WRITTEN QUESTION E-3041/01

by Ioannis Marínos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(30 October 2001)

Subject: Use of new technology in Greece

A report published by the Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations of Europe (UNICE), which incorporates data from the Commission, Eurostat and other major international organisations, notes that the rate at which new technology is being introduced in Greece is extremely slow.

In 1999, only 6 Greeks in 100 owned a computer when the Community average was 25. Not only did Greece rank bottom in the Union, it also lagged behind applicant countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic. According to the OECD, in 1998 Greece also took last place in the Union for per capita investment in research, while on-line banking represents a barely perceptible percentage of total banking transactions at just above zero. The use of computers is also negligible in primary and secondary education. The Commission puts the figure at zero for the primary level, while the rate of use at secondary level is simply the lowest in the Union.

What are the Commission's views on these disheartening figures for the use of new technologies and their applications in Greece? Has it identified the reasons for this deplorable situation? Is the Commission satisfied that all the Community funds given to Greece (Community Support Frameworks, other Community initiatives, etc.) have been spent in the most effective and transparent manner to achieve convergence?

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(12 December 2001)

The statistical data published in the area of Member State expenditure on research and development as well as on expenditure on the integration of the information society are a reflection of a more general phenomenon at EU level, involving, more particularly, a slowness on the part of Member States to derive greater benefits from technological innovation. Among the causes albeit not listed in order of importance the following may be cited: rigidity of the economic and social structures, rigidity of the labour market, existence of significant macro-economic imbalances resulting in a weak economic environment, and the absence of major direct foreign investment.

As regards Member State attempts to promote the integration of the information society, the Commission feels that the latest Eurobarometer survey results indicate that the Member State in question has made a major effort to move closer to the Community average. A number of further initiatives still need to be taken at national level to ensure the integration of technological change in the country. For this reason, the Commission is supporting the Information Society programme launched by the Member State under the Structural Funds. This programme seeks to promote the same aims as the eEurope Action Plan, viz. cheaper, faster and more secure Internet access, promotion of Internet use, and investment in people and skills.

The Commission believes that the encouragement of optimal use of the new technologies in all areas of activity lies at the heart of this eEurope Action Plan. A comparative assessment of the progress achieved by the Member States in the information society integration process would provide a more coherent and detailed overview of developments both at European and national level. It would also ensure that any decisions taken in the future were more focused.