in 
March 1993 guidelines and the implementation action IDA13. This programme 
covers not only electronic mail between administrations in the Union, but also 
legal and architectural aspects and several sectoral networks linked with the 
abolition of internal border controls, fisheries, statistics, social security, 
medicinal products, etc. After the recent adoption of the Resolution on 
coordination with regard to information exchange between administrations, the 
13 Communication from the Commission on the trans-European data communication networks between 
administrations, proposal for a Council Decision on a series of guidelines related to the trans-
European data communication networks between administrations, and proposal for a Council 
Decision on a Community pluriannual action supporting the implementation of trans-European data 
communication networks between administrations (IDA), COM (93) 69 final (12.03.93), 
11 
Council14 and the European Parliament are invited to adopt rapidly this 
programme. 
Electronic tendering: The Commission, with the support of the Member 
States, will develop the SIMAP programme (Système informatisé des marchés 
publics). This programme, of which a pilot project is currently being finalised, 
should create interactive data exchange possiblities for entities covered by the 
Community's public procurement Directives and their suppliers. 
Urban Information Highways: The Commission will stimulate the 
implementation of pilot sites in European cities by inviting multi-disciplinary 
groups (technicians and creators) to promote pilot experiments, training in new 
skills and development of interactive applications. 
4. Content 
• Audiovisual 
In the audiovisual field, the Green Paper "Strategy options to strengthen the 
European programme industry in the context of the audiovisual policy of the EU" 
issued by the Commission in April 1994, focuses on the development of the film and 
TV programme industry. It stresses the importance of developing a strategy to 
contribute to the growth of the information society and to promote the 
competitiveness of the programme industry in the world market. 
The follow-up to this Green Paper will address both regulatory aspects (eg 
promotion of European programmes), and incentive mechanisms (eg the follow-up to 
the MEDIA programme, the convergence of national support systems). The 
emphasis will be placed on action at the EU level but a collective effort will be 
needed involving all interests in the Member States. 
• Information industry and market 
The availability of high quality information resources (databases, image-bases, etc) 
will be key elements of the European information infrastructure. Building on the 
results of the IMPACT programme, the Commission will reflect on ways to stimulate 
the creation of favourable conditions for information providers to adapt their skills 
and products to the changing environment and to stimulate increased usage. 
14 see also Council Resolution of the 20th June 1994 on coordination with regard to information 
exchange between administrations (OJ C-181 of 02.07.94) 
12 
m. SOCIAL, SOCIETAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS 
The information society promises to create new jobs, enhanced social solidarity and to 
promote Europe's linguistic and cultural diversity. However, if not adequately framed, it 
could create new social and economic discrepancies. The strong support of European 
citizens is needed for the real "take-off' of the information society. Its advent is likely to 
generate some fears, which should not be underestimated. 
In order to maximise the economic, societal and cultural benefits of new technologies and 
to address the risks, it will be necessary to evaluate their impact and adopt the appropriate 
response measures to accompany changes, while guaranteeing essential social notions 
such as universal service. \ 
The Commission intends to set up a High Level Group of Experts advising on the 
problems to be considered in priority and the appropriateness of the measures which are 
elaborated. 
On completion of their work, the Commission might invite all relevant actors to tackle 
social and societal issues within the framework of a major Colloquium. 
The Commission intends to give priority to the following issues: 
• Employment and the working environment 
The Commission considers it vital to ensure that the opportunities to develop new 
and better jobs are exploited to the full, and that potential negative effects are 
effectively addressed. In particular, it considers that the full involvement of the social 
partners is an essential part of the process of coping with such structural changes. 
Against this background, the Commission intends to ensure that, in the context of the 
follow-up to the White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness and Employment and in 
preparation to the ESSEN Council, the necessary conditions will be defined to ensure 
the optimal exploitation of new possibilities of employment growth linked to 
technological change, including guidelines designed to facilitate the process of 
economic and social adaptation. 
In order to be able to formulate policies in relation to the impact of the information 
society on employment, the Commission will also conduct a number of specific 
studies on this relationship, and contribute to a series of OECD studies, one of which 
will address information infrastructures, under the leadership of the Commission 
within the 1995-1996 programme. 
The Commission, in collaboration with other instances, will take steps to ensure that 
effective evaluation is made of the expected overall impact on jobs, both quantitative 
and qualitative. 
The Commission intends to prepare in the near future, a report which will address the 
employment and wider social consequences of the development of 'the flexible firm' -
including the consequences of the development of core and periphery activities, 
flexible working time arrangements, continuing in-hour training, teleworking, and 
networking between enterprises. 
13 
Societal aspects 
The information society will profoundly change everyday life and leisure time, 
promote new forms of urban and rural development and improve the quality of the 
education and health systems. However, the accelerated diffusion of new 
technologies may also give rise to rejection and isolation. 
In line with the actions undertaken with respect to applications and with the support 
of the High Level Group of Experts, the Commission will launch a series of works on 
the main social impacts caused by the introduction of these new technologies. 
It will also launch a study assessing the impacts and benefits of the information 
society for regional, economic and social cohesion. 
Cultural aspects 
The information society provides the opportunity to facilitate the dissemination of 
European cultural values and the valorisation of a common heritage. Cultural goods, 
especially cinema and television programmes, cannot be treated like other products: 
they are the privileged mediums of identity, pluralism and integration and retain their 
specificity within the framework of new multimedia products and services. 
Measures derived from the audio-visual Green paper, to be proposed in the Autumn, 
will aim at making audio-visual policy a key element in the content strategy which will 
play a crucial role in delivering the benefits of the information society. 
Linguistic issues 
Europe's strength resides in its rich historical and cultural heritage. Its diversity and its 
linguistic and cultural links with other parts of the world constitute an asset for 
supplying new tailored services targeting regional or specialised audiences. However, 
it also poses a challenge for services aimed at a European wide audience. 
The Commission will issue by January 1995 a Communication identifying ways to 
address European linguistic issues and to stimulate the emerging language-based 
industry. 
14 
^•c IV. PROMOTION ACTIVITIES 
Within the framework of the information programme on the White Paper, a package of 
information activities is planned in order to promote awareness of the global information 
society throughout the European Union. 
The programme of disseminating information has started by the wide distribution of the 
report "Europe and the global information society - Recommendations to the European 
Council" produced by the high-level group on the information society. Copies of the 
report have been circulated throughout the EU institutions, national administrations, the 
media and on the basis of individual requests. The report is now also available to a global 
readership using worldwide electronic networks. 
The information activities will target European citizens in general, as well as specialist 
audiences (including companies, the press, user groups, trade associations, social partners 
and public administrations) and will aim at raising the general awareness regarding the 
emergence of the information society. They will include the benefits and effects of the 
information services and applications which are being developed. The audience for the 
promotional campaign will also include EU institutions, and will extend throughout the 
Member States to ensure that all regions of the EU are informed. Best use will be made 
of existing organisations at the national and regional level capable of supporting this 
promotion exercise. 
A number of information and promotional activities will be carried out by the 
Commission, starting early in Autumn 1994. This win* include the organisation of 
"information days* and multimedia demonstrations, a conference on the global information 
society lo he attended by international opinion-makers in this field, the production of 
audiovisual materials for non-specialised audiences, and the production of an information 
brochure aimed at the general public 
AH modem methods of electronic publishing and information distribution will be used to 
promote awareness of the techm>fogicalrx)temiaIofthemformation sociery 
As far as user awareness of best practice is concerned, mechanisms will be established to 
exchange best practice in the use of technologies, concentrating on the business and public 
service domains, and giving special attention to the needs of SMEs. This would involve 
the Member States, industry and user associations, chambers of commerce, local and 
regional government, and local organisations 
15 
Annex 1 : Pending measures 
Measure Decision-making process Calendar 
1. REGULATORY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK 
1. Towards a competitive environment 
ONP / Directive on Voice Telephony (co-decision procedure) 
3. Tariffs 
Implement Council Directive on application of ONP/leased lines by 
monitoring transposition in Member Stattes 
4. Worldwide dimension 
"Basic" services negotiations (essentially voice telephony) 
IPR-related issues, MRAs 
5. Intellectual property rights (IPRs) 
Proposed Directive on legal protection of databases 
6. Privacy 
Data privacy framework Directive 
Directive on the protection of personal data and privacy in the context 
of digital telecommunications networks 
7. Electronic protection, legal protection and security 
Advanced broadcasting: revised Directive on TV standards 
9. Competition 
Procedures as regards mobile telephony monopolies 
II. NETWORKS, BASIC SERVICES, APPLICATIONS AND CONTENT 
1. Networks 
Euro-ISDN: guidelines and Action Plan 
Mutual recognition of licenses & authorisations to provide services; 
Directives in telecommunications and satellite services sectors 
Satellite communications : liberalisation of satellite services and 
terminals 
3. Applications 
IDA : guidelines and action plan 
Specific R&D programme on Information Technology 
Specific R&D programme on Telematics applications Common position by Council; 
EP to vote July 1994 
Commission to take appropriate 
measures 
Commission to act within GATT, 
WIPO & EPO frameworks 
Council to adopt 
EP and Council to adopt 
EP and Council to adopt 
Council to adopt common 
position 
Action under way 1994 
continued action 
April 1996 
continued action 
1994 
end 1994/1995 
end 1994/1995 
November 1994 
continued action 
Commission to present revised 
proposal taking into account EP 
amendements 
Council common position 
Currently before the Council and 
EP for discussion and decision 
Commission Directive (art. 90) in 
consultation with Council 
EP and Council to adopt 
Council to adopt 
Council to adopt July 1994 
November 1994 
end 1994/1995 
1994 
end 1994 
September 1994 
September 1994 
(k 
Annex 2 : New measures under consideration 
Measure Decision-making process C iiendar 
I. REGULATORY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK 
I.Towards a competitive environment 
Communication on infrastructure liberalisation: principle & timetable 
Green Paper on infrastructure liberalisation implementation measures 
2. Standardisation, interconnection and interoperability 
Communication on wider use of standardisation to support EU policy 
Proposal for adaptation of ICT standardisation policy 
Updating ONP framework (organisation:standardisation) 
Interconnection Directive (updating ONP Framework) 
3. Tariffs 
Report on the principles governing the financing of Universal Service 
4. Worldwide Dimension 
Global Information Society promotion 
5. Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) 
Green Paper on IPRs in the information society 
Directive on private copying 
7. Electronic protection, legal protection and security 
Communication on security issues and role of Member States, 
Follow-up to 1NFOSEC 
Harmonisation of Member States legal provisions relating to 
unauthorised access 
Green paper on the legal protection of encrypted broadcasts 
8. Media ownership 
Communication to Council and EP on follow-up to Green Paper on 
media pluralism 
9. Competition 
Measures on the use of alternatives and cable TV networks for non-
reserved services 
10. Audiovisual 
"Television without Frontiers" Directive, revised Council Directive 
II. NETWORKS, BASIC SERVICES, APPLICATIONS AND CONTENT 
1. Networks 
Follow-up to Communication on access to space segment 
Establish overall framework covering all telecom-related issues 
Communication on follow-up to Green Paper on mobile & personal 
communications Adoption by Commission 
Adoption by Commission 
Adoption by Commission 
Commission's proposals 
Commission's proposals 
Adoption by Commission 
Consultation with MS; 
report to EP and Council 
G7 ministerial level meeting 
Adoption by Commission 
Adoption by Commission 
Adoption by Commission 
Adoption by Commission 
Commission's proposals 
Adoption by Commission 
Currently under consideration by 
the Commission before adoption 
Adoption by Commission 
Adoption by Commission 
Proposal for Council Resolution 
Commission's proposal 
Adoption by Commission 
First discussion before Council 
3. Applications J. Applications 
Communication on Telematics applications for transports in Europe Adoption by Commission 
4. Content 
Follow-up to IMPACT programme 
Follow-up to the Green Paper on audiovisual 
III. SOCIAL, SOCIETAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS 
Analysis of conditions for optimal exploitation of new sources of 
employment and guidelines to facilitate eco. and soc. adaptation 
Report outlining the needs and effective options to develop flexible 
organisational structures in enterprises 
Communication addressing European linguistic issues and means to 
stimulate the emerging language-based industry Commission's proposal 
Commission's proposals 
Adoption by Commission 
Adoption by Commission September l'A-
end 1994 
October 1994 
1995 
end 1995 
1995 
end 1995 
November 1994 
early 1995 
1994 
1994 
September 1994 
1995 
1994 
July 1994 
1994 
end 1994 
1995 
end 1994/early 95 
November 1994 
1994 
1994 
1994 
1994/1995 
end 1994/ 
early 1995 
y 
Annex 3 : Possible partnerships 
A e following table recaps all those initiatives of a non-procedural nature which aim at providing or stimulating 
partnership amongst the various actors, be they public or private sector, institutions, and users. 
Sector and scope of the initiative Action foreseen /Calendar 
I. REGULATORY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK 
2. Standardisation, interconnection and interoperability 
Standardisation policy: bringing all concerned actors together to 
review the European standardisation policy 
4. Worldwide dimension 
Improve international cooperation on information society related 
issues through the promotion of join initiatives 
10. Audiovisual 
Advanced Broadcasting : Implement the 1993-1997 Action Plan on 
advanced TV services and the development of new TV digital 
services 
II. NETWORKS, BASIC SERVICES, APPLICATIONS AND CONTENT 
2. Basic services 
Promoting closer concertation on common services and functional 
specifications and on means of introducing them 
3. Applications 
Promotion of European-wide implementation and deployment of 
applications; priority areas identified by the "Bangemann report" 
and endorsed by the Corfu summit 
Pursue ongoing work in specific domains 
Research & Development effort to ensure a sound technology base 
for the development of the Information Society 
Take full advantage of the opportunities offered by TransEuropean 
Netrworks 
Make best use of the 1994-1999 CSFs and SME initiative 
III. SOCIAL, SOCIETAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS 
Advise Commission 
To maximise the economic, societal and cultural benfits of the 
introductions of new technologies and master the risks 
IV. PROMOTION ACTIVITIES 
Stimulate reflection and initiatives from citizens, users, public and 
private bodies; promote awareness and sensibilise the largest 
possible audience Workshop with all concerned parties to be held in 
November 1994 and wide consultation 
launching of joint EU-US projects (eg, World Wide 
Web, telèworking, telematics for the environment); 
interoperability workbench; information security 
Commission's continued action with sector's actors; 
support activities carried out within the Digital Video 
Broadcasting forum 
Commission's proposal for the establishment of a 
European Forum for Basic Services 
Combination of different means involving public and 
private sector's actors, including round tables, steering 
committees, fora, call for intentions and ideas 
Telematic services for SMEs; transport telematics; 
trans-European public administration networks; 
electronic tendering 
Community RDT Framework Programme and specific 
programmes, eg, launching call for proposals in 
advance communications, information technology and 
telematics sectors before end or 1994 
Carrying out feasiblity studies, preparing schemes for 
interest rebates and loan guarantees 
Eg, support information infrastructure building for 
telework and distance learning centres 
High Level Group of Experts 
Bringing all concerned parties together in a 
Colloquium 
Disseminating information early in Fall 1994, through 
publications, information days, conferences, 
multimedia demonstrations 
Vfc 
BSN 0254-1475 
COM(94) 347 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 16 
Catalogue number : C&CO-94-364-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-72084-0 
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