Amended proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION adopting a multi- annual Community programme to stimulate the development of a European multimedia content industry and to encourage the use of multimedia content in the merging information society (INFO2000)
Date: 1996-05-14
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU programme, communications policy, information industry, information technology, technological change

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels,  14.05.19% 
COM(96)  188 final 

95/0156  (CNS) 

Amended proposal for a 

COUNCIL  DECISION 

adopting a multi-annual  Community  programme 
to stimulate the development of a European  multimedia content industry 
and to encourage the use of multimedia  content 
in the merging information  society 
(INFO 2000) 

(presented  by  the  Commission  pursuant  to  Article  189 a  (2) 
of  the  EC-Treaty) 

Explanatory  memorandum 

1. 

Introduction 

1.1  On  30  June  1995  the  Commission  adopted  a  proposal  for  a  Council  Decision 
adopting  a multi-annual  Community programme  to stimulate the development  of a 
European multimedia content  industry and to encourage the use of this  multimedia 
content  in  the  emerging  information  society  (INFO  2000)  (COM(95)  149  final). 
This proposal was transmitted to the Council on 30 June  1995. 

1.2  The Council reached a political agreement on this proposal on 27 November  1995. 

1.3  The  ESC  delivered  its opinion  at the  meeting  on  20-21  December  1995  (ESC(95) 

1455). 

1.4  The  European  Parliament  adopted  its  opinion  on  28  March  1996.  That  opinion 

contains 52 amendments to the original text presented by the Commission. 

1.5  The Commission  can accept  24 of these  amendments,  of which  16 in whole  and 8 

in part. It cannot accept the remaining 28 amendments. 

1.6  The  reasons  for  which  the  Commission  has  adopted  this  position  on  the 
amendments are set out in paragraph  3 below. The text of the amended  proposal  is 
given  in  Annex  1 (right-hand  column)  as  compared  with  the  text  of  the  original 
proposal (left-hand  column). 

2.  Object of the proposal 

The  proposal  concerns  the  establishment  of  a  multi-annual  Community  programme, 
called  INFO  2000,  aimed  at  stimulating  the  development  of  a  European  multimedia 
content  industry  and  encouraging  the  use  of  this  multimedia  content  in  the  emerging 
information  society. 

The three long-term  strategic objectives of the programme are: 
• 
• 

to facilitate the development of the European information  content industry; 
to optimise the contribution of new information  services to growth,  competitiveness 
and employment in Europe; 
to  optimise  the  contribution  of  the  advanced 
professional,  social and cultural development of the citizens of Europe. 

information  services  to  the 

• 

3. 

Position  of  the  Commission  on  the  amendments  presented  by  the  European 
Parliament 

3.1  Amendments  accepted  as they  stand 

The  Commission  accepts  Amendments  4, 6,  8, 9,  15,  17, 20, 22, 27, 28, 33, 34, 39, 44,  47 
and  51. 

Amendment  4 adds  a new  recital  rightly  underlining  respect  for  linguistic  pluralism. 

Amendment  6  is  useful  in  that  it  adds  a  new  recital  to  the  effect  that  the  measures  under 
the programme  must  help, in particular,  to reduce  the risks of  exclusion. 

Amendment  8 specifies  that  cinema  and  television  are  included  in the audiovisual  sector. 

Amendment  9  stresses  the  synergy  to  be  achieved  between  the  INFO  2000  programme 
and  other  Community  programmes  or  initiatives. 

Amendment  15 extends  the  Commission's  responsibility  to the  granting  of  financial  aid. 

Amendment  17  redefines  the  field  of  application  of  the  comitology  procedure  set  out  in 
Article  5, by deleting  the  breakdown  of the  budgetary  expenditure  and  introducing  a  more 
precise  wording  as  regards 
third  countries  or 
international  organisations. 

the  participation  of  bodies 

from 

Amendment  20  is a technical  improvement  to the  wording  employed. 

Amendment  22  is  useful  in  pointing  out  that  the  organisations  entrusted  with  awareness 
and  information  campaigns  work  in a European  and  international  network. 

Amendment  27  is  an  improvement  to  the  title  of  Action  Line  2  (Multimedia  exploitation 
of public  sector  information). 

Amendment  28 adds  some  useful  remarks  on  public  sector  information. 

Amendment  33  specifies  the  fields  concerned  by  the  pilot  projects  conducted  under 
activity  2.2. 

Amendment  34  improves  upon  the  wording  of the  original  text  to express  the  same  idea. 

Amendment  39  rightly  reiterates  the  importance  of  the  coordinated  approach  adopted  in 
the  pilot  projects  conducted  under  the  IMPACT  programme. 

Amendment  44  rightly  insists  on  particular  encouragement  for  the  development  of 
the  measures  aimed  at  developing  and 
multimedia  services 
exchanging  good  practice. 

for  SMEs  amongst 

Amendment  47 rightly points out that education  must  devote more  attention to  Europe's 
cultural and linguistic heritage and to the multimedia aspect. 

Amendment  51 improves upon the wording. 

3.2  Amendments which the Commission can accept in part or subject to  modification. 

This concerns Amendments  1, 5, 7, 21, 30, 37, 38 and 50. 

Amendment  1  makes  a  useful  addition  in  the  form  of  a  new  recital  reiterating  the 
principles  of  equality,  accessibility  and  low  cost,  with  regard  to  certain  basic  services, 
which  must  be  respected  in  the  provision  of  multimedia  services.  The  Commission 
cannot,  however,  accept  the words  "and  in  some  cases  free  provision",  which  it  regards 
as too all-embracing. 

Amendment  5 can  be  accepted  in  principle,  in  that  the  interests  of  the  public  certainly 
merit  special  attention.  Nevertheless,  in  order  to  preserve  the  consistency  of  the  text  of 
the recitals, it is preferable  to add the words "and the interests of the public" at the end of 
recital  11. 

It is not  within  the  remit  of  INFO  2000  to  settle the  questions  raised  by Amendment  7. 
Nevertheless,  the  Commission  agrees  with  the  spirit  of  the  proposed  recital  and  will 
devote  particular  attention  to  the  level  of  implementation  of  the  programme,  so  as  to 
ensure  that  the  measures  taken  under  the  programme  are  compatible  with  the  policy 
guidelines  expressed  by Parliament.  The  amendment  is therefore  acceptable  if  reworded 
as  follows:  "Whereas  it  is  necessary  to  devote  particular  attention,  at  the  level  of 
implementation  of  the  programme,  to  the  risks  of  abuse  of  multimedia  content  in  such 
pernicious areas as racism, illegal pornography and other criminal activities;" 

Amendment  21  is  acceptable  as  regards  the  first  two  parts,  in  that  it  makes  useful 
additions.  In  the  third  part,  however,  while  the  remarks  about  encouraging  the 
development  of  demand  amongst  certain  user  groups  is  acceptable,  the  reference  to 
certain  categories  (women,  the  disabled,  associations,  NGOs)  is  too  specific  in  this 
context. 

Amendment  30  is  acceptable  except  for  the  first  point  ("and  the  potential  offered  by 
women  in  the  subsequent  development  of  such  technologies")  and  the  last  point  ("The 
Commission  will  assist the Member  States  ...").  The first point  confuses  the general  and 
the particular and makes it difficult  to grasp the real imperatives  of the Green Paper. The 
last  point  seems  hardly  compatible  with  the  principle  of  subsidiarity  and  would  require 
financial  resources not provided for in the proposed  budget. 

Amendment  37  is  acceptable  provided  the  specific  reference  to  the  United  States  is 
deleted. 

The  first  two  parts  of  Amendment  38  provide  useful  rewordings  and  additions.  As 
regards the second last change (development of new software  packages), the Commission 
cannot accept this addition for  the reasons  set out  for  Amendment  45. Lastly, in the case 
of the final change, the proposed measure duplicates the measures taken under the Green 
Paper on copyright and neighbouring rights in the information  society. 

Amendment  50 is welcome, in that it proposes that the  support received  for the  products 
emanating  from  a  project  receiving  financial  support  should  be  acknowledged.  The 
inclusion  of  the  European  Union  flag,  however,  is  not  acceptable,  since  it  could  create 
ambiguity by giving the impression of a quality label. 

3.3  Amendments which the Commission cannot accept: 

This concerns Amendments 2, 3, 10,  11,  12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 31, 32, 
35, 36, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 48, 49 and 52. 

Amendment  2  raises  the  risk  of  duplication  with  other  programmes,  in  particular  the 
Telematics  Applications  programme,  in that  it  states  that  the  actions  should  support  the 
development  of  applications  serving  the  purposes  of  health,  education,  training  and 
regional planning. 

A  new  recital  giving  special  treatment  to  associations  and  NGOs,  as  proposed  in 
Amendment  3. is not justified  in the light of the general nature of the recitals. 

Contrary  to  Amendment  10.  the  Commission  considers  that  adapting  the  individual 
projects  to  developments  in  the  market  is  essentially  a  matter  for  the  partners  in  each 
project.  On  the  other  hand,  the  Commission  must  ensure  that  the  proposed  programme 
adapts  to  developments  in the  market,  in particular  by updating  the  criteria  for  calls  for 
proposals. 

Amendment  11.  which  lays  down  a  principle  of  strict  reciprocity  in  implementing  the 
programme  in cooperation  with  third  countries  or  international  organisations,  seems  too 
specific. There is no such statement in other Community programmes. 

Amendment  12 is unacceptable to the Commission as the proposed text is not in line with 
the standard text  set out in Annex  II, point  2. A, of the Joint  Declaration  of the  European 
Parliament,  the  Council  and  the  Commission  of  6  March  1995  concerning  the 
incorporation  of  financial  provisions  into  legislative  acts.  However,  the  Commission 
accepts the introduction of a recital and a provision adapted to and in conformity  with the 
aforementioned  Declaration. 

Amendment  13  is  not  in  line  with  the  Commission's  general  policy  on  the  point  in 
question. 

Amendment  14 increases the annual  budgetary resources by reducing the duration  of the 
programme.  The  Commission  shares  the  view  that  the  programme  requires  substantial 

budgetary  resources  in  order  to  achieve  its  objectives.  However,  the  budgetary 
consequences  of  the  proposed  amendment  are  incompatible  with  the  overall  financial 
planning  and  conflict  with  the  financial  outlook  in  heading  3.  For  these  reasons  the 
Commission  cannot  accept the amendment.  The Commission  nevertheless  welcomes  the 
support  it  demonstrates  for  its  position  vis-à-vis  the  Council  on  the  budget  for  the 
programme. 

Amendment  16  does  not  appear  to  introduce  any  additional  elements  over  and  above 
what  is  already  provided  for  in  the  financial  statement  and  Annex  3.  At  the  technical 
level, it would also be preferable  to make a general reference  to the Financial  Regulation 
(instead  of  the  specific  reference  to  Article  57)  and  to  bring  the  terminology  of  the 
amendment into line with that used in Article 57 of the Financial  Regulation. 

Amendment  18 does not  introduce  any new element  over  and  above the current  practice 
and regulations. 

Amendment  19. setting  30 September  1997 as the date for  submission  of the  evaluation 
report, is undesirable. The deadline is too short and will reduce the value of the mid-stage 
evaluation report, as it will take into consideration only the results obtained  over the first 
twelve  months,  and  that  is  an  inadequate  reference  period.  Moreover,  because  of  their 
procedural  complexity,  there  is  a  risk  that  the  arrangements  for  appointing  the 
independent experts will result in a further  reduction in the reference  period. 

Amendment  23  adds  a  function  which  lies  outside  the  tasks  of  the  organisations  in  the 
network and which is largely undertaken through other channels. 

Amendment  24  adds  nothing  useful,  since  the  present  wording  does  not  exclude  the 
organisations  mentioned. 

Amendment  25  makes  a  statement  which  concerns  action  4.3  rather  than  action  1.1. 
Although  the  Commission  largely  welcomes  the  substance  of  the  amendment,  it 
considers that this aspect is covered by the present wording of action 4.3. 

The  Commission  considers  that  action  1.2  must  be  maintained,  in  contrast  to  the 
objective  of Amendment  26. Its proposed  deletion appears to be inspired more by budget 
considerations than by genuine reasons of justification  or problems of implementation. 

The  Commission  considers  the  elements  of  Amendment  29  of  relevance  to  the  debate 
which will take place on the Green Paper on access to, dissemination  and exploitation  of 
public-sector  information.  However,  it  would  be  better  not  to  be  too  prescriptive  as 
regards the Green Paper. 

Amendment  31.  concerning  an  information  system  on  information,  adds  a  statement 
which is of little use, as it is already included in the notion of a directory. 

Amendment  32  proposes  a  wording  which  is  too  specific  as  regards  women's  interests 
and  too  restrictive  as  regards  the  concept  of  an  electronic  public  space  (virtual  reality), 
which should not be limited to the directories aspect. 

The  new wording  of the title  of Action  Line  3.1, as proposed  by Amendment  35. is  not 
fundamentally  different  from  that proposed by the Commission.  The Commission  prefers 
to retain the initial  wording  for  reasons  of consistency  with  its position  on  Amendments 
38, 40 and 45. 

Amendment  36  is  redundant  in  relation  to  Amendment  8 and  makes  a  superfluous  and 
unbalanced  statement. 

the  production  of  multimedia 

Amendment  40  deletes  the  three  fields  identified  as  being  of  strategic  importance,  in 
which 
information  content  must  be  stimulated. 
Coordination  structures  are  already  covered  by  action  1.2.  Finally,  the  emphasis  placed 
on multimedia products which are easily adaptable from  one Member  State to the other is 
in  the  wording  of  section  3.1  (multilingual  and 
already  adequately  expressed 
multicultural European approach). 

The first change (risk of diversity in the range of products) introduced by Amendment 41 
relates  more  to  the  discussions  of  the  public  or  private  information  circles.  The  second 
element (particular attention to be devoted to small producers) seems largely redundant in 
view of the preceding  sentence in the text of point 3.1. 

Amendment  42  proposes  a  mechanism  which  the  Commission  cannot  accept  for  the 
implementation  of  Action  Line  3.1.  However,  the  Commission  considers  the  idea 
interesting  and  worthy  of  a  more  detailed  study  which  can  be  undertaken  under  the 
proposed Action Line 4.1. 

The  Commission  considers  that  the  particular  attention  to  be  devoted  to  the  legal 
conditions  for transferring  information  public  sector  information  to the private  sector,  as 
set  out  in  Amendment  43.  should  be  dealt  with  under  Action  Line  2  and  not  at  the 
specific  level of Action Line 3.2. 

Amendment 45 aims to establish a new Action Line 3 relating to the development  of new 
software  packages.  This  measure  is  not  part  of  INFO  2000,  since  it  is  covered  by  the 
fourth framework  programme of research and development  (IT, ACTS, Telematics). 

Amendment  46  is  not  acceptable,  as  the  text  of  the  preamble  is  not  in  line  with  the 
proposed measures. 

Amendment  48 proposes  a new breakdown  of the budget  which the  Commission  cannot 
accept. The Commission  is aware of the need to increase the resources  for Action Line 3 
at  the  expense  of  Action  Line  1 and  can  agree  with  the  thrust  of  the  proposed  change. 
However,  the  Commission  considers  that  the  proposed  percentage  spread  is  too 
restrictive. The Commission therefore  proposes the following  breakdown: 

.i-i«*w.,Vi..^P 

- action line  1 (stimulating demand and raising awareness): 20-30%, 
- action line 2 (exploiting Europe's public sector information):  18-23%, 
- action line 3 (triggering European multimedia potential): 43-55%, 
- action line 4 (support actions): 7-12%. 

Amendment 49 cannot be accepted for the following  reasons. It is not desirable to replace 
"call  for  proposals"  with  "call  for  tender"  in  point  3  of  Annex  III,  since  this  point 
concerns  shared-cost  projects  for  which the  Community's  financial  contribution  will  not 
be more than  50% of the  cost  of the project.  As regards  point  4, the  Commission's  text 
aims to allow the cofinancing  of projects  submitted  in the form  of unsolicited  proposals, 
outside the formal  framework  of a call for proposals. The amendment  does not cover this 
eventuality and should be rejected. 

Amendment 52 introduces an unacceptable procedural  complexity. 

4. 

Conclusion 

The Commission recommends that the Council  approve the amended  proposal  contained 
in Annex  . 

Original  proposal 

Modified  proposal 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having  regard 
the 
European  Community,  and  in particular  Article  130 
paragraph  3 thereof, 

the  Treaty  establishing 

to 

Having  regard 
the 
European  Community,  and  in particular  Article  130 
paragraph  3 thereof, 

the  Treaty  establishing 

to 

Having  regard  to the proposal  from  the  Commission 

Having regard  to the proposal  from  the  Commission 
(1). 

Having  regard  to  the  opinion  of  the  European 
Parliament  @)t 

Having  regard  to  the  opinion  of  the  European 
Parliament  @), 

Having  regard  to  the  opinion  of  the  Economic  and 
Social Committee @) 

Having  regard  to  the  opinion  of  the  Economic  and 
Social Committee @) 

Whereas  the  European  content  industry  can  make  a 
significant  contribution  to the stimulation  of growth, 
to  the  strengthening  of  competitiveness  and  to  the 
development  of  employment  in  the  Community,  as 
indicated 
"Growth, 
competitiveness,  employment  -  The  challenges  and 
ways forward  into the 21st century"  W, 

the  White  Paper  on 

in 

Whereas  the  European  content  industry  can  make  a 
significant  contribution  to the  stimulation  of growth, 
to  the  strengthening  of  competitiveness  and  to  the 
development  of  employment  in  the  Community,  as 
indicated 
"Growth, 
competitiveness,  employment  -  The  challenges  and 
ways forward  into the 21st century" (4), 

the  White  Paper  on 

in 

Whereas  the European  Council  at Brussels  on  10-11 
December  1993  decided,  on  the  basis  of  that  White 
Paper,  to  implement  an  action  plan,  consisting  of 
concrete measures at both Union and Member  States 
level, 
information 
infrastructures  and  new  applications,  for  which  new 
content is required; 

notably  with 

respect 

to 

Whereas the European  Council  at  Brussels  on  10-11 
December  1993  decided,  on  the  basis  of  that  White 
Paper,  to  implement  an  action  plan,  consisting  of 
concrete measures at both Union  and Member  States 
level, 
information 
infrastructures  and  new  applications,  for  which  new 
content is required; 

notably  with 

respect 

to 

OJN° 
OJN° 
OJN° 
'Growth,  competitiveness,  employment 

(1) 
(2) 
(3) 
(4) 
The  challenges  and  ways  forward  into  the  21st 
century',  COM(93)700  final  of  5.12.1993,  Chapter 
5A The  information  society'. 

(1)  OJN°C  250,  26.9.1995, p.4 
(2)  OJ N° 
(3)  OJN°C82,  19.3.1996, p. 36 
(4) 
'Growth,  competitiveness,  employment  -  The 
challenges  and  ways  forward  into  the  21st  century', 
COM(93)700  final  of  5.12.1993,  Chapter  5A  The 
information  society'. 

3 

Whereas  the  European  Council  at  Corfu  on  24-25 
June  1994 took  note of  the Recommendations  of  the 
High  Level  Group  on  the  information  society  as 
presented  in  the  report  "Europe  and  the  global 
information  society"^);  and  underlined  that  the 
Community  and  Member  States  have  an  important 
role to play in bringing  about the information  society 
by  giving  political  impetus,  by  creating  a  clear  and 
stable regulatory  and  legal framework  and by  setting 
an example in areas which come under their aegis; 

Whereas  the  European  Council  at  Corfu  on  24-25 
June  1994  took  note  of the Recommendations  of  the 
High  Level  Group  on  the  information  society  as 
presented  in  the  report  "Europe  and  the  global 
information  society"  w);  and  underlined  that  the 
Community  and  Member  States  have  an  important 
role to play in bringing about the information  society 
by  giving  political  impetus,  by  creating  a  clear  and 
stable regulatory  and  legal framework  and by  setting 
an example in areas which come under their aegis; 

Whereas  the  Commission's  action  plan  "  Europe's 
Way to the Information  Society - An Action Plan"(6) 
recognises  the  importance  of  content  and  stipulates 
that  the  Commission  will  propose  ways  to  stimulate 
the  creation  of  favourable  conditions  for  content 
providers  to  adapt  their  skills  and  products  to  the 
to  stimulate 
new  multimedia  environment  and 
increased usage of new information  services; 

Whereas  the  Commission's  action  plan  "  Europe's 
Way to the Information  Society - An Action  Plan"(6) 
recognises  the  importance  of  content  and  stipulates 
that  the  Commission  will  propose  ways  to  stimulate 
the  creation  of  favourable  conditions  for  content 
providers  to  adapt  their  skills  and  products  to  the 
to  stimulate 
new  multimedia  environment  and 
increased usage of new information  services; 

Whereas  the  Council  on  28  September  1994  (7) 
underlined  the  particular  urgency  of  the  need  to 
enhance  the  global  competitiveness  of the  European 
content  industry,  taking  account  of  the  cultural 
diversity  and  of  the  impact  of  these  products  on 
society; 

Whereas  the  Council  on  28  September  1994  (7) 
underlined  the  particular  urgency  of  the  need  to 
enhance  the  global  competitiveness  of  the  European 
content  industry,  taking  account  of  the  cultural 
diversity  and  of  the  impact  of  these  products  on 
society; 

Whereas  the  European  Council  at  Essen  on  9-10 
December  1994  underlined 
importance  of 
content in bringing about the information  society; 

the 

Whereas  the  European  Council  at  Essen  on  9-10 
December  1994  underlined 
importance  of 
content in bringing about the information  society; 

the 

Whereas  the  Council  Resolution  on  Culture  and 
Multimedia  (**)  0n  3-4  April  1995  underlined  the 
importance  of  multimedia 
the 
development  of  the  content  industry  and  improving 
access  of citizens  to  cultural  heritage,  as  well  as  the 
catalysing  role  of  Member  States  and  the  Union  in 
the  creation,  production  and  distribution  of  high 
quality cultural  multimedia  programmes; 

facilitating 

for 

Whereas  the  Council  Resolution  on  Culture  and 
Multimedia  (8)  on  3.4  April  1995  underlined  the 
importance  of  multimedia 
the 
development  of  the  content  industry  and  improving 
access  of citizens  to  cultural  heritage,  as  well  as  the 
catalysing  role  of  Member  States  and  the  Union  in 
the  creation,  production  and  distribution  of  high 
quality cultural  multimedia  programmes; 

facilitating 

for 

to 

'Europe  and  the  global  information  society 
the  European  Council', 

(5) 
-  Recommendations 
Brussels,  26 May  1994. 
(6) 
' 
Europe's  Way  to  the  Information  Society  -  An 
Action Plan'  . 
(7) 
9561/94  (Press  197), 28 September  1994. 

Conclusions  of  the  1787th  Council  meeting 

COM(94)347  final  of  19  July  1994 

'Europe  and  the  global  information  society  -
the  European  Council', 

(5) 
Recommendations 
to 
Brussels, 26 May  1994. 
(6)  COM(94)347  final  of  19 July  1994  '  Europe's 
Way to the Information  Society - An Action Plan'  . 

(7)  Conclusions  of  the  1787th  Council  meeting 
9561/94 (Press  197), 28 September  1994. 

/Jo 

the  contribution  of  new 

Whereas  the  three  long-term  strategic  objectives of 
the Union's  content  policy  shall  be  to facilitate  the 
development  of  the  European  content  industry;  to 
optimise 
information 
services to growth, competitiveness and employment 
in  Europe;  and  to  maximise  the  contribution  of 
advanced  information  services  to  the  professional, 
social  and  cultural  development  of  the  citizens  of 
Europe; 

the  contribution  of  new 

Whereas  the  three  long-term  strategic  objectives of 
the Union's  content  policy  shall  be  to facilitate  the 
development  of  the  European  content  industry;  to 
optimise 
information 
services to growth, competitiveness and employment 
in  Europe;  and  to  maximise  the  contribution  of 
advanced  information  services  to  the  professional, 
social  and  cultural  development  of  the  citizens  of 
Europe; 

Whereas 
the 
there  are  numerous  barriers 
development  of  a  European  multimedia  content 
industry  and  market,  which  are  hindering  the 
transition towards an information society; 

to 

Whereas 
the 
there  are  numerous  barriers 
development  of  a  European  multimedia  content 
industry  and  market,  which  are  hindering  the 
transition towards an information society; 

to 

Whereas the Community needs to build on the strong 
competitive  position  it  has  in  some  content  sectors 
and  whereas  its  competitive  position  needs  to  be 
strengthened in other content sectors; 

Whereas the Community needs to build on the strong 
competitive  position  it  has  in  some  content  sectors 
and  whereas  its  competitive  position  needs  to  be 
strengthened in other content sectors; 

Whereas the needs of users of information  services, 
particularly  in  small  and  medium-sized  enterprises 
and in the less favoured  regions of the Community, 
merit special attention; 

Whereas the needs of users of information  services, 
particularly  in  small  and  medium-sized  enterprises 
and in the less favoured  regions of the  Community, 
and  the  public  and  their  interests  merit  special 
attention; 

Whereas the provision of multimedia services should 
respect  the  principles  of  equal  access  and  the  low 
cost of certain basic services and should contribute to 
the  cohesion  of,  in  particular,  the  geographically 
disadvantaged regions of Europe; 

Whereas provision  should  be  made for  measures to 
encourage  the  participation  of  small  and  medium-
sized enterprises (SMEs) in this programme; 

Whereas provision  should be  made for  measures to 
encourage  the  participation  of  small  and  medium-
sized enterprises (SMEs) in this programme; 

Whereas  the  different  rates  of  development  in  the 
provision  and  use  of  information  services  in  the 
Member States deserve special consideration, having 
regard  to  the  internal  cohesion  of  the  Community 
and the risks associated  with a two-tier  information 
society; 

Whereas  the  different  rates  of  development  in  the 
provision  and  use  of  information  services  in  the 
Member States deserve special consideration, having 
regard  to  the  internal  cohesion  of  the  Community 
and the risks associated  with  a two-tier  information 
society; 

Whereas Community actions undertaken  concerning 
the content of information  should respect the Union's 
multilingual  character  and  encourage  initiatives  to 
adapt  the content  of  multimedia  information  in  the 
languages of the Member States; 

(8) 
Audiovisual/Culture  Council  session  nr 
1841 of 3-4 April  1995, Council document 6072/95 
of 24 March 1995 

(8)  Audiovisual/Culture  Council  session  nr  1841 
of 3-4 April  1995, Council document 6072/95 of 24 
March 1995 

nn 

Whereas  the  measures  under  the  programme  must 
help  to  reduce  the  risks  of  exclusion  of unskilled  or 
underskilled  workers,  the  emergence  of  a  dual 
society,  the  widening  of  disparities  between  regions 
and the increased isolation of the individual; 

Whereas  particular  attention  should  be  paid,  when 
implementing  the programme, to the risk of abuse of 
multimedia  content  in  such  pernicious  areas  as 
illegal  pornography  and  other  criminal 
racism, 
activities; 

Whereas  policy  actions  under 
this  programme 
aiming at strengthening  the position  of the European 
content  industry  will  be  complementary  to  other 
content  actions,  particularly  those  related  to  the 
audiovisual  sector (9); 

Whereas  policy  actions  under 
this  programme 
aiming at strengthening the position  of the European 
content  industry  will  be  complementary  to  other 
content  actions,  particularly  those  related  to  the 
audiovisual  sector (9); 

Whereas  any  content  policy  actions  must  be 
complementary 
to  other  ongoing  national  and 
Community  initiatives,  as  outlined  notably  in  the 
Commission's  action  plan  "Europe's  Way  to  the 
Information  Society  - An  Action Plan",  and  shall be 
performed 
the  Commission's 
education  (1 0),  training  (n)  ,  RDT  (1 2)  and  SME 
(l-*) policies and  initiatives; 

in  synergy  with 

Whereas  any  content  policy  actions  must  be 
complementary 
to  other  ongoing  national  and 
Community  initiatives,  as  outlined  notably  in  the 
Commission's  action  plan 
'Europe's  way  to  the 
information  society  -  an  action  plan',  and  shall  be 
performed  in synergy with programmes  in the Fourth 
Framework 
(programmes 
concerned  with  advanced  technology,  technology, 
advanced  communications  services  and  telematics) 
and  with  the  Commission's  education  (11),  training 
(12),  cultural  and  SME  (13)  policies  and  initiatives, 
and with the Structural Funds; 

Programme 

(10) 

in 

services 

television 

Council  Decision  93/424/EEC  of  22  July 
(9) 
1993  on  an  action  plan  for  the  introduction  of 
advanced 
Europe; 
COM(94)523  of  8 February  1995  'Politique Audio 
visuelle.  Créer un environnement  favorable  à  l'essor 
l'industrie  européenne  des 
des  entreprises  de 
1996-2000)';  Council 
programmes 
Directive 
1989 
(OJ  N°  L  298, 
'Television  without  frontiers' 
17.10.1989,  p. 15). 

(MEDIA2 
89/552/EEC 

3  October 

of 

(10) 

COM(93)708 final of 3 February  1994. 

(11) 

Council  Decision  of  6  December  1994  (OJ  Nc 

L340,  29.12.1994,  p.8). 

/ )£ 

(9)  Council  Decision  93/424/EEC  of  22 July  1993 
on  an  action  plan  for  the  introduction  of  advanced 
television  services  in  Europe;  COM(94)523  of  8 
February  1995 
'Politique  Audio-visuelle.  Créer  un 
environnement  favorable  à  l'essor  des entreprises  de 
l'industrie  européenne  des  programmes  (MEDIA2 
1996-2000)';  Council  Directive  89/552/EEC  of  3 
October  1989  'Television  without  frontiers'  (OJ  N° 
L298,  17.10.1989,  p. 15). 

(10)  Fourth Framework  Programme  of the European 
Community  activities  in  the  field  of  research  and 
technological  development  and  demonstration  (1994 
to  1998), adopted by the Decision  N°  1110/94/EC of 
the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  26 
April  1994 (OJN°L  126,  18.5.1994,  p.l) 
(11)  COM(93)708 final du 3 février  1994. 

to  adapting 

in  due  course 

it,  where  appropriate, 

Whereas  progress  of  this  programme  should  be 
continuously  and  systematically  monitored  with  a 
view 
to 
developments  in  the  multimedia  content  market; 
should  be  an 
whereas 
independent  evaluation  of 
the 
the  background 
to  provide 
programme  so  as 
information  needed 
the 
in  order 
objectives  for  subsequent  content  policy  actions; 
whereas  at  the  end  of this programme  there  shall be 
a  final  evaluation  of results  obtained  compared  with 
the objectives  set out in this Decision; 

there 
the  progress  of 

to  determine 

to  adapting 

in  due  course 

it,  where  appropriate, 

Whereas  progress  of  this  programme  should  be 
continuously  and  systematically  monitored  with  a 
view 
to 
developments  in  the  multimedia  content  market; 
should  be  an 
whereas 
independent  evaluation  of 
the 
the  background 
to  provide 
programme  so  as 
information  needed 
the 
in  order 
objectives  for  subsequent  content  policy  actions; 
whereas at  the end  of this  programme  there  shall  be 
a  final  evaluation  of results  obtained  compared  with 
the objectives set out in this Decision; 

there 
the  progress  of 

to  determine 

Whereas  the  actions  in  this  programme  will  not  in 
any  way  prejudice  the  competition  rules  of  the 
Community; 

Whereas  the  actions  in  this  programme  will  not  in 
any  way  prejudice  the  competition  rules  of  the 
Community; 

it  may  be  appropriate 
co-operation 

in 
Whereas 
international 
with 
international  organisations  and  third  countries  for 
the purpose of implementing this programme; 

to  engage 

activities 

Whereas  the  activities  which  may  prove  useful  in 
international 
international 
cooperation  with 
organizations  and  third  countries  for  the  purpose  of 
implementing  this programme  should  be  undertaken 
with due regard to the criterion of mutual advantage; 

Whereas  it  is  necessary  to  fix  the  duration  of  the 
programme; 

Whereas  it  is  necessary  to  fix  the  duration  of  the 
programme; 

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION 

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION 

and 

technological 

Fourth  Framework  Programme  of 

(12) 
the 
European  Community  activities 
in  the  field  of 
research 
and 
to  1998),  adopted  by  the 
demonstration  (1994 
Decision N°  1110/94/EC of the European  Parliament 
and  of  the  Council  of  26  April  1994  (OJ N°  L  126, 
18.5.1994,  p.l) 
(13) 

COM(94) 207 final of 3 June  1994 

development 

(12) 

Council  Decision  of  6  December  1994  (OJ  Nc 

L340,  29.12.1994,  p.8). 

(13)  COM(94) 207 final of 3 June  1994 

43 

Article 1 

Article 1 

A programme is hereby adopted with the  following 
objectives: 

A programme  is hereby adopted with the  following 
objectives: 

•  Stimulate  demand for,  and use of,  multimedia 
content, 
•  Create favourable  conditions for the development 
of the European  multimedia  content  industry, 
•  Contribute to the professional,  social and cultural 
development  of the citizens of Europe. 

•  Stimulate  demand for,  and use of,  multimedia 
content, 
•  Create favourable  conditions for the  development 
of the European  multimedia content  industry, 
•  Contribute to the professional,  social and  cultural 
development of the citizens of Europe. 

Article 2 

Article 2 

In order to attain  the  objectives  referred  to in  Article 
1,  the  following  actions  shall  be  undertaken  under 
the  guidance  of the  Commission,  in  accordance  with 
the  action 
the  detailed 
implementation  arrangements set out in Annex III: 

in  Annex  I  and 

lines 

•  stimulating demand and raising awareness, 
•  exploiting Europe's public sector  information, 

•  triggering European multimedia potential, 
•  support actions. 

In order to attain  the  objectives  referred  to in  Article 
1,  the  following  actions  shall  be  undertaken  under 
the guidance  of the  Commission,  in  accordance  with 
the  action  lines 
the  detailed 
implementation  arrangements  set out in Annex III: 

in  Annex  I  and 

•  stimulating demand and raising awareness, 
•  making  good  use  by  the  multimedia  industry  of 
information  held by the public sector, 
•  triggering European  multimedia  potential, 
•  support actions. 

Article 3 

Article 3 

The  programme  shall  cover  a  period  of  four  years 
from  1 January  1996 to 31 December  1999. 

The  programme  shall  cover  a  period  of  four  years 
from  1 January  1996 to 31 December  1999. 

Article 4 

Article 4 

1.  The  Commission  shall  be  responsible  for  the 
implementation  of the programme. 

1.  The  Commission  shall  be  responsible  for  the 
implementation  of  the  programme  and  for 
the 
decisions  to  grant  Community  financial  aid  to  the 
projects  selected. 

2.  The  procedure  laid  down  in  Article  5  shall  apply 
to: 

2.  The  procedure  laid  down  in  Article  5  shall  apply 
to: 

•  the work programme, 
•  the breakdown of the budgetary expenditure, 
•  the content of calls for proposals, 
•  the measures  for programme  evaluation, 
•  any departure from  the rules set out in Annex III, 
•  participation  in any project by legal entities  from 
third  countries and  international  organisations. 

•  the work programme, 

•  the content of calls for proposals, 
•  the measures  for programme  evaluation, 
•  any departure from  the rules set out in Annex III, 
•consideration 
information 
the 
facilitating  the  participation  in  any  project  by  legal 
entities  from 
international 
third  countries  and 
organizations. 

objective 

of 

Article 5 

Article 5 

an 

1. The  Commission  shall be assisted  by a  committee 
the 
nature 
of 
representatives  of the  Member  States  and  chaired  by 
the representative  of the  Commission. 

composed 

advisory 

of 

an 

1. The  Commission  shall be assisted  by  a  committee 
the 
nature 
of 
representatives  of the  Member  States  and  chaired by 
the representative  of the  Commission. 

composed 

advisory 

of 

/)V| 

2.  The  Commission  representative  shall  submit  to 
the  committee  a  draft  of  measures  to  be  taken.  The 
committee  shall  deliver  its  opinion  on  the  draft 
within  a  time  limit  which  the  chairman  may  lay 
down  according  to  the  urgency  of  the  matter 
concerned, if necessary by taking a vote. 

2.  The  Commission  representative  shall  submit  to 
the  committee  a  draft  of  measures  to  be  taken.  The 
committee  shall  deliver  its  opinion  on  the  draft 
within  a  time  limit  which  the  chairman  may  lay 
down  according  to  the  urgency  of  the  matter 
concerned, if necessary by taking a vote. 

3. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in 
addition, each Member  State shall have the right to 
ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. 

3. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in 
addition, each Member  State shall have the right to 
ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. 

4.  The  Commission  shall  take  the  utmost  account  of 
the  opinion  delivered  by  the  committee.  It  shall 
inform  the  committee  of  the  manner  in  which  its 
opinion  has been taken into account. 

4. The  Commission  shall  take  the  utmost  account  of 
the  opinion  delivered  by  the  committee.  It  shall 
inform  the  committee  of  the  manner  in  which  its 
opinion has been taken into account. 

Article 6 

Article 6 

to 

At  the  mid-term  and  at  the  end  of  the  programme, 
the  European 
the  Commission  shall  submit 
Parliament,  the  Council,  the  Economic  and  Social 
Committee  and  the  Committee  of the  Regions,  once 
the  committee  referred  to  in  Article  5  has  examined 
it,  an  evaluation  report  drawn  up  by  independent 
experts  on  the  results  obtained  in  implementing  the 
action  lines referred  to in Article 2. The  Commission 
may  present,  on the  basis  of  those  results,  proposals 
for  adjusting  the orientation of the programme. 

At  the  mid-term  and  at  the  end  of  the  programme, 
to  the  European 
the  Commission  shall  submit 
Parliament,  the  Council,  the  Economic  and  Social 
Committee  and  the  Committee  of  the  Regions,  once 
the  committee  referred  to  in  Article  5  has  examined 
it,  an  evaluation  report  drawn  up  by  independent 
experts  on  the  results  obtained  in  implementing  the 
action lines referred  to in Article  2. The  Commission 
may present,  on  the  basis  of those  results,  proposals 
for adjusting the orientation of the programme. 

Article 7 

Article 7 

support 

in  this  programme  may  be  open, 
Participation 
normally  without 
the 
financial 
Community,  to  legal  entities  established  in  third 
countries  and  to  international  organisations,  where 
the 
such  participation  contributes  effectively 
implementation  of  the  programme  and  taking  into 
account the principle of mutual  benefit. 

by 

to 

in 

the  programme  may  be  open, 
Participation 
without  financial  support  from  the  Union  budget,  to 
legal  entities  established  in  third  countries  and  to 
international  organizations,  where  such  participation 
contributes  effectively  to  the  implementation  of  the 
programme  and  taking  into  account  the  principle  of 
mutual  benefit. 

Article 8 

Article 8 

This Decision is addressed to the Member  States. 

This Decision is addressed to the Member  States. 

Done at Brussels, 
For the Council 

The President 

Done at Brussels, 
For the Council 

The President 

/ir 

ANNEXI 

ANNEX I 

ACTION LINES FOR INFO2000 

ACTION LINES  FOR INFO2000 

ACTION  LINE  1: Stimulating  demand  and  raising 
awareness 

ACTION  LINE  1: Stimulating  demand  and  raising 
awareness 

Lack  of  awareness  of  the  potential  of  the  new 
multimedia  information  products  and  services  is  an 
important  factor  constraining  demand.  This  action 
line contributes to redressing that situation by adding 
a  European  dimension  to  awareness  and  user-group 
activities  taking  place  at  the  national  or  regional 
level.  Specific  attention  will  be  given  to  favouring 
demand  development  in less-favoured  and  peripheral 
regions of the Union. 

Lack  of  awareness  of  the  potential  of  the  new 
multimedia  information  products  and  services  is  an 
important  factor  constraining  demand.  This  action 
line contributes to redressing that  situation by adding 
a  European  dimension  to  awareness  and  user-group 
activities  taking  place  at  the  national  or  regional 
level.  These  awareness-raising  activities  must  also 
extend  to members of the  public  who could  easily be 
sidelined  on  account  of  their  personal  or  social 
circumstances.  Specific  attention  will  be  given  to 
encouraging  demand  development  with  certain  user 
groups  and  in  less-favoured  and  peripheral  regions 
of the Union. 

1.1.  Creating  new  markets  by  raising  awareness  at 
the  European  level with specific  user  groups 

1.1.  Creating  new  markets  by  raising  awareness  at 
the  European  level with  specific  user  groups 

Under 
the  IMPACT  programme  a  network  of 
organisations  in the Member  States  has been  created 
that  have  a  responsibility  for  conducting  awareness 
campaigns  in  relation  to  new 
and  information 
information  services. In different  Member  States  this 
role  is  performed  by  different  organisations  like 
chambers of commerce, professional  organisations  or 
public  bodies.  By  working  in  a  European  network 
these  organisations  are  able  to  add  a  European 
dimension to their activities. 

Under 
the  IMPACT  programme  a  network  of 
organisations  in the Member  States  has been  created 
that  have  a  responsibility  for  conducting  awareness 
campaigns  in  relation  to  new 
and  information 
information  services. In different  Member  States this 
role  is  performed  by  different  organisations  like 
chambers of commerce, professional  organisations  or 
public 
a 
European/international  network  these  organisations 
are  able  to  add  a  European/international  dimension 
to their activities. 

working 

bodies. 

By 

in 

Under  INFO2000  this  successful  formula  will  be 
continued  and  extended.  The  involvement  of  the 
Community  in  the  network  as  a  catalyst  and  a  co 
ordinator  adds value  to  the  individual  activities  and 
puts  these  activities  in  a  clear  European  context. 
Apart  from  financial  support  for  specific  activities 
with  a  European  dimension  the  Commission  will 
encourage 
and 
experience,  the  use  of  common  communication  and 
information  facilities,  and  co-operation  between  the 
various organisations  in joint  projects. 

of  know-how 

exchange 

the 

Under  INFO2000  this  successful  formula  will  be 
continued  and  extended.  The  involvement  of  the 
Community  in  the  network  as  a  catalyst  and  a  co 
ordinator  adds  value  to  the  individual  activities  and 
puts  these  activities  in  a  clear  European  context. 
Apart  from  financial  support  for  specific  activities 
with  a  European  dimension  the  Commission  will 
encourage 
and 
experience,  the  use  of  common  communication  and 
information  facilities,  and  co-operation  between  the 
various organisations  in joint  projects. 

of  know-how 

exchange 

the 

The  organisations  in  the  network  will  perform  the 
following  tasks: 

The  organisations  in  the  network  will  perform  the 
following tasks: 

•  provide  access  to  information  collections  and 
catalogues across the European  Union; 
•  demonstrate  and  facilitate  access  to  the  European 
information  highways; 
•  advise  users  on  the  possible  sources  for  satisfying 
their  multimedia  content  needs,  both  nationally  and 
internationally; 

•  provide  access  to  information  collections  and 
catalogues across the European  Union; 
•  demonstrate  and  facilitate  access  to  the  European 
information  highways; 
•  advise  users  on  the  possible  sources  for  satisfying 
their  multimedia  content  needs,  both  nationally  and 
internationally; 

s\G 

organise 

co-ordinated  European 

• 
campaigns at the national or regional  level; 
•  stimulate the training of users. 

awareness 

organise 

co-ordinated  European 

• 
campaigns at the national  or regional  level; 
•  stimulate the training of users. 

awareness 

The  main  target  groups for  the  actions  will  be  small 
and  medium-sized  companies  and  libraries.  The 
actual  selection  of  specific  target  groups  will  be  left 
to the national and regional  organisations  concerned, 
since they are closest to the target groups. 

companies, 

medium-sized 

The  main  target  groups  for  the  actions  will be  small 
libraries, 
and 
documentation  centres  and  contact  points  and 
information  desks.  On  the basis  of these  criteria,  the 
national and  regional  organizations  concerned,  since 
they  are closest  to these target  groups,  will  carry  out 
the actual selection. 

Following  a  call  for  proposals  a  total  of  30  to  50 
organisations  will  be  selected  to  participate  in  the 
network.  Selection  criteria will  include knowledge of 
the local  information  market,  affinity  with  the  target 
groups foreseen  and  readiness to work  in a European 
network.  Actions  which  aim  to  stimulate  women's 
interests in new information  services are encouraged. 

Following  a  call  for  proposals  a  total  of  30  to  50 
organisations  will  be  selected  to  participate  in  the 
network.  Selection  criteria  will  include knowledge of 
the  local  information  market,  affinity  with  the  target 
groups foreseen  and  readiness  to work  in a European 
network.  Actions  which  aim  to  stimulate  women's 
interests in new information  services are encouraged. 

(EICs), 

(ISPO), 

The  network  will  co-operate  with  other  relevant 
national  organisations.  It  will  liaise  closely  with 
other EU  supported  bodies and  networks  that  have a 
complementary  mission,  such  as  the  Information 
the  European 
Society  Project  Office 
the  Business  Co 
Information  Centres 
the  Value  Relay 
operation  Network  (BC-NET), 
the  University  Enterprise  Training 
Centres  and 
Partnerships  (UETPs).  Organisations  from 
these 
networks  could  be  selected  in  the  call  for  proposals. 
Efforts  will be  made  to avoid  parallel  or  overlapping 
networks.  Synergy  and  spin-offs  will  be  sought  with 
other  awareness  activities  performed  under  the  4th 
the 
Framework 
and 
Advanced  Communication 
Services and Telematics applications  programmes. 

programme  such  as 

Technologies 

research 

(EICs), 

(ISPO), 

The  network  will  co-operate  with  other  relevant 
national  organisations.  It  will  liaise  closely  with 
other EU  supported  bodies  and  networks  that  have a 
complementary  mission,  such  as  the  Information 
the  European 
Society  Project  Office 
the  Business  Co 
Information  Centres 
the  Value  Relay 
operation  Network  (BC-NET), 
the  University  Enterprise  Training 
Centres  and 
Partnerships  (UETPs).  Organisations  from 
these 
networks  could  be  selected  in  the  call  for  proposals. 
Efforts  will be made  to avoid  parallel  or  overlapping 
networks.  Synergy  and  spin-offs  will  be  sought  with 
other  awareness  activities  performed  under  the  4th 
the 
Framework 
and 
Advanced  Communication 
Services and Telematics applications  programmes. 

programme  such  as 

Technologies 

research 

1.2. Encouraging  clusters  of pan-European  users 

1.2. Encouraging  clusters  of pan-European  users 

and 

such 

services 

products 

A  flourishing  demand  side  is  important  for  the 
development  of  a  healthy  market  for  advanced 
information 
as 
multimedia.  In  view  of  the  rapid  changes  taking 
place  in  the  information  market,  regular  dialogue 
between  suppliers  and  users  can  smooth 
the 
transition process. In general  the supply  side tends to 
be  better  organised  than  the  user  side,  both  at  the 
national  and  at  the  European  level.  In  two  of  the 
three  sectors that  compose  the  multimedia  industry  -
information  technology  and  telecommunications  -
the user  side  is  increasingly  organising  itself both  at 
the national  and at the European  level. 

and 

such 

services 

products 

A  flourishing  demand  side  is  important  for  the 
development  of  a  healthy  market  for  advanced 
information 
as 
multimedia.  In  view  of  the  rapid  changes  taking 
place  in  the  information  market,  regular  dialogue 
between  suppliers  and  users  can  smooth 
the 
transition process. In general the supply  side tends to 
be  better  organised  than  the  user  side,  both  at  the 
national  and  at  the  European  level.  In  two  of  the 
three  sectors that  compose  the  multimedia  industry  -
information  technology  and  telecommunications  -
the  user  side  is  increasingly  organising  itself  both  at 
the national  and at the European  level. 

^ 

of 

the 

influence 

is  fragmented.  Historically, 

In  the  third  sector  of  the  multimedia  industry  -  the 
content  industry  -  the  demand  side  is  much  less 
organised  and 
the 
relationship  between  the  content  providers  and  the 
users  has  been  indirect,  i.e.  through  intermediaries. 
the  new 
However,  under 
communication  networks  this  situation  is  changing. 
The  need 
relations  between 
suppliers  and  users  is  increasingly  being  felt  in  the 
level, 
content 
professional  organisations  and 
sector 
organisations  are  beginning  to  address  the  issue. 
However,  for  a  successful  development  of 
the 
European  multimedia  content  market  it  is  important 
that  groupings  of users  also  emerge  at  the  European 
level. 

the  national 
industry 

to  develop  direct 

also.  At 

sector 

of 

the 

influence 

is  fragmented.  Historically, 

In  the  third  sector  of  the  multimedia  industry  -  the 
content  industry  -  the  demand  side  is  much  less 
organised  and 
the 
relationship  between  the  content  providers  and  the 
users  has  been  indirect,  i.e.  through  intermediaries. 
the  new 
However,  under 
communication  networks  this  situation  is  changing. 
The  need 
relations  between 
suppliers  and  users  is  increasingly  being  felt  in  the 
level, 
content 
professional  organisations  and 
sector 
organisations  are  beginning  to  address  the  issue. 
However,  for  a  successful  development  of 
the 
European  multimedia  content  market  it  is  important 
that  groupings  of users  also  emerge  at  the  European 
level. 

the  national 
industry 

to  develop  direct 

also.  At 

sector 

The  actions  foreseen  under  INFO2000  aim 
to 
stimulate this process by providing  incentives for  co 
operation  and  exchange  of  experience  between 
the 
national  user  groups, 
thereby  encouraging 
groupings. 
emergence 
Specific 
of  European 
to  address  key  user 
measures  will  be  tailored 
problems, 
for  example  quality  assurance  and 
questions  of  liability.  The  network  of  awareness 
organisations  will be used to analyse the  situation  in 
individual  Member  States  and  will  play  a  catalytic 
role in bringing about pan-European  user groups. 

ACTION  LINE  2: Exploiting  Europe's  public 
sector  information 

The  actions  foreseen  under  INFO2000  aim 
to 
stimulate this process by providing  incentives  for  co 
operation  and  exchange  of  experience  between 
national  user  groups, 
the 
thereby  encouraging 
groupings. 
emergence 
Specific 
of  European 
to  address  key  user 
measures  will  be  tailored 
problems, 
for  example  quality  assurance  and 
questions  of  liability.  The  network  of  awareness 
organisations  will be used  to analyse  the  situation  in 
individual  Member  States  and  will  play  a  catalytic 
role in bringing about pan-European  user groups. 

ACTION  LINE  2: Making  good  use by  the 
multimedia  industry  of information  held  by  the 
public  sector 

Europe's  public  sector  information 
is  a  hidden 
resource  to  be  exploited.  The  public  sector  collects 
and  produces  vast  amounts  of  information,  much  of 
which  is  of  interest  to  individuals  and  businesses, 
and  which  can  be  the  raw  material  for  value-added 
information  services  produced  by  the  private  sector 
content  industry.  Official  statistical  services  either at 
regional,  national  or European  level are an example. 

Europe's  public  sector  information  is  a  substantial 
resource  to  be  made  use  of  by  the  multimedia 
industry. The public sector collects and produces vast 
amounts  of  information,  which  can  be  the  raw 
material for value-added  information  services for  the 
benefit  of 
individuals  and  businesses.  Official 
statistical  services  either  at  regional,  national  or 
European  level are an example. 

Three  sets  of  actions  will  be  particularly  helpful  in 
supporting  this  public  sector  role  and  in  exploiting 
its potential at European  level: 

Three  sets  of  actions  will  be  particularly  helpful  in 
supporting  this  public  sector  role  and  in  exploiting 
its potential at European  level: 

•  developing  policies  to  access  and  exploit  public 
sector  information, 
•  linking  directories  of  European  public  sector 
information, 
•  making  use  of  content  resources  in  the  public 
sector. 

•  developing  policies  to  access  and  exploit  public 
sector  information, 
•  linking  directories  of  European  public  sector 
information, 
•  making  use  of  content  resources  in  the  public 
sector. 

Particular  attention  will  be  given  to 
access from  the peripheral  regions of the Union. 

improving 

Particular  attention  will  be  given 
access from  the peripheral  regions of the Union. 

to 

improving 

2.1.  Developing  policies 
European  public  sector  information 

to  access  and  exploit 

2.1.  Developing  policies 
European  public  sector  information 

to  access  and  exploit 

A % 

to 

transition 

In  the  Member  States,  rules  for  access  to  public 
sector information are very different  or in some cases 
do  not  exist  at  all.  As  the 
the 
information  society  progresses,  this  situation  could 
become  a  barrier  to  full  participation  by  individuals 
and  businesses  across  Europe  and  may  become  the 
opportunities. 
cause 
Therefore, 
the 
taken  at 
European  level  to  develop  policies  which  facilitate 
access  to  and  exploitation  of  public  sector  held 
information,  in  particular  as  regards 
information 
resources of European  interest. 

distributed 
to  be 

initiatives  need 

of  unevenly 

to 

transition 

of  unevenly 

In  the  Member  States,  rules  for  access  to  public 
sector information  are very different  or in some cases 
do  not  exist  at  all.  As  the 
the 
information  society  progresses,  this  situation  could 
become  a  barrier  to  full  participation  by  individuals 
and  businesses  across  Europe  and  may  become  the 
opportunities. 
cause 
Therefore, 
the 
taken  at 
European  level  to  develop  policies  which  facilitate 
access  to  and  exploitation  of  public  sector  held 
information,  in  particular  as  regards 
information 
resources  of  European  interest.  Particular  attention 
will be  given  to the  legal  conditions  for  transferring 
public  sector  information  to  the  private  sector,  in 
order  to  preserve  and  safeguard  the  public  sector's 
rights on information  which  it collects and produces. 

distributed 
to  be 

initiatives  need 

The  Commission  will produce, in close  collaboration 
with  Member  States  and  market  actors,  a  Green 
Paper  analysing 
the  different 
the  situation 
Member  States,  the  relative  position  of  the  EU  in  a 
the  various  possibilities  for 
global  context  and 
convergence  of  national  approaches.  To  lay  the 
foundations  for  this  Green  Paper,  studies  comparing 
national situations will be undertaken  and  exchanges 
of national experience will be encouraged. 

in 

in 

The  Commission  will produce,  in close  collaboration 
with  the  Member  States  and  market  actors,  a  Green 
Paper  analysing 
the  different 
the  situation 
Member  States,  the  relative  position  of  the  EU  in  a 
global  context  and  the  various  possibilities  for 
convergence  of  national  approaches.  To  lay  the 
foundations  for  this  Green  Paper,  studies  comparing 
national  situations will be undertaken  and  exchanges 
of experience will be encouraged.  In this context,  the 
experience  that  emerges  following  the  Commission 
Communication  on universal  service  should be taken 
into account. 
On  the  basis  of  the  Green  Paper,  the  Commission 
will  submit  proposals  to  ensure  the  convergence  of 
national  proposals  and 
the  rules 
governing access to public sector  information. 
It  should  be  noted  that  the  development  of  the 
information 
information  systems  of  libraries  and 
services  will  promote  the  use  of  content,  since  these 
services  themselves  produce  important  information 
about 
information)  by 
(secondary 
recording  the  materials  produced  in  a  variety  of 
areas. 

to  strengthen 

information 

2.2.  Linking  directories  of  European  public  sector 
information 

2.2.  Linking  directories  of  European  public  sector 
information 

In  a  number  of  Member  States  practical  initiatives 
are  being  taken  to  improve  access  to  public  sector 
information.  In  the  European  information  society  it 
must  be  ensured  that  the  relevant  public  sector 
information  becomes  more  easily  accessible  to  all 
European  individuals  and  businesses  that  may  have 
an interest in such  information. 

In  a  number  of  Member  States  practical  initiatives 
are  being  taken  to  improve  access  to  public  sector 
information.  In  the  European  information  society  it 
must  be  ensured  that  the  relevant  public  sector 
information  becomes  more  easily  accessible  to  all 
European  individuals  and  businesses  that  may  have 
an interest in such  information. 

The  Commission  will  support  initiatives  to  produce 
directories  of European  public  sector  information  to 
a  common  format,  so  that  they  can  be  interlinked 
and easily accessed from  any point  in Europe. 

The  Commission  will  support  initiatives  to  produce 
directories  of European  public  sector  information  to 
a  common  format,  so  that  they  can  be  interlinked 
and easily accessed from  any point in Europe. 

/)2> 

directories 

Following  a  call  for  proposals,  pilot  projects  for  the 
of 
production 
that 
information 
incorporate 
the  above  characteristics  will  be 
supported.  These  pilot  projects  may  address  the 
transnational  interconnection  of  existing  national  or 
regional 
the 
collaborative  production  of  new  directories.  Pilot 
projects  based  on  public/private  partnerships  and 
applying  multilingual  solutions  will  be  particularly 
encouraged. 

information  directories  as  well  as 

directories 

Following  a  call  for  proposals,  pilot  projects  for  the 
of 
production 
that 
information 
incorporate 
the  above  characteristics  will  be 
supported.  These  pilot  projects  shall  make  it  a 
priority  to  address  the  transnational  interconnection 
of  existing  national  or 
information 
directories  and  the  collaborative  production  of  new 
directories, depending particularly  on their  degree of 
economic  and  social  usefulness.  Pilot  projects 
applying  multilingual  solutions  will  be  particularly 
encouraged. 

regional 

2.3.  Making  use  of  content  resources  in  the  public 
sector 

2.3.  Making  use  of  content  resources  in  the  public 
sector 

Europe  is blessed  with  a  rich  stock  of what  might  be 
called  "information  collections"  under  public  sector 
control, for  instance  in  museums,  libraries,  copyright 
and  patent  deposit  systems,  educational  and  training 
bodies,  historical  archives  and  architectural  and 
industrial  objects.  These 
information  collections 
need  to  be  exploited  if  Europe  is  to  build  on  these 
cultural  and  economic  assets  commercially  and  if 
Europe 
is  to  realise  the  potential  of  advanced 
technologies  in  support  of  public  sector  services. 
They are central  to the Union's strength  in the global 
information 
their  commercial  and 
strategic  potential  has  already  been  underlined  by a 
scries of deals transferring  control  over some of them 
to  private  companies,  not  all  of  which  have  been 
European. 

society  and 

Most  of  these  information  collections  are  still  in 
increasingly  being 
analogue  form  but  they  are 
digitised.  The 
INFO2000  programme  aims  at 
mobilising  these  digital  collections  for  exploitation 
by the private sector. 

Europe  is blessed  with  a  rich  stock  of what  might  be 
called  "information  collections"  under  public  sector 
control, for instance  in museums,  libraries,  copyright 
and  patent  deposit  systems,  educational  and  training 
bodies,  historical  archives  and  architectural  and 
industrial  objects.  These 
information  collections 
need  to  be  exploited  if  Europe  is  to  build  on  these 
cultural  and  economic  assets  commercially  and  if 
Europe  is  to  realise  the  potential  of  advanced 
technologies  in  support  of  public  sector  services. 
They are central  to the Union's  strength  in the global 
information 
their  commercial  and 
strategic  potential  has  already  been  underlined  by a 
series of deals transferring  control  over some of them 
to  private  companies,  not  all  of  which  have  been 
European. 

society  and 

The  INFO2000  programme  aims  to  facilitate  the 
transfer  of  these  information  collections  to  digital 
form  as well as their valorisation  and  exploitation. 

To this end the Commission  will support  the creation 
of  European 
information 
inventories  of  digital 
collections and  stimulate their  interconnection  across 
the  EU.  This  involves  defining  a  common  standard 
format  for  such  inventories  as  well  as  integrating 
them  with 
trading 
systems.  Support  for  the  creation  of  inventories  and 
their  integration  with  intellectual  property  rights 
trading  systems will be provided  on the basis  of calls 
for  proposals.  Related  standards  and  specifications 
will  be  developed  through  studies  and  through  task 
groups composed  of the actors involved. 

intellectual  property 

rights 

To this end the Commission  will support  the creation 
of  European 
information 
inventories  of  digital 
collections and  stimulate their  interconnection  across 
the  EU.  This  involves  defining  a  common  standard 
format  for  such  inventories  as  well  as  integrating 
them  with 
trading 
systems.  Support  for  the  creation  of  inventories  and 
their  integration  with  intellectual  property  rights 
trading systems will be provided  on the basis  of calls 
for  proposals.  Related  standards  and  specifications 
will  be  developed  through  studies  and  through  task 
groups composed of the actors  involved. 

intellectual  property 

rights 

ACTION 
multimedia  potential 

LINE 

3: 

Triggering 

European 

ACTION 
multimedia  potential 

LINE 

3: 

Triggering 

European 

do 

The transition  from  "scribe to  screen"  is  rapidly  and 
fundamentally  changing  the  structure  of the  content 
industry  and the roles  of the different  players  within 
it. Internationalisation  and multimedia are key words 
in  this  respect.  Content  itself  and  new  ways  of 
creating,  packaging,  distributing  and  marketing  it 
are  increasingly  becoming  the  key  drivers  behind 
these changes. 

these  changes  and  exploiting 
is  primarily 
that 

the 
Coping  with 
opportunities 
the 
emerge 
responsibility  of  the  industries  concerned.  However, 
apart  from  a  limited  number  of  large  corporations 
that  operate  on  a  global  scale,  the  present  day 
content sector  in Europe  is mainly made up of small 
and medium  size companies. These have difficulty  in 
dealing  with  a  rapidly  developing 
international 
multimedia  market  and  the  speed  with  which  the 
changes  take  place.  In  addition  the  initial  cost  of 
producing  high  quality  multimedia  titles  is  high  and 
the  European  market  fragmented  through  cultural 
and  linguistic  barriers.  The  critical  mass  needed  to 
recoup  initial  investments  is  therefore  much  more 
difficult  to reach. 

The transition  from  "scribe  to  screen"  is rapidly  and 
fundamentally  changing  the  structure  of the  content 
industry  and the roles  of the  different  players  within 
it. Internationalisation  and multimedia  are key words 
in  this  respect.  Content  itself  and  new  ways  of 
creating,  packaging,  distributing  and  marketing  it 
are  increasingly  becoming  the  key  drivers  behind 
these  changes.  The  development  of  new  software 
packages  and  new  computerized 
in 
conjunction  with  the  Community  programmes  on 
information  technologies,  is  essential  if  multimedia 
authors  are  to  create  attractive  and  user-friendly 
products 
the  best  possible  conditions  of 
productivity which  make full  use of the true potential 
of the multimedia  industry. 

resources, 

in 

The  rich  cultural  and  linguistic  diversity  of  Europe 
can  be  used  as  a  means  of  strengthening  European 
competitiveness. 

the 

emerge 

these  changes  and  exploiting 
is  primarily 
that 
industries  concerned, 

the 
Coping  with 
the 
opportunities 
the 
responsibility  of 
present-day  content  sector  is  made  up  not  only  of 
large  corporations  that  operate  on  aglobal  scale  and 
are  expected  to  play  a  determining  role  in  the 
development  of the multimedia  industry but also of a 
large  number  of  small  and  medium-sized  companies 
which  are  often  inventive  and  dynamic  but  often 
have  limited  financial  resources  for  the  high  initial 
investment  needed  to  produce  and  distribute  high-
quality multimedia titles. 
Hence  the  purpose  of  INFO2000  is  to  establish  the 
conditions to achieve real  synergy  in  industrial  terms 
between the large multimedia  corporations  and  small 
businesses.  This  industrial  policy  must  also  seek  to 
the  specific  needs  of  a  culturally  and 
meet 
linguistically 
fragmented  European  multimedia 
market. 

puts  European  multimedia 

This 
publishers, 
traditionally  used  to  operating  in  a  national  or 
regional  setting,  at  a  disadvantage  compared  with 
their  competitors  from  other  parts  of  the  world. 
Exploitation  of  the  single  market  potential  will 
become vital for  global  competitiveness. 

puts  European  multimedia 

This 
publishers, 
traditionally  used  to  operating  in  a  national  or 
regional  setting,  at  a  disadvantage  compared  with 
their  competitors  from  other  parts  of  the  world. 
Exploitation  of  the  single  market  potential  will 
become vital for global  competitiveness. 

This action  line aims at mitigating these  comparative 
disadvantages 
the 
emerging multimedia  market by: 

for  European  producers 

in 

•  catalysing  high  quality  European  multimedia 
content, 

favouring  a  practical  approach 

• 
multimedia  rights 
• developing and exchanging best business practice 

to 

trading 

to  favour 

This  action  line  aims  at  creating  the  best  possible 
environment 
the 
multimedia  industry  in  Europe  and  mitigate  the 
comparative  disadvantages  of  the  European  market 
by: 

the  development  of 

the 

stimulating 

production 
multimedia  products, 
incorporating 
characteristics  of language and culture, 
• 
favouring  a  practical  approach 
multimedia  rights 
• developing and exchanging best business practice 

of  European 
specific 

trading 

the 

to 

Zs\ 

3.1  Catalysing  high  quality  European  multimedia 
content 

services 

The production  of high quality European  multimedia 
content  will  be  stimulated  in  three  strategic  areas: 
economic  exploitation  of  Europe's  cultural  heritage, 
business 
for  SMEs,  and  geographic 
information.  Under  the  IMPACT  programme  pilot 
actions  in  these  areas  have  illustrated  the  problems 
connected  with  a  pan-European  approach  and  have 
laid 
the  foundations  for  further  actions  under 
INFO2000. 

the  economic  benefits, 

Multilingual  interactive  multimedia  products  can 
build  on  the  wealth  of  available  European  content, 
while  overcoming 
language  barriers  and  other 
limitations  of  national  and  regional  markets.  Apart 
strong  European 
from 
business activity in this area is likely to contribute  to 
the  safeguarding  of  cultural  identity  and  linguistic 
diversity. 
the  public's 
understanding  of  European  cultural  diversity  across 
the Member States and  regions. 

increase 

It  will 

also 

3.1  Stimulating 
multimedia  products, 
characteristics  of language  and  culture 

the  production 

incorporating 

of  European 
the  specif  c 

The production  of high  quality European  multimedia 
content  will  be  stimulated  in  three  strategic  areas  : 
economic  exploitation  of  Europe's  cultural  heritage, 
for  SMEs,  and  geographic 
business 
information. 
Impact 
programme  have  revealed  the  importance  of  a  co 
ordinated  approach  to  implementing  these  objectives 
in a pan-European  context. 

Pilot  actions  under 

services 

the 

the  economic  benefits, 

Multilingual  interactive  multimedia  products  can 
build  on  the  wealth  of  available  European  content, 
while  overcoming 
language  barriers  and  other 
limitations  of  national  and  regional  markets.  Apart 
strong  European 
from 
business activity in this area  is likely  to contribute  to 
the  safeguarding  of  cultural  identity  and  linguistic 
diversity. 
the  public's 
understanding  of  European  cultural  diversity  across 
the Member  States and  regions. 

increase 

It  will 

also 

In  the  areas  indicated  above  -  European  cultural 
heritage, business  services for  SMEs and  geographic 
information  - calls for  proposals  will  be  launched  to 
provide  support  to  the  initial  and  pre-commcrcial 
phases 
content 
of  pan-European  multimedia 
developments.  The  support  given  should  help  the 
companies  concerned  overcome  the  specific  barriers 
with respect to multilingual  and  multicultural  (re)use 
of  content  and  to  trans-national  co-operation.  These 
initial  phases  would 
include  product  definition, 
partner  identification,  cross-licensing  negotiation, 
planning  of  co-operative  distribution  etc.  up  to  and 
including the production  of a prototype. 

Support  will  be  given  to  projects  that  demonstrate 
the  feasibility  of  a  trans-European  multilingual  and 
multicultural  approach,  contain  a risk element,  exert 
a  strong  catalytic  effect  on  the  market  and  imply 
add-on 
substantial  user 
incentives can be provided to encourage  participation 
by  small  and  medium 
sized  companies  and 
organisations  from 
less  favoured  and  peripheral 
regions. 

involvement.  Special 

In  the  areas  indicated  above  -  European  cultural 
heritage, business  services for  SMEs and  geographic 
information  - calls for  proposals  will  be  launched  to 
provide  support  to  the  initial  and  pre-commercial 
phases  of  pan-European  multimedia 
content 
developments.  The  support  given  should  help  the 
companies  concerned  overcome  the  specific  barriers 
with respect to multilingual  and  multicultural  (re)usc 
of  content  and  to  trans-national  co-operation.  These 
initial  phases  would 
include  product  definition, 
partner  identification,  cross-licensing  negotiation, 
planning  of  co-operative  distribution  etc.  up  to  and 
including the production  of a prototype. 

the 
Info  2000  programme  will  promote 
The 
development  of  multimedia  products  that  are  easily 
adaptable  from  one  Member  State  to  the  other,  in 
both  linguistic  and  cultural  terms.  Support  will  be 
given  to projects  that  demonstrate  the feasibility  of a 
trans-European  multilingual 
and  multicultural 
approach,  contain  a  risk  element,  exert  a  strong 
catalytic  effect  on  the  market  and  imply  substantial 
user  involvement.  Special  add-on  incentives  can  be 
provided  to  encourage  participation  by  small  and 
medium sized companies and  organisations from  less 
favoured  and peripheral  regions. 

The  calls  for  proposals  will  be  co-ordinated  closely 
with  the  Community  programmes  RAPHAËL  and 
the Integrated Programme  in favour  of SMEs and the 
craft  sector,  as  well  as  with  the  sectoral  policy 
actions  in  the  areas  of  Trade,  Tourism  and  Social 
Economics. 

The  calls  for  proposals  will  be  co-ordinated  closely 
with  the  Community  programmes  RAPHAËL  and 
the Integrated Programme  in favour  of SMEs and the 
craft  sector,  as  well  as  with  the  sectoral  policy 
actions  in  the  areas  of  Trade,  Tourism  and  Social 
Economics. 

3.2.  Trading multimedia  intellectual property  rights 

3.2.  Trading multimedia  intellectual property  rights 

LI 

Historically,  the  management  of  rights  is  organised 
by  sector  (text,  sound,  image,  video  etc.)  and  by 
country.  With  the  dawning  of  the  multimedia  age 
this  situation  is  increasingly  becoming  a  barrier  to 
the  development  of  multimedia  content  markets,  as 
the time and effort  that has to be spent on  identifying 
and  acquiring  the  different  rights  increases  steeply 
with  the  number  of  data  types  involved  and  the 
number  of countries  where  right  holders  are  located. 
Small  companies  and  new  media  start-ups  suffer 
most from  the present system as they may wish to re 
use existing  material. 

Historically,  the  management  of  rights  is  organised 
by  sector  (text,  sound,  image,  video  etc.)  and  by 
country.  With  the  dawning  of  the  multimedia  age 
this  situation  is  increasingly  becoming  a  barrier  to 
the  development  of  multimedia  content  markets,  as 
the time and effort  that has to be spent on  identifying 
and  acquiring  the  different  rights  increases  steeply 
with  the  number  of  data  types  involved  and  the 
number  of countries  where  right  holders  are  located. 
Small  companies  and  new  media  start-ups  suffer 
most from  the present  system as they may wish  to re 
use existing material. 

The  development  of  pan-European  multimedia 
content  often  requires  input  from  various  Member 
States.  Effective  and  efficient  mechanisms 
for 
trading  multimedia  rights  at  the  European  level  are 
therefore  essential  for 
the 
European  multimedia  content  industry. 

the  development  of 

The  development  of  pan-European  multimedia 
content  often  requires  input  from  various  Member 
States.  Effective  and  efficient  mechanisms 
for 
trading  multimedia  rights  at  the  European  level  are 
therefore  essential  for 
the 
European multimedia  content  industry. 

the  development  of 

trading  of  multimedia 

A  call  for  proposals  will  be  launched 
inviting 
proposals  for  pilot  projects  that  lay  the  foundations 
rights 
for  cross-border 
electronically.  In  addition,  studies  will  be  launched 
to  determine  how  different 
intellectual  property 
rights  trading  systems for  multimedia  in Europe  can 
work  together.  As an  aid  to small  and  medium  sized 
companies  practical  tools  will  be  developed  on  best 
practices  to  acquire,  exploit  and  protect  multimedia 
rights.  The  actions  will  build  on 
the  relevant 
research  and  technological  development  activities 
under the Fourth Framework  Programme. 

trading  of  multimedia 

A  call  for  proposals  will  be  launched 
inviting 
proposals  for  pilot  projects  that  lay  the  foundations 
rights 
for  cross-border 
electronically.  In  addition,  studies  will  be  launched 
to  determine  how  different 
intellectual  property 
rights  trading  systems for  multimedia  in  Europe  can 
work together.  As an  aid  to  small  and  medium  sized 
companies  practical  tools  will  be  developed  on  best 
practices  to  acquire,  exploit  and  protect  multimedia 
rights.  The  actions  will  build  on 
the  relevant 
research  and  technological  development  activities 
under the Fourth Framework  Programme. 

Although  the  difficulty  of reaching  consensus  should 
term, 
not  be  underestimated, 
legal 
harmonisation 
requirements may be necessary. 

longer 
of 

rationalisation 

and 

the 

in 

Although  the difficulty  of reaching  consensus  should 
term, 
not  be  underestimated, 
legal 
harmonisation 
requirements may be necessary. 

longer 
of 

rationalisation 

and 

the 

in 

3.3. Developing  and  exchanging  best  practice 

3.3. Developing  and  exchanging  best  practice 

Actions will be supported  that aim at developing  and 
exchanging  best business  practice  in  the  multimedia 
content  industry  at  the European  level.  Such  actions 
will  include  descriptions  of  business  processes  and 
models  relevant  to  the  content  industry,  such  as 
procedures  for  intellectual  property  acquisition  and 
content  asset  valuation  and  management,  and 
exchange  of  experiences  with  multimedia  consumer 
panels  to test  and  evaluate  multimedia  products  and 
services. 

Actions will be supported  that  aim  at developing  and 
exchanging best  business  practice  in  the  multimedia 
content industry at the European  level.  In  particular, 
the development  of multimedia  services which  could 
support  the  operations  of  SMEs  should  be promoted. 
Such  actions  will  include  descriptions  of  business 
processes  and  models 
the  content 
industry,  such  as procedures  for  intellectual  property 
acquisition 
and 
management,  and  exchange  of  experiences  with 
multimedia  consumer  panels  to  test  and  evaluate 
multimedia products and services. 

asset  valuation 

relevant 

content 

and 

to 

These  activities  will  be  implemented  by  means  of  a 
combination  of  studies,  workshops,  seminars  and 
publications.  The  relevant  organisations 
the 
European  content industry will be closely  involved. 

in 

These  activities  will  be  implemented  by  means  of a 
combination  of  studies,  workshops,  seminars  and 
publications.  The  relevant  organisations 
the 
European content industry will be closely  involved. 

in 

4. Support  actions 

4. Support  actions 

Z  3 

The  programme  support  actions  aim  at  amplifying 
the  effects  of  the  core  actions  of  the  programme  by 
addressing a number  of horizontal  issues relevant  for 
the programme as a whole. 

The programme  support  actions  aim  to underpin  the 
core  goals  of  the  programme  and  to  reinforce  the 
effects  of  its  principal  measures.  These  measures 
take  account  of  the  importance  of  developing  a 
legislative  context  that  encourages  harmonization 
and  standardization. 

4.1.  Observing  and  analysing 
content  market 

the  multimedia 

4.1.  Observing  and  analysing 
content  market 

the  multimedia 

At  regular  intervals  senior  experts  from  the  content 
industry,  from  user  communities  and  from  Member 
States  will  be  convened  to  monitor,  analyse  and 
discuss  the  impact  of  multimedia  on  the  content 
the 
industry  and  on 
information  value  chain.  When  organising  these 
meetings  modern  multimedia 
and 
communication facilities  will be used where possible. 

the  different 

information 

actors 

in 

At  regular  intervals  senior  experts  from  the  content 
industry,  from  user  communities  and  from  Member 
States  will  be  convened  to  monitor,  analyse  and 
discuss  the  impact  of  multimedia  on  the  content 
the 
industry  and  on 
information  value  chain.  When  organising  these 
meetings  modern  multimedia 
and 
communication facilities  will be used where possible. 

the  different 

information 

actors 

in 

aspects 

regulatory 

The  composition  of  the  meetings  will  reflect  the 
various  segments  of  content  creation,  distribution 
and  use  within  the  European  Union,  as  well  as  the 
many 
(e.g.  personal  data 
protection)  affecting  the  content  dimension.  They 
will  thus  serve as a focus  for  discussion,  exchange of 
experience  and  co-operation  between  the  various 
sectors  of  the  content  industry,  between  European 
and  national  policy  makers,  and  between  the  supply 
and user sides of the content  market. 

aspects 

regulatory 

The  composition  of  the  meetings  will  reflect  the 
various  segments  of  content  creation,  distribution 
and  use  within  the  European  Union,  as  well  as  the 
many 
(e.g.  personal  data 
protection)  affecting  the  content  dimension.  They 
will thus  serve as a focus  for  discussion,  exchange of 
experience  and  co-operation  between  the  various 
sectors  of  the  content  industry,  between  European 
and  national  policy  makers,  and  between  the  supply 
and user sides of the content  market. 

The meetings  will focus  on: 

The meetings  will focus  on: 

international  developments 

•  long-term  scenarios, updated  whenever justified  by 
major 
in  markets, 
technologies, industries and policies 
•  key  issues  of  common  interest  to  market  actors 
from  different  sectors  and  from  different  Member 
States,  such as legal aspects and  quality  assurance 
• 
and 
recommendations  to  the  industries,  administrations 
and users to overcome them 
• 
of 
recommendations  on orientations and priorities. 

INFO2000,  making 

development 

to  market 

execution 

obstacles 

the 

•  long-term  scenarios,  updated  whenever justified  by 
major 
in  markets, 
international  developments 
technologies, industries and  policies 
•  key  issues  of  common  interest  to  market  actors 
from  different  sectors  and  from  different  Member 
States,  such as legal aspects and quality  assurance 
• 
and 
recommendations  to  the  industries,  administrations 
and users to overcome them 
• 
of 
recommendations on orientations and priorities. 

INFO2000,  making 

development 

to  market 

execution 

obstacles 

the 

Studies will be carried  out to monitor  changes  in  the 
European  and global content markets and provide in-
depth analysis of key issues. 

Studies will be carried  out  to  monitor  changes  in  the 
European  and global content  markets and provide  in-
depth analysis of key issues. 

4. 2. Spreading  the  use  of multimedia  content 
standards 

4. 2. Spreading  the  use  of multimedia  content 
standards 

Standards  for  the  structuring  and  presentation  of 
information,  and  standards  for  content  encoding, 
including  terminology,  are  essential  in  order  to 
facilitate 
and 
publications,  and  to  enable  the  exploitation,  access, 
maintenance and re-use of content. 

documents 

exchange 

the 

of 

Harmonization  of  standards  is  particularly  relevant 
to the  provision  of  advanced  information  services  to 
European  end-users.  Standards  for  the  structuring 
and  presentation  of  information,  and  standards  for 
terminology, 
content 
are 
including 
the  exchange  of 
essential  in  order  to  facilitate 
documents  and  publications,  and 
the 
to  enable 
exploitation,  access,  maintenance  and  re-use  of 
content. 

encoding, 

z  If 

The work  started  in this domain  under  the  IMPACT 
programme  will be continued  and  extended.  Actions 
will  be  supported 
that  raise  awareness  of  and 
stimulate  the  use  of  existing  content  standards 
through  workshops  and  electronic  fora  and  by 
publishing reports on paper and  electronically. 

The work  started  in this domain  under  the  IMPACT 
programme  will be continued  and  extended.  Actions 
will  be  supported 
that  raise  awareness  of  and 
stimulate  the  use  of  existing  content  standards 
through  workshops  and  electronic  fora  and  by 
publishing reports on paper and  electronically. 

4.3.  Encouraging  skills  development  at  European 
level 

4.3.  Encouraging  skills  development  at  European 
level 

In order to stimulate  skills development,  the  relevant 
European  associations will be encouraged  to develop 
and  implement  measures  to  equip  the  European 
content  providers  with  the  necessary  skills  to  enter 
the age of multimedia  and interactivity.  Actions to be 
supported  will  normally  be  based  on  a  three-staged 
approach: 

inter-activity. 

In order to stimulate  skills development,  the  relevant 
European  associations  will be encouraged  to  develop 
and  implement  measures  to  equip  the  European 
content  providers  with  the  necessary  skills  to  enter 
the  age  of  multimedia  and 
In 
education  too,  greater  attention  must  be  devoted  to 
the European  cultural  and  linguistic  heritage,  so that 
at  a  later  stage  more  use  can  be  made  of  products 
and  services  provided  by  the  content  industry. 
In 
European  technological  education  greater  attention 
must be  devoted  to  multi-media  aspects.  Actions  to 
be  supported  will  normally  be  based  on  a  three-
staged  approach: 

•  identification  of the most urgent training  needs 
•  development  of  pilot  courses 
test 
effectiveness  and efficiency  of the proposed  actions 
•  launching  of  the  activities  in  the  relevant  parts  of 
the  content  industry  and  in  the  educational  and 
training systems. 

the 

to 

•  identification  of the most urgent training needs 
•  development  of  pilot  courses 
test 
effectiveness  and efficiency  of the proposed  actions 
•  launching  of  the  activities  in  the  relevant  parts  of 
the  content  industry  and  in  the  educational  and 
training systems. 

the 

to 

The  first 
two  steps  could  be  supported  under 
INFO2000.  The  third  step  would  fall  within  the 
remit  of  programmes 
and 
LEONARDO,  thus  achieving  important  multiplier 
effects. 

like  SOCRATES 

The  first 
two  steps  could  be  supported  under 
INFO2000.  The  third  step  would  fall  within  the 
remit  of  programmes 
and 
LEONARDO,  thus  achieving  important  multiplier 
effects. 

like  SOCRATES 

to 

The content  industry will be extensively  consulted  in 
order 
identify  urgent  needs  and  key  areas. 
Representatives  of  universities  and  vocational 
training  establishments  will  be  closely  associated 
with  these  initiatives.  The  role  of  the  Community 
will  mainly consist  of stimulating,  co-ordinating  and 
enabling this process. 

The content  industry will be extensively  consulted  in 
order  to  identify  urgent  needs  and  key  areas. 
Representatives  of  universities  and  vocational 
training  establishments  will  be  closely  associated 
with  these  initiatives.  The  role  of  the  Community 
will  mainly consist  of stimulating,  co-ordinating  and 
enabling this process. 

cs 

ANNEX  H 

ANNEX  II 

INDICATIVE  BREAKDOWN  OF 
EXPENDITURE 

INDICATIVE  BREAKDOWN  OF 
EXPENDITURE 

1.  Stimulating  demand  and  raising  awareness  30-
40% 

1.  Stimulating  demand  and  raising  awareness  20-
30% 

2.  Exploiting  Europe's  public  sector  information  18-
23% 

2.  Making  good  use  by  the  multimedia  industry  of 
information  held by the public sector  18-23% 

3. Triggering European  multimedia potential 33-
45% 

3. Triggering European  multimedia potential 43-
55% 

4. Support actions 7-12% 

4. Support actions 7-12% 

Total  100% 

Total  100% 

This  breakdown  docs  not  exclude  the  fact  that  a 
project  could relate to several activities. 

This  breakdown  does  not  exclude  the  fact  that  a 
project  could relate to several  activities. 

U 

ANNEX  m 

ANNEX III 

THE  MEANS  FOR  IMPLEMENTING 
INFO2000 

THE MEANS  FOR  IMPLEMENTING 
INFO2000 

1.  The  Commission  will  implement  the  programme 
in  accordance  with the technical  content  specified  in 
Annex I. 

1.  The  Commission  will  implement  the  programme 
in accordance with  the technical  content  specified  in 
Annex I. 

2. The programme  will be  executed  through  indirect 
action  and  wherever  possible  on  a  shared-cost  basis. 
The  Community's  financial  contribution  for  shared-
cost  projects  shall  normally  not  exceed  50%  of  the 
cost  of 
lower 
the  project,  with  progressively 
participation  the  nearer  the  project  is  to  the  market 
place.  Special  add-on  incentives  can  be  provided  to 
encourage  participation  by  SMEs  and  less  favoured 
regions. 

2. The programme  will be  executed  through  indirect 
action  and  wherever  possible  on  a  shared-cost  basis. 
The  Community's  financial  contribution  for  shared-
cost  projects  shall  normally  not  exceed  50%  of  the 
cost  of 
lower 
the  project,  with  progressively 
participation  the  nearer  the  project  is  to  the  market 
place.  Special  add-on  incentives  can  be  provided  to 
encourage  participation  by  SMEs  and  less  favoured 
regions. 

in  close  consultation  with 

3. The selection  of shared-cost projects  will  normally 
be based on the usual procedure of calls for  proposals 
published  in  the  Official  Journal  of  the  European 
Communities.  The  content  of the  calls  for  proposals 
will  be  defined 
the 
relevant  experts  and  according  to  the  procedure 
referred  to  in  Article  5  of  the  Decision.  The  main 
criterion  for  supporting  projects  through  calls  for 
proposals  will  be  their  potential  contribution  to 
achieving 
the  programme. 
Implementation  procedures  will  accommodate  the 
interests  of  all  kinds  of  market  operators  and 
facilitate  their participation  in the programme. 

the  objectives  of 

in  close  consultation  with 

3. The selection  of shared-cost  projects  will  normally 
be based on the usual procedure of calls for  proposals 
published  in  the  Official  Journal  of  the  European 
Communities.  The  content  of  the  calls  for  proposals 
will  be  defined 
the 
relevant  experts  and  according  to  the  procedure 
referred  to  in  Article  5  of  the  Decision.  The  main 
criterion  for  supporting  projects  through  calls  for 
proposals  will  be  their  potential  contribution 
to 
achieving 
the  programme. 
Implementation  procedures  will  accommodate  the 
interests  of  all  kinds  of  market  operators  and 
facilitate  their participation  in the programme. 

the  objectives  of 

4.  The  Commission  may  also  implement  a  more 
flexible  funding  scheme  than  the  call  for  proposals 
in  order  to  provide  incentives  for  the  creation  of 
partnerships, 
involving  SMEs  and 
organisations  in  less  favoured  regions,  or  for  other 
exploratory  activities  in  different  segments  of  the 
multimedia  content  market.  This  scheme  might  be 
operated  on a permanent basis. 

in  particular 

5.  The  Commission  will  make  provision 
for 
considering  in  exceptional  cases  unsolicited  project 
proposals  which  involve  a  particularly  promising 
and  significant  multimedia  market  development,  a 
highly 
innovative  approach  or  an  exceptional 
technology  or  methodology,  and  which  cannot  be 
submitted  within  the  normal  call  for  proposals 
procedure.  The  objective  of  avoiding  market 
distortion will be maintained. 

4.  The  Commission  may  also  implement  a  more 
flexible  funding  scheme  than  the  call  for  proposals 
in  order  to  provide  incentives  for  the  creation  of 
partnerships, 
involving  SMEs  and 
organisations  in  less  favoured  regions,  or  for  other 
exploratory  activities  in  different  segments  of  the 
multimedia  content  market.  This  scheme  might  be 
operated on a permanent  basis. 

in  particular 

5.  The  Commission  will  make  provision 
for 
considering  in  exceptional  cases  unsolicited  project 
proposals  which  involve  a  particularly  promising 
and  significant  multimedia  market  development,  a 
innovative  approach  or  an  exceptional 
highly 
technology  or  methodology,  and  which  cannot  be 
submitted  within 
the  normal  call  for  proposals 
procedure.  The  objective  of  avoiding  market 
distortion will be maintained. 

6.  The  detailed  arrangements  for  the  procedures 
referred  to under points 4 and  5 will be  implemented 
through  the  consultative  committee  procedure  (type 
I)  and 
the  Commission's 
financial  regulations.  They  will  be  published  in  the 
Official  Journal  of the European  Communities. 

in  accordance  with 

6.  The  detailed  arrangements  for  the  procedures 
referred  to under points 4 and  5 will be  implemented 
through  the  consultative  committee  procedure  (tjpe 
I)  and 
the  Commission's 
financial  regulations.  They  will  be  published  in  the 
Official  Journal of the European  Communities. 

in  accordance  with 

£~r 

7. Projects  fully  financed  by the  Commission  within 
the framework  of study and  services contracts will be 
implemented  through  calls for  tenders  in  accordance 
with 
the  Commission's  Financial  Regulations. 
Transparency  will  be  achieved  by  publishing  the 
work  programme  and  circulating 
trade 
associations and other interested bodies. 

to 

it 

actions 

this  programme;  preliminary 

8.  For  the  implementation  of  the  programme  the 
Commission  will 
also  undertake  preparatory, 
accompanying  and  support  activities  designed  to 
achieve the general  objectives  of the programme  and 
the  specific  aims  of  each  action  line.  This  includes 
activities such as: studies and  consultancy  in  support 
of 
in 
preparation  of  future  activities;  measures  aimed  at 
facilitating  participation  in the programme as well  as 
facilitating  access  to  the  results  produced  under  the 
programme;  publications  and  activities  for 
the 
dissemination,  promotion  and exploitation  of results; 
analysis  of  possible  socio-economic  consequences 
associated  with 
support 
activities  such  as  observation  and  analysis  of  the 
multimedia  content  market,  spreading  the  use  of 
multimedia  content  standards,  and  encouraging 
skills development  at European level. 

the  programme;  and 

7. Projects  fully  financed  by  the  Commission  within 
the framework  of study and  services contracts will be 
implemented  through  calls for  tenders  in  accordance 
with  the  current  financial  provisions.  Transparency 
will  be achieved  by publishing  the  work  programme 
and  circulating  it  to  trade  associations  and  other 
interested bodies. 

actions 

this  programme;  preliminary 

8.  For  the  implementation  of  the  programme  the 
Commission  will 
also  undertake  preparatory, 
accompanying  and  support  activities  designed  to 
achieve the general  objectives  of the  programme  and 
the  specific  aims  of  each  action  line.  This  includes 
activities such as: studies  and  consultancy  in  support 
of 
in 
preparation  of  future  activities;  measures  aimed  at 
facilitating  participation  in the programme as well as 
facilitating  access  to  the  results  produced  under  the 
programme;  publications  and  activities  for 
the 
dissemination,  promotion  and exploitation  of results; 
analysis  of  possible  socio-economic  consequences 
associated  with 
support 
activities  such  as  observation  and  analysis  of  the 
multimedia  content  market,  spreading  the  use  of 
multimedia  content  standards,  and  encouraging 
skills development  at European  level. 

the  programme;  and 

9.  Participation  in  this  programme  by  international 
organisations  may be  financed,  in  exceptional  cases, 
on the  same basis  as  that  of legal  entities  established 
in the  Community. 

9.  Participation  in  this  programme  by  international 
organisations  may be financed,  in  exceptional  cases, 
on the same basis  as that  of legal  entities  established 
in the  Community. 

10.A11 projects  receiving  financial  support  under  the 
INFO2000 programme  will be required  to display  an 
acknowledgement  of the funding  received. 

2<g 

ISSN 0254-1475 

COM(96) 188  final 

DOCUMENTS 

EN 

15  10 

Catalogue number  :  CB-CO-96-196-EN-C 

ISBN92-78-03164-X 

Office for Official  Publications of the European Communities 

L-2985 Luxembourg 

Z9