WRITTEN QUESTION E-0515/01

by Francesco Musotto (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(22 February 2001)

Subject: European computer driving licence

A number of organisations have sprung up in Italy issuing a European computer driving licence to applicants who follow a course and pass an exam (both subject to fees).

- In the interests of consumer protection, will the Commission clarify whether the European computer driving licence (ECDL) enjoys any legitimacy and/or recognition as a European qualification?

- From what legal source does the legal recognition of this licence derive?

- Is the Commission aware of, or has it authorised, use of the Community logo (European flag) by centres issuing the licence and on the licences issued?

- If the Commission has recognised the licence, why has it endorsed a qualification based on Microsoft software, rather than, say, Linux software, which is free?

- What will the Commission do to protect those who do not possess this licence but are competent computer operators?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(24 April 2001)

The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) project, which aims at establishing a computer skills accreditation system on a pan-European basis, was developed with the financial support of the Commission's Esprit and later the Leonardo da Vinci programme. Initiatives such as the ECDL are intended to reduce the information and communication technologies (ICT) skills gap. At this point in time, however, there is no mechanism for endorsement of this or any other qualification as European. Any recognition of qualifications of a nature such as that described by the Honourable Member or delivery of a diploma in this field is still within the competence of the Member States.

In cases where a Member State does recognise such a qualification, the Honourable Member might like to refer to the legal authority in that Member State to trace the legal source for such recognition.

In the context of the Leonardo da Vinci programme, the contractor has the contractual obligation to ensure that all products developed under the contract mention the financial support of the programme(1). ECDL is therefore entitled to use the European flag, as the project was developed with Community funding.

The ECDL as a certificate is not based on any particular software platform. It is based on the practical demonstration of a competency level (in the modules concerned) of familiar office applications. The software that may be used to ascertain that level is a matter for negotiation between the applicant and the test centre concerned. The management of ECDL lies with the European Computer Driving Licence Foundation.

It is not entirely clear what the Honourable Member means by the term protect. Through its various programmes and activities the Commission encourages European citizens to develop their information technology (IT) skills. The European Computer Driving Licence is one opportunity among others for users to test these skills.

(1) Article 7,8 of the 1996 contract The Contractor undertakes to take measures for the dissemination of the various training products which are produced under this contract. Furthermore, the Contractor undertakes to mention Leonardo da Vinci support at all events and in the various training products which are produced under this contract.