Commission staff working document - Accompanying document to Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Europe's Digital Competitiveness Report : Main achievements of the i2010 strategy 2005-2009 - i2010 : List of actions {COM(2009) 390 final} {SEC(2009) 1103} {SEC(2009) 1104}
Date: 2009-08-04
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU programme, activity report, digital technology, disclosure of information, information processing, information system, information technology, new technology, radio telecommunications

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COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 4.8.2009 
SEC(2009) 1060 final 

COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT 

Accompanying document to 

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 

Europe's Digital Competitiveness Report 
Main achievements of the i2010 strategy 2005-2009 

i2010 - List of actions 

{COM(2009) 390 final} 
{SEC(2009) 1103} 
{SEC(2009) 1104} 

ELECTRONIC VERSION ONLY 

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i2010 — List of actions 
June 2005 to May 20091 

0 — horizontal i2010 actions 

Action and delivery date 

Overview 

Communication  ‘i2010  —  A  European  Information 
Society  for  growth  and  employment’,  COM(2005) 
229, 01.06.2005 

The Communication sets a framework for addressing the main challenges and developments in the information society and 
media sectors up to 2010. The i2010 initiative promotes an open and competitive digital economy and emphasises ICTs as a 
driver of inclusion and quality of life. i2010 rests on three pillars: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

Creating  the  single  European  Information  Space,  which  promotes  an  open  and  competitive  internal  market  for 
information society and media services; 

Increasing investment in innovation and research in ICTs; and 

Fostering inclusion, better public services and quality of life through the use of ICTs. 

i2010 High Level Conference, London, 06.09.2005 

The i2010 conference, hosted by the UK Presidency, provided a key opportunity for governments and business from across 
the EU to contribute to the definition of the i2010 strategy for the EU up to 2010.  

Establishment  of  the  i2010  High  Level  Group, 
Commission Decision (2006/215/EC), 15.03.2006 

The  High  Level  Group  of  Member  State  representatives  advises  the  Commission  on  the  implementation,  review  and 
development of the i2010 strategy.  

New benchmarking framework for i2010, 20.04.2006  Benchmarking is central to monitoring progress in achieving the i2010 priorities. Results are reviewed in the i2010 Annual 

Reports. The indicators are closely aligned with the Lisbon integrated guidelines relevant to ICTs. 

Communication ‘i2010 — First Annual Report on the 
European  Information  Society’,  COM(2006)  215, 
19.05.2006 

The Annual Report took stock of the achievements of the first year of implementation of the i2010 initiative and updated the 
i2010  actions  for  the  period  2006-2007.  The  associated  Commission  staff  working  paper  reviewed  the  i2010  key  actions 
against the background of ICT developments in the EU. 

1 

This is a list of the actions launched, containing all items officially adopted before adoption of this Annual Report. 

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i2010  High  Level  Conference,  Helsinki,  27-
28.09.2006 

The 2006 high-level conference on i2010, ‘i2010 — Towards a Ubiquitous European Information Society’, was hosted by 
the Finnish Presidency. It examined the opportunities and challenges associated with a ‘ubiquitous’ information society, in 
which people’s ways of life and work will be based on having ICT services available everywhere, at all times. 

Fostering 
industry — EU ICT Task Force Report, 27.11.2006 

the  competitiveness  of  Europe’s  ICT 

The ICT Task Force recommends a focus on interoperability, developing digital and entrepreneurial skills, strengthening the 
internal market, reducing patent costs particularly for translations by application of the London Protocol, and promotion of 
lead markets through public procurement. The task force brought together experts from industry and civil society to identify 
major obstacles to the competitiveness of the ICT sector.  

‘The  Challenges  of  Convergence’  working  paper  of 
the i2010 High Level Group, 12.12.2006 

The  working  paper,  prepared  together  with  the  Member  States  in  the  i2010  High  Level  Group,  highlights  various 
technological,  market  and  policy  challenges  posed by  digital  convergence.  The paper  concludes  that  the  overall  legal  and 
regulatory  framework  is  favourable  for  the  further  development  of  convergence,  but  there  might  be  a  need  to  look  at 
emerging bottlenecks and new business models that change today’s ways of delivering services and content to users. 

Communication 
Society Report 2007’, COM(2007) 146, 30.03.2007 

‘i2010  —  Annual 

Information 

The  second  Annual  Report,  published  on  30  March  2007,  reviews  the  Commission’s  and  Member  States’  progress  in 
implementing the i2010 agenda so far. It also updates the set of actions planned for 2007-2008. Finally, the report sets out 
the key policy issues for the future to be debated during the mid-term review of the i2010 strategy. 

‘User  and  consumer  perspective  in  the  context  of 
convergence’ working paper of the i2010 High Level 
Group, 20.04.2007 

The  issue  paper  identifies  the  gaps  in  the  protection  of  users  in  the  digital  environment  and  reviews  options  for  policy 
response. 

‘Content  and  Convergence’  working  paper  of  the 
i2010 Level Group, 20.04.2007  

The issue paper outlines the main economic and cultural challenges arising from digital convergence and points to ways of 
addressing them that bring benefit in term of European competitiveness, cultural diversity and users’ interests. 

Communication  'Preparing  Europe’s  digital  future. 
i2010  Mid-Term  Review'  (i2010  Annual  Information 
Society Report 2008), COM(2008) 199, 17.04.2008 

Two  years  after  the  launch  of  i2010,  the  Commission  reflected  on  whether  its  general  approach  remained  valid  and  best 
suited  to  today's  policy  priorities  for  growth  and  jobs.  The  report  shows  that  the  i2010 strategy,  which  triggered  new  EU 
initiatives on regulation, research and public-private partnerships, is delivering results. More than half of Europeans are now 
regular Internet users, 80% of them have broadband connections and 60% of public services in the EU are fully available 
online.  

The strategy, has led to a firm commitment to promoting ICT at EU and national levels. In parallel, the EU institutions have 
encouraged the building of a single market for online services and increased research funding. A single market for telecoms, 
promoting cross-border communication services, is, however, still in the making. The mid-term review also identified new 
themes to consider for a longer term agenda for the EU – the digital single market, the role of the users, the need to continue 
investing in ICT R&D and innovation and the future of networks and the internet.. 

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Information  Society  at  the  Crossroads  (i2010  high 
level conference), Brdo, Slovenia, 13-14 May 2008 

The conference, organised by the Slovenian Presidency, addressed the main topics raised by the mid-term review of i2010, 
including the themes identified for future reflection. 

Building  on  i2010:  Which  services  and  networks  for 
tomorrow? Paris, 9 September 2008 

This  French  Presidency  conference  reflected  on  what  needs  to  be  done  to  promote  and  speed  up  the  development  of 
infrastructures and services of the future.  

Communication  'Internet  governance:  the  next  steps', 
COM(2009) 277, 18.06.2009 

The Communication analyses progress on Internet governance and the changing role of governments in the process. It calls 
for  more  transparency  and  multilateral  accountability  in  the  governance  of  the  internet  and  proposes  an  approach  for  the 
future. 

1 — A Single European Information Space 

1.1 — Delivering services anywhere, anytime over high-speed seamless networks 

Action 1: Review of the regulatory framework for electronic communications 

Communication  on  market  reviews  under  the  EU 
Regulatory Framework, COM(2006) 28, 06.02.2006 

The report reviews the state of the electronic communications markets in 2005.  

Electronic 
Communication 
Communications  Regulation  and  Markets  2005  (11th 
Report)’ COM(2006) 68, 20.02.2006 

‘European 

The  Commission  publishes  regular  reports  on  the  Member  States’  implementation  of  the  EU  framework  for  electronic 
communications. The 11th report looks at market developments in 2005, mainly in broadband, mobile and fixed services, the 
regulatory environment and the consumer interest.  

Communication  on  the  outcome  of  the  review  of  the 
service,  COM(2006)  163, 
scope  of  universal 

The Commission reviewed the scope of universal service in the Universal Service Directive and concluded that it would not 
extend the scope of universal service to mobile telephony and broadband. However, this theme continued to be discussed in 

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07.04.2006 

the context of the general regulatory review of electronic communications in 2006.  

Communication  on  the  review  of  the  EU  Regulatory 
Framework  for  electronic  communications  networks 
and services, COM(2006) 334, 29.06.2006 

Based on an analysis of the functioning of the regulatory framework and its impact, the Communication indicated possible 
changes and launched a public consultation on the proposals. At the same time, comments were invited on the draft second 
edition  of  the  Commission  Recommendation  on  Relevant  Product  and  Service  Markets.  The  two  main  proposals  are  to 
implement  the  Commission’s  policy  approach  to  spectrum  management  and  to  reduce  the  burden  of  reviews  of  relevant 
markets by streamlining the procedures. Other changes proposed would strengthen the internal market, reinforce consumer 
interests, improve security and generally update the framework. 

Proposal  for  a  Regulation  on  roaming  on  public 
mobile networks within the Community, COM(2006) 
382, 12.07.2006 

The proposed Regulation does not fix an ideal price for roaming charges but applies a method that ensures, through price 
ceilings, that mobile roaming charges are not unjustifiably higher than those for domestic mobile phone use. The proposed 
regulation also enhances price transparency.  

Communication 
Electronic 
Communications  Regulation  and  Markets  2006  (12th 
Report)’ COM(2007) 155, 29.03.2007 

‘European 

Communication  on  market  reviews  under  the  EU 
Regulatory Framework (2nd report), COM(2007) 401, 
11.07.2007 

The Commission report took a snapshot of Europe's telecom markets in 2006, worth almost €290 billion in revenues, just 
prior to the reform of the EU telecom rules. It included individual chapters covering the situation in each EU Member State. 

Although the EU’s telecoms regulatory framework has led to significant benefits for citizens and enterprises alike, important 
challenges  remain  for  national  and  European  regulators,  says  the  Commission  report.  It  presents  the  results  of  600  draft 
regulatory decisions sent to the Commission by National Regulatory Authorities. In a number of cases, the report found that 
the  solutions  imposed  by  national  regulators  to  remedy  a  lack  of  competition  varied  considerably,  leading  to  the  risk  of 
fragmenting the internal telecoms market to the detriment of consumers and pan-European operators. 

Communication on Strengthening the Internal Market 
for Mobile TV. COM(2007) 409, 18.07.2007 

The  Commission  has  adopted  a  strategy  favouring  the  take-up  of  mobile  TV  across  the  27  EU  Member  States.  The 
Commission urges Member States and industry to facilitate and accelerate the deployment of mobile TV across Europe and 
to encourage the use of DVB-H as the single European standard for mobile TV. 

Proposals  for  a  reform  of 
framework 
13.11.2007: 

electronic 

for 

the  EU  regulatory 
communications, 

The  ‘Telecoms  Reform  Package’,  which  was  presented  by  the  Commission  on  13  November  2007,  will  change  the  EU 
telecoms rules adopted in 2002. It is expected to become law by the end of 2009 and includes the following main features: 

Proposal 
for  a  Directive  amending  Directives 
2002/21/EC  on  a  common  regulatory  framework  for 
electronic  communications  networks  and  services, 
2002/19/EC  on  access  to,  and  interconnection  of, 
electronic communications networks and services, and 
the  authorisation  of  electronic 
2002/20/EC  on 

- New consumer rights such as the right to switch telecoms operators within 1 day; the right to transparent and comparable 
price information; the possibility to call freephone numbers from abroad; and a more effective single European emergency 
number 112.  

-  More  consumer  choice  through  more  competition,  especially  by  giving  national  telecoms  regulators  the  new  remedy  of 
functional separation for dominant telecom operators.  

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communications  networks  and  services,  COM(2007) 
697; 

Proposal 
for  a  Directive  amending  Directive 
2002/22/EC  on  universal  service  and  users’  rights 
to  electronic  communications  networks, 
relating 
Directive  2002/58/EC  concerning  the  processing  of 
personal  data  and  the  protection  of  privacy  in  the 
electronic  communications  sector  and  Regulation 
(EC)  No  2006/2004  on  consumer  protection 
cooperation, COM(2007) 698; 

Proposal  for  a  Regulation  establishing  the  European 
Electronic  Communications  Market  Authority, 
COM(2007) 699; 

Communication  —  Reaping  the  full  benefits  of  the 
digital dividend in Europe: A common approach to the 
use of the spectrum released by the digital switchover, 
COM(2007) 700; 

Commission recommendation on relevant product and 
service markets, C(2007) 5406 rev 1; 

Report on the outcome of the Review of the regulatory 
framework  and  summary  of 
reform 
proposals, COM(2007) 696 

the  2007 

- More security in using communication networks, especially through new instruments to fight spam, viruses and other cyber 
attacks.  

- A ‘New Deal’ for radio spectrum — the  lifeblood of all wireless communication services — to spur investment  in new 
infrastructures  and  to  ensure  ‘broadband  access  for  everyone’.  In  rural  areas  of  the  EU,  only  72%  of  the  population  on 
average have broadband access. The Commission wants to overcome this ‘digital divide’ by better managing radio spectrum 
and by making spectrum available for wireless broadband services in regions where building a new fibre infrastructure is too 
costly. The switchover from analogue to digital TV will free a substantial amount of radio spectrum (the ‘digital dividend’) 
that can be used for this purpose.  

-  Better  regulation  in  telecoms  by  deregulating  those  markets  where  EU-driven  market-opening  has  already  led  to 
competition; this will allow the Commission and national regulators to focus on the main bottlenecks, such as the broadband 
market.  

- More independent watchdogs to guarantee fair regulation in the interest of consumers. Too often, telecoms regulators are 
still close to the dominant operator, which continues to be partly owned by the national government in many countries. The 
EU  Telecoms  Reform  is  designed  to  strengthen  the  independence  of  national  telecoms  watchdogs  from  operators  and 
governments alike. 

To  quickly  and  effectively  implement  the  reform,  the  Commission  proposes  establishing  a  European  Telecom  Market 
Authority  that  will  help  ensure  that  important  communication  services  (such  as  Internet  broadband  access,  data  roaming, 
mobile phone usage on planes and ships and cross-border business services) are regulated more consistently across the 27 
EU  Member  States.  The  European  Telecom  Market  Authority  will  more  effectively  combine  the  functions  of  the  current 
European Regulators Group (ERG) and the current European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA). 

To  become  law,  the  Commission  proposals  need  to  be  approved  by  the  European  Parliament  and  the  EU  Council  of 
Ministers. 

Communication 
the  single 
European  electronic  communications  market  2007 
(13th Report)’ COM(2008) 153, 19.03.2008 

report  on 

‘Progress 

The  progress  report  presented  a  snapshot  of  Europe’s  Single  Telecoms  Market  as  of  December  2007,  based  on  facts  and 
figures from national telecoms regulators and market players. 

Communication 'Advancing the Internet - Action Plan 
for  the  deployment  of  Internet  Protocol  version  6 
(IPv6) in Europe', COM(2008) 313, 27.05.2008 

Increasing  demand  for  Internet-based  services  means  that  there  would  not  be  enough  addresses  to  support  this  expected 
growth, if no action is taken. Encouraging internet users and providers to adopt the latest Internet Protocol (IP version 6 or 
IPv6) will provide a massive increase in address space, much in the same way as telephone numbers were lengthened in the 
20th century. In this Communication, the Commission sets Europe a target of getting 25% of EU industry, public authorities 

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and households to use IPv6 by 2010. 

Proposal  for  a  Regulation  amending  Regulation  (EC) 
No 717/2007 on roaming on public mobile telephone 
networks  and  Directive  2002/21/EC  on  a  common 
regulatory  framework  for  electronic  communications, 
COM(2008) 580, 23.09.2008 

Communication  on  Roaming  Regulation  COM(2008) 
579, 23.09.2008 

Mobile  phone  users  can  expect  the  cost  of  sending  text  messages  from  abroad  in  the  EU  to  be  much  cheaper:  the 
Commission proposed to reduce the price of roaming text messages by 60% as of 1 July 2009. EU citizens travelling in other 
EU countries should pay no more than €0.11 per SMS compared  to the current EU average of €0.29. The Commission also 
wants to improve transparency for surfing the web and downloading data on a mobile phone while abroad: consumers used 
to cheaper data services at home should be better protected against roaming "bill shocks" that can run to thousands of euro. 
The proposals have been submitted to the European Parliament and Council, who must agree before they become law.  

The EU already reduced charges for making and receiving calls abroad (voice roaming) by 60% in summer 2007. 

Communication on the second periodic review of the 
scope 
electronic 
communications  networks  and  services,  COM(2008) 
572, 25.09.2008 

universal 

service 

of 

in 

The  concept  of  universal  service  in  telecoms  is  about  a  safety  net  guaranteeing  a  minimum  level  of  services,  such  as 
connection to a phone network and basic Internet access, that would fill the basic needs that the market fails to address. The 
Commission  report  shows  that  competitive  markets  for  broadband  Internet  are  providing  EU  citizens  widespread  and 
affordable access; however, further efforts are needed to ensure broadband for all. The report asks whether a new universal 
service obligation should be considered. 

Communication  on  future  networks  and  the  internet, 
COM(2008) 594, 29.09.2008 

The Communication proposes a coherent policy for preparing Europe's information society for the next decade of internet. A 
public consultation has subsequently been carried out on best responses to the opportunities. The report also introduced a 
new Broadband Performance Index (BPI) that compares national performance on key measures such as broadband speed, 
price, competition and coverage.  

Recommendation  on  notifications,  time  limits  and 
consultations  provided  for  in  Article  7  of  Directive 
2002/21/EC  on  a  common  regulatory  framework  for 
electronic  communications  networks  and  services, 
C(2008) 5925, 15.10.2008 

The  Recommendation  reduces  administrative  demands  on  national  telecoms  regulators  when  submitting  draft  regulatory 
measures to the Commission under the so-called 'Article 7 procedure' . Since 2003, the Commission has reviewed more than 
800 national regulators' decisions to break traditional telecoms monopolies and open up networks for competitors. The new 
Recommendation allows national regulators to use a simplified form to notify the Commission of certain decisions.  

Communication  on  the  legal  framework  for  mobile 
TV  networks  and  services:  best  practice 
for 
authorisation  –  the  EU  model,  COM(2008)  845, 
10.12.2009 

Consumers  are  becoming  increasingly  interested  in  using mobile  TV.  However,  before  a  commercial  operator  can  launch 
such a service, they need an authorisation from the Member State. The new guidelines identify the main principles which 
regulators  and  governments  in  the  EU  should  follow  when  authorising  operators  to  provide  Mobile  TV  services.  The 
guidelines aim to accelerate the roll-out of these services across Europe.  

Communication 
Europe', COM(2009) 36, 28.01.2009 

'Investing 

today  for 

tomorrow's 

The  Commission  aims  to  achieve  100  %  high-speed  internet  coverage  for  all  citizens  by  2010  as  part  of  the  European 
Economic Recovery Plan. In January 2009 the Commission proposed to earmark € 1 billion to help rural areas get online, 
bring  new  jobs  and  help  businesses  grow.  The  funds,  to  come  from  unspent  EU  budget,  were  proposed  to  be  targetted 
through  the  existing  EU's  Rural  Development  Fund  to  cover  the  "white  spots"  on  Europe's  broadband  map  (30%  of  the 

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for  a  Council  Regulation  amending 
Proposal 
Regulation  (EC)  No  1698/2005  on  support  for  rural 
development  by  the  European  Agricultural  Fund  for 
Rural  Development  (EAFRD),  COM(2009)  38  - 
2009/0011 (CNS), 28.01.2009 

Communication  'Better  access  for  rural  areas  to 
modern ICT', COM(2009) 103, 03.03.2009 

Communication 
the  single 
European  electronic  communications  market  2008 
(14th Report)’ COM(2009) 140, 24.03.2008 

report  on 

‘Progress 

population in rural areas who do not have broadband access). 

Connecting the 30% of the EU's rural population that has no high speed internet access should be a priority for achieving 
'broadband  for  all'  by  2010.  In  a  followup  to  its  communication  of  January  (see  above),  the  Commission  outlined  how  it 
would use  its  own  support  programmes  to  boost  internet  networks  and services  in rural  areas,  and  called  on  EU Member 
States to do the same. 

The report gives a snapshot of the EU’s telecoms market and the main regulatory developments that took place in 2008. It is 
based on facts and figures from national telecoms regulators and market players, verified by Commission experts. The report 
notes that Europe leads the world in mobile phone services. Despite the economic crisis, the EU's telecoms sector continued 
to grow in 2008, outperforming the rest of the economy. Average mobile phone bills have fallen. However, the report also 
warns  that  without  better  European  coordination,  the  benefits  of  a  single  telecoms  market  could  be  jeopardised  by 
inconsistent national regulation. 

Commission  Recommendation  on  the  Regulatory 
Treatment of Fixed and Mobile Termination Rates in 
the EU, C(2009) 3359, 07.05.2009 

The Recommendation sets out guidance for EU telecoms regulators on the cost-based method to be used when calculating 
termination rates – the wholesale fees charged by operators to connect the call from another operator's network which are 
part of everyone's phone bill. The Recommendation indicates specifically that termination rates at national level should be 
based  only  on  the  real  costs  that  an  efficient  operator  incurs  to  establish  the  connection.  Eliminating  price  distortions 
between phone operators across the EU will lower consumer prices for voice calls within and between Member States. 

Communication 'Internet of Things — An action plan 
for Europe', COM(2009) 278, 18.6.2009 

Today’s  internet  links  about 1.5 billion users worldwide  through  computers  and  mobile  devices (about 300  million  in  the 
EU).  In  the  coming  years  also  machines  and  various  physical  objects  will  get  connected,  thus  creating  the  ‘internet  of 
things’.  Among  the  14  actions  proposed  in  the  plan  to  promote  the  evolution  of  this  'internet  of  things'  in  the  EU,  are 
standardisation  of  the  technologies  involved  across  Europe  and  better  funding  of  research,  as  well  as  measures  to  protect 
people's privacy, data and security as the new technology takes shape around them. 

Commission regulation (EC) No 4521/2009 amending 
Regulation  (EC)  No  874/2004  laying  down  public 
policy  rules  concerning 
implementation  and 
functions  of  the  .eu  Top  Level  Domain  and  the 
principles governing registration, 26.06.2009 

the 

The new EU rules make it possible for internet users and businesses to register domain names under .eu using the characters 
of all the 23 official languages of the European Union, now including Cyrillic and Greek scripts. This means that later in 
2009 .eu will also be available in the alphabets used by Bulgarians, Greeks and Cypriots and special characters used in other 
languages. 

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Action 2: Making spectrum management more efficient 

Communication on a forward-looking radio spectrum 
policy  for  the  European  Union  —  Second  annual 
report, COM(2005) 411, 06.09.2005 

Communication  on  a  market-based  approach 
spectrum  management 
in 
COM(2005) 400, 14.09.2005 

to 
the  European  Union, 

The Spectrum Policy Report identified policy priorities for more flexible spectrum management and an action plan for their 
implementation. 

The Communication paved the way for the coordinated introduction of secondary trading of radio frequencies in the Union 
by 2010. 

Communication  on  EU  spectrum  policy  priorities  for 
the digital switchover, COM(2005) 461, 29.09.2005 

The Communication provided guidance for international spectrum negotiations in the ITU Regional Radiocommunications 
Conference (RRC-06) with particular reference to the spectrum implications of the digital switchover. 

2005/513/EC 

Commission  Decision 
the 
harmonised  use  of  radio  spectrum  in  the  5  GHz 
frequency  band  for  the  implementation  of  Wireless 
including  Radio  Local  Area 
Access  Systems 
Networks (WAS/RLANs), 11.07.2005 

on 

2005/928/EC 

Commission  Decision 
the 
harmonisation of the 169.4-169.8125 MHz frequency 
band  in  the  Community  (frequency  band  originally 
for 
designated 
system), 
20.12.2005 
(amended  by  Commission  Decision 
2008/673/EC, 13.08.2008). 

the  ERMES  paging 

on 

2006/771/EC 

Commission  Decisions: 
the 
harmonisation of the radio spectrum for use by short-
range devices, 09.11.2006 (;amended by Commission 
and 
Decisions 
2009/381/EC,  13.05.2009)  and  2006/804/EC  on  the 
the  radio  spectrum  for  radio 
harmonisation  of 

2008/432/EC, 

23.05.2008 

on 

This  decision  makes  available  in  all  Member  States  a  substantial  amount  of  radio  spectrum  for  radio  local  area  networks 
(RLANs) — commonly known as ‘Wi-Fi’ — to provide access on the move to the Internet and private networks. 

Spectrum bands reserved for paging systems no longer in use were reallocated in the whole EU to special needs applications 
such as hearing aids and emergency alarms. 

The two Decisions, applicable throughout the EU, specify harmonised conditions for the use of radio spectrum for a large 
range of low-power short-range radio transmitters. Thanks to these Decisions, consumers do not need to worry whether a 
wireless product bought in one Member State will work in another. One harmonisation measure covers RFIDs in the UHF 
band and the other addresses certain equipment categories of relevance today, but also has a built-in mechanism to extend it 
to new devices. This update mechanism was already used twice. 

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frequency  identification  (RFID)  devices  operating  in 
the ultra high frequency (UHF) band, 23.11.2006 

Communication  on  rapid  access  to  spectrum  for 
wireless  electronic  communications  services  through 
more flexibility, COM(2007) 50, 08.02.2007 

Commission Decision 2007/98/EC on the harmonised 
use  of  radio  spectrum  in  the  2  GHz  frequency  bands 
for  the  implementation  of  systems  providing  mobile 
satellite services, 14.02.2007 

Commission  Decision  2007/131/EC  on  allowing  the 
use  of  the  radio  spectrum  for  equipment  using  ultra-
wideband  technology  in  a  harmonised  manner  in  the 
Community,  21.02.2007  (amended  by  2009/343/EC, 
21.04.09). 

The  aim  of  this  Communication  is  to  set out  the  practical  steps  necessary  from  now until  2010  to  pave  the way  towards 
more flexible spectrum management in bands used for electronic communications services with individual rights of use. 

This Decision is an important step in facilitating the introduction of new and innovative Mobile Satellite Service systems 
providing  services  such  as  satellite  data  casting  or  multimedia  broadcasting  (including  mobile  TV)  via  a  coordinated  EU 
approach. 

This  harmonising  decision  outlines  mandatory  conditions  for  using  ultra-wideband  (UWB)  technology  in  new-generation 
wireless devices (such as laptops, mobile phones, digital cameras) in the EU. It allows innovators to use this new technology 
throughout the EU without interference with other wireless users. With UWB, many electronic devices so far linked by cable 
will have a wireless alternative offering the same data rates.  

Communication  on  Radio  Frequency  Identification 
(RFID) in Europe: Steps towards a policy framework, 
COM(2007) 96, 13.3.2007 

From  today’s  simple  radio  tags  to  tomorrow’s  intelligent  and  networked  systems,  RFID  applications  will  create  many 
opportunities for business and society. But the more intensive and extensive use of RFID also raises questions in the areas of 
privacy,  security,  technological  reliability  and  international  compatibility.  The  Communication  on  RFID  identifies  RFID-
related issues of high importance for Europe, together with a plan for future action at European level. 

Commission  Decision  2007/344/EC  on  harmonised 
availability  of  information  regarding  spectrum  use 
within the Community, 16.05.2007 

Radio  spectrum  users  can  benefit  from  greater  clarity  on  what  spectrum  is  available  and  how  this  may  be  used  across 
Europe,  thanks  to  this  Decision,  which  defines  a  common  format  and  level  of  detail  for  information  that  Member  States 
should provide. This common approach enables the establishment of a single information point containing comparable data. 

Communication 
communication  Conference 
COM(2007) 371, 02.07.2007 

‘The 

ITU  World 
2007 

Radio-
(WRC-07)’, 

The  Communication  outlines  the  EU’s  positions  on  what  needs  to  be  achieved  at  the  2007  World  Radiocommunication 
Conference  (WRC-07)  of  the  International  Telecommunication  Union  (ITU)  in  areas  such  as  future  terrestrial  mobile 
systems, Earth exploration, digital radio broadcasting, and aviation applications. 

Proposal  for  a  Directive  repealing  Council  Directive 
87/372/EEC on the frequency bands to be reserved for 
the  coordinated  introduction  of  public  pan-European 
cellular  digital  land-based  mobile  communications  in 
the Community COM(2007) 367, 25.07.2007 

The Commission has proposed measures to make it easier and more lucrative for mobile operators in Europe to offer and 
develop  innovative  wireless  technologies.  By  opening  radio  spectrum  for  advanced  mobile  data  and  multimedia  services 
(such as 3G services that allow video streaming and fast downloads on a mobile handset), the Commission proposals aim to 
increase the number and choice of wireless services available, as well as to expand their geographic coverage to the benefit 
of all European citizens. The proposals also aim to reduce network deployment costs for Europe’s wireless communications 
industry. [to be updated, codecision adoption expected shortly] 

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Decision  2008/626/EC  of  the  European  Parliament 
and of  the  Council on  the  selection  and  authorisation 
of systems providing mobile satellite services (MSS), 
30.06.2008 

The  new  selection  mechanism  aims  to  allow  innovative  services,  such  as  mobile  TV,  broadband  data  and  emergency 
communications, to develop smoothly throughout Europe from 2009. 

Communication  ‘Reaping  the  full  benefits  of  the 
digital dividend in Europe: A common approach to the 
use  of 
the  digital 
switchover’, COM(2007) 700, 13.11.2007 

the  spectrum 

released  by 

(See Action 1, Proposals for a reform of the EU regulatory framework for electronic communications) 

Commission Decision 2008/286/EC amending 
Decision 2007/176/EC as regards the List of standards 
and/or specifications for electronic communications 
networks, services and associated facilities and 
services, 17.03.2008  

Commission  Decision  2008/294/EC  on  harmonised 
conditions of spectrum use for the operation of mobile 
communication  services  on  aircraft  (MCA  services), 
and  Recommendation  2008/295/EC  on  authorisation 
of  mobile  communication  services  on  aircraft  (MCA 
services), 07.04.2008 

The Commission has added the Digital Video Broadcasting Handheld standard (DVB-H) to the EU List of Standards, which 
serves as a basis for encouraging the harmonised provision of telecommunications across the EU. The addition of DVB-H is 
a new step towards establishing a Single Market for Mobile TV in Europe that will enable all EU citizens to watch TV on 
the move. Member States are required to encourage the use of DVB-H.  

The  measures  harmonise  the  technical  and  licensing  requirements  for  the  use  of  mobile  phones  on  board  aircrafts.  As  a 
result,  businesspeople  and  consumers  will  be  able  to  receive  and  make  calls  and  messages  safely  with  their  own  mobile 
phones while flying all over Europe. This means that the 90% of European air passengers that already carry mobile phones 
on-board aircraft, can remain contactable during flights. 

2008/411/EC 

Commission  Decision 
the 
harmonisation  of  the  3400  -  3800  MHz  frequency 
band  for  terrestrial  systems  capable  of  providing 
electronic 
the 
Community, 21.05.2008 

communications 

services 

on 

in 

2008/477/EC 

Commission  Decision 
the 
harmonisation of the 2500-2690 MHz frequency band 
for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic 
communications 
the  Community, 
13.06.2008 

services 

on 

in 

the 
Commission  Decision 
harmonised use of radio spectrum in the 5875 - 5905 
MHz frequency band for safety related applications of 

2008/671/EC 

on 

The  Decision  harmonises  3400-3800  MHz  frequency  band  for  terrestrial  systems  capable  of  providing  electronic 
communications  and  ensures  coherent  technical  conditions  within  the  Community  for  the  provision  of  services  such  as 
broadband wireless access.  

The  Decision  harmonises  the  2500-2690  MHz  frequency  band  for  terrestrial  systems  capable  of  providing  electronic 
communications  and  ensures  coherent  technical  conditions  within  the  Community  for  the  provision  of  services  such  as 
mobile Internet access. 

The Decision earmarks the frequency band 5875-5905 MHz across Europe for smart vehicle communications systems (so 
called co-operative systems). They are based on wireless communication technology and allow cars to 'talk' to other cars and 
to the road infrastructure providers.  

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Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), 05.08.2008 

Commission Recommendation on the implementation 
of  privacy  and  data  protection  principles 
in 
radio-frequency 
applications 
identification, C(2009) 3200, 12.5.2009 

supported 

by 

The  recommendation  provides  guidance  to  Member  States  on  the  design  and  operation  of  RFID  applications  in  a  lawful, 
ethical and socially and politically acceptable way, respecting the right to privacy and ensuring protection of personal data.  

Action 3: A consistent internal market framework promoting the development of high quality and innovative information society and media services 

Commission  Recommendation  on  collective  cross-
border management of copyright and related rights for 
legitimate  online  music  services  (2005/737/EC), 
18.10.2005 

The  Recommendation  puts  forward  measures  for  improving  EU-wide  licensing  of  copyright  for  online  services.  The 
development of EU-wide copyright licenses should allow new online music services to develop their full potential. 

Proposal  for  a  Directive  on  payment  services  in  the 
internal market, COM(2005) 603, 01.12.2005 

The proposed Directive brings down existing legal barriers in order to create a ‘Single Payments Area’ in the EU. The aim is 
to make cross-border payments — by credit card, debit card, electronic bank transfer, direct debit or any other means — as 
easy, cheap and secure as ‘national’ payments within one Member State.  

Legislative  proposal  for  an  Audiovisual  Media 
Services  Directive 
‘Television 
Without  Frontiers’  Directive),  COM(2005)  646, 
13.12.2005 

(revision  of 

the 

The proposal aims to create a single framework for all types of audiovisual media services, irrespective of the technology 
used to transmit or receive them. The objective is to create a level playing field for the different providers of audiovisual 
content  and  provide  operators  of  non-linear  audiovisual  media  services  with  the  legal  certainty  necessary  to  offer  their 
services on a pan-European basis.  

Commission  Decision  on  re-use  of  Commission 
information (2006/291/EC), 07.04.2006 

The Decision determines the conditions for the re-use of documents held by the Commission or on its behalf by the Office 
for Official Publications of the European Communities with the aim of facilitating wider re-use of this information. 

European Charter for the Development and the Take-
up of Film Online, 23.05.2006 

The  Charter  identifies  commendable  practices  for  bringing  film  online  via  legitimate  services  and  in  a  consumer-friendly 
way. It was initiated by the Commission and agreed by business leaders at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006. It aims to be 
the point of reference for the film and content industry, Internet service providers and telecom operators.  

Adoption  of  the  MEDIA  2007  Programme,  Decision 
1718/2006/EC, 15.11.2006 

Launched on 11.02.2007, the MEDIA 2007 programme will provide a €755 million boost to Europe’s film industry over the 
next  seven  years.  Almost  65%  of  the  budget  will  help  broaden  the  circulation  of  European  works  to  other  countries  in 

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Europe and worldwide. MEDIA 2007 provides easier access to finance and promotes increased use of digital technologies. 

Adoption of the eContentplus 2006 Work Programme 
and call for proposals 

The  work  programme  set  the  following  objectives  for  2006:  geographic  information,  educational  content,  digital  libraries 
(cultural and scientific/scholarly content), and reinforcing cooperation between digital content stakeholders.  

Commission staff working paper on media pluralism, 
SEC(2007) 32, 16.01.2007 

Responding to political concerns about media concentration and its possible effects on pluralism and freedom of expression, 
the Commission presented a three-step approach to advancing the debate on media pluralism in the EU. 

Green Paper on the Review of the Consumer Acquis, 
COM(2006) 744, 08.02.2007 

The Green Paper launched a major new drive to adapt core EU consumer rules to the challenges of the fast-changing digital 
world. The paper identified a number of problems with the current legislation in the area of consumer protection, presented 
the main options for reform and initiated a public consultation. 

Communication  ‘A  single  market  for  citizens  — 
Interim Report to the 2007 Spring European Council’, 
COM(2007) 60, 21.02.2007 

The report sketched out a new vision for the single market of the future. It was followed later in 2007 by a full review of the 
single market (see below). 

Single  market  review  package:  Communication  on  a 
single  market  for  21st  century  Europe,  COM(2007) 
724 and associated documents, 20.11.2007  

The  Communication  concludes  the  review  initiated  in  2006  and  transforms  the  ‘vision  paper’  of  February  2007  into  an 
operational set of initiatives to re-position the single market. Proposals include a European e-invoicing framework, an action 
plan on e-authentication and e-signatures, a standardisation strategy, as well as an initiative on universal service in support of 
an information society for all, in line with the new reform proposals for EU telecom rules. 

Communication  on  a  European  approach  to  media 
literacy  in  the  digital  environment,  COM(2007)  833, 
20.12.2007 

The  Communication  is  the  first  EU-level  policy  document  on  media  literacy  —  the  ability  of  people  to  critically  analyse 
what they find in the media and to make more informed choices. The document focuses on: 1) media literacy for commercial 
communication, covering issues related to advertising, 2) media literacy for audiovisual works, which is in part about raising 
awareness  of  European  film  and  enhancing  creativity  skills,  3)  and  online  media  literacy,  which,  for  example,  will  give 
citizens a better understanding of how Google and other Internet search engines work. 

Communication  on  creative  content  online  in  the 
Single Market, COM(2007) 836, 03.01.2008 

The  Communication  launched  actions  to  support  the  development  of  innovative  business  models  and  the  cross-border 
delivery  of  diverse  online  creative  content  services.  The  Commission  has  identified  four  main,  horizontal  challenges  that 
merit  further  action  at  EU  level:  1)  availability  of  creative  content,  2)  multi-territory  licensing  for  creative  content,  3) 
interoperability  and  transparency  of  Digital  Rights  Management  systems  (DRMs)  and  4)  legal  offers  and  piracy.  The 
Communication opened a public consultation in order to prepare, by mid-2008, an EU Recommendation on Creative Content 
Online. 

Proposal  for  a  Decision  establishing  an  audiovisual 
cooperation programme with professionals from third 

The new MEDIA Mundus is an international cooperation programme for the audiovisual industry to strengthen cultural and 
commercial relations between Europe's film industry and film-makers of third countries. The EU will provide €15 million of 

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countries  MEDIA  Mundus,  COM(2008)  892, 
09.01.2009 

funding from 2011-2013 for projects submitted by audiovisual professionals from the EU and third countries. 

Communication  concerning  the  State  aid  assessment 
criteria of the Commission communication on certain 
legal  aspects  relating  to  cinematographic  and  other 
audiovisual  works  (Cinema  Communication)  of  26 
September 2001, (2009/C 31/01), 07.02.2009 

The  Communication  extends  the  validity  of  the  state  aid  assessment  criteria  for  the  production  of  films  and  audiovisual 
works  until  31  December  2012.  These  criteria,  laid  down  in  a  Commission  Communication  of  2001,  are  used  by  the 
Commission to approve Europe’s national, regional and local film support schemes under the EU's state aid rules. The new 
Commission Communication also identifies a number of trends which are likely to have to be addressed by a future Cinema 
Communication. 

eYouGuide to your rights online, launched 05/05/2009 

http://ec.europa.eu/eyouguide  

The Commission's eYouGuide is an online tool giving practical advice on the "digital rights" consumers have under EU law. 
The  guide  addresses  consumer  issues  such  as  the  rights  towards  your  broadband  provider,  shopping  on  the  web, 
downloading  music  and  protecting  your  personal  data  online  and  on  social  networking  sites.  Giving  consumers  clear 
information  about  their  rights  will  increase  trust  and  help  unlock  the  full  economic  potential  of  Europe's  single  online 
market. 

Communication  on 
re-use  of  Public  Sector 
Information  -  review  of  Directive  2003/98/EC, 
COM(2009) 212, 07.05.2009 

European  citizens  use  products  and  services  based  on  the  vast  amounts  of  information  produced,  collected  and  shared  by 
public sector bodies, such as car navigation systems, weather forecasts and financial and insurance services, on a daily basis. 
Still,  much  of  Europe's  public  sector  information  is  not  re-used.  The  Commission  calls  on  EU  Member  States  to  make  it 
easier to access and re-use public sector information. 

1.2 — Increasing security of networks 

Action 4: Strategy for a secure European Information Society — increasing trust and confidence 

Report on the operation of the Directive on electronic 
signatures, COM(2006) 120, 15.03.2006 

The  report  reviews  the  operation  of  the  Directive  on  electronic  signatures:  most  applications  are  found  in  the  field  of  e-
banking and e-government but the use of qualified electronic signatures has been much lower than expected. 

Communication  ‘A  strategy  for  a  Secure  Information 
Society  —  Dialogue,  partnership  and  empowerment’ 

The strategy builds a framework and develops synergies among the various policy initiatives for network and information 
security.  It  calls  for  a  structured  process  of  consultation  and  dialogue  with  relevant  stakeholders,  including  public 

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COM(2006) 251, 31.05.2006 

administrations, the private sector, individual users and the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA).  

Communication  on  fighting  spam,  spyware  and 
malicious software, COM(2006) 688, 15.11.2006 

Despite existing EU legislation outlawing spam, Europe continues to suffer from illegal online activities both from inside the 
EU  and  from  third  countries.  The  Commission  stresses  that  national  authorities  must  step  up  their  prosecution  of  such 
activities. The Communication takes stock of the efforts made so far to fight these threats and identifies further action that 
can be taken.  

Communication concerning the final evaluation of the 
Safer  Internet  Action  Plan  (2003-2004),  COM(2006) 
663, 6.11.2006 

Communication  on  the  implementation  of  the  Safer 
Internet  plus  programme  (2005-2008)  COM(2006) 
661, 6.11.2006 

The  final  evaluation  of  the  first  generation  of  Safer  Internet  activities  is  a  necessary  step  for  further  policy  development, 
including the presentation of a new programme in 2008.  

Assessment  of  the  first  phase  of  operation  of  the  programme  provides  the  basis  for  defining  the  complete  financial 
framework for the Programme.  

Adoption  of  the  Safer  Internet  plus  2006  Work 
Programme and call for proposals 

The 2006 call addressed all action lines under the Programme. For actions to fight illegal content and raise awareness, the 
call invited proposals from Member States where no hotline or awareness nodes had previously been established. 

European  Programme 
Protection (EPCIP), COM(2006) 786, 12.12.2006 

for  Critical 

Infrastructure 

Critical infrastructure can be damaged, destroyed or disrupted by deliberate acts of terrorism, natural disasters, negligence, 
accidents, as well as computer hacking, criminal activity and malicious behaviour. The Commission presented a package of 
new measures to improve the protection of critical infrastructure in Europe, including critical ICT infrastructure.  

Decision  C(2007)  249  on  reserving  the  national 
numbering range beginning with ‘116’ for harmonised 
numbers  for  harmonised  services  of  social  value, 
12.02.2007 

The  Commission  has  adopted  a  Decision  reserving  the  116 000  telephone  number  in  all  Member  States  as  a  hotline  for 
reporting missing children. Calling 116 000 is free of charge throughout Europe. It is up to the Member States to select an 
association or authority to manage this service. All other numbers beginning with 116 are also reserved for social services in 
Europe.  

Communication 
‘Promoting  Data  Protection  by 
Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs)’ COM(2007) 
228, 02.05.2007 

The  Communication  identifies  the  benefits  of  Privacy  Enhancing  Technologies  (PETs)  and  lays  down  the  Commission’s 
objectives in this field. Those objectives are to be achieved through a number of specific actions supporting the development 
of PETs and their use by data controllers and consumers. 

Communication  ‘Towards  a  general  policy  on  the 
fight  against  cyber  crime’,  COM(2007)  267, 
22.05.2007 

The  Communication  outlines  actions  to  improve  cooperation  between  law  enforcement  authorities  and  between  law 
enforcement  and  private  sector  operators  in  fighting  cyber  crime.  The  actions  will  complement  other  actions  taken  at 
national, European and international level. 

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Proposal  for  Decision  establishing  a  multiannual 
Community  programme  on  protecting  children  using 
the  Internet  and  other  communication  technologies, 
COM(2008) 106, 27.02.2008 

Communication  'On  the  protection  of  consumers,  in 
particular  minors,  in  respect  of  the  use  of  video 
games', COM(2008) 207, 22.04.2008 

Communication  'Protecting  Europe  from  large  scale 
cyber 
enhancing 
preparedness,  security  and  resilience',  COM(2009) 
149 

disruptions: 

attacks 

and 

Safer Internet 2009-2013 builds upon the successful Safer Internet plus programme and will have a budget of €55 million. 
Encompassing recent Web 2.0 communications services such as social networking, the new programme will fight not only 
illegal content but also harmful conduct such as grooming and bullying.  

There  are  public  concerns  that  video  games  can  cause  aggressive  behaviour,  heightened  by  school  shootings  such  as  in 
Helsinki (Finland, November 2007). The Commission has surveyed existing measures protecting minors from harmful video 
games  across  the  27  EU  Member  States.  20  EU  Member  States  now  apply  PEGI  (Pan  European  Games  Information),  an 
age-rating system developed by industry, with EU support, since 2003. In the Commission's view, industry must invest more 
to strengthen and in particular to regularly update the PEGI system so that it becomes a truly effective pan-European tool.  

Our life and economy have become increasingly dependent on information infrastructures such as computer networks and 
telephone lines, which therefore need to be safe. As we get more and more interconnected, failures of these infrastructures 
may cascade and spread beyond national borders. To address this risk, the Commission has launched a policy initiative on 
Critical Information Infrastructure Protection (CIIP), which focuses on prevention, preparedness and awareness and defines 
a plan for immediate actions to strengthen the security and resilience of CIIs. It complements the European Programme for 
Critical Infrastructure Protection (EPCIP). 

Communication on the application of State aid rules to 
public  service  broadcasting  as  adopted  by 
the 
Commission, COM(2009) …, 02.07.2009 

The  Communication  provides  a  clear  framework  for  the  development  of  public  broadcasting  services  and  enhances  legal 
certainty for investment by public and private media alike. The main changes include an increased focus on accountability 
and effective control at the national level, including a transparent evaluation of the overall impact of publicly-funded new 
media services. 

2 — Innovation and investment in research 

2.1 — Promoting research and innovation 

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Action 5: Strengthening European research through the Framework Programmes 

Launch  of 
(ETPs), 2005-2006 

the  European  Technology  Platforms 

European  Technology  Platforms  help  industrial  and  academic  research  communities  in  specific  technology  fields  to 
coordinate their research and tailor it to a common ‘strategic research agenda’. Nine Platforms have been established in ICT 
areas:  nanoelectronics  (ENIAC),  embedded  systems  (ARTEMIS),  mobile  and  wireless  communications  (eMobility), 
networked  electronic  media  (NEM),  networked  software  and  services  (NESSI),  robotics  (EUROP),  photonics 
(PHOTONICS21), satellite communications (ISI) and smart systems integration (EPoSS).  

Adoption of Decisions establishing the 7th Framework 
Programme  for  Research  (2007-2013),  Decision  No 
1982/2006/EC, 18.12.2006, and others (2006/971/EC, 
19.12.2006 — Specific Programme ‘Cooperation’) 

The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) bundles all research-related EU initiatives together under a common roof and has 
a  crucial  role  to  play  in reaching  the goals  of growth,  competitiveness and  employment.  The  broad objectives of FP7  are 
grouped into four categories: Cooperation, Ideas, People and Capacities. The ICT priority theme is addressed mainly in the 
‘Cooperation’ Specific Programme.  

Adoption  of  the  ICT  Work  Programme  2007-2008 
under  the  7th  Framework  Programme  for  Research 
(FP7) 

for 

a  Council  Regulation  on 

Proposal 
the 
establishment of the ‘ARTEMIS Joint Undertaking’ to 
implement a Joint Technology Initiative in Embedded 
Computing Systems, COM(2007) 243, 15.05.2007 

The Work Programme for the ICT theme of the FP7 Specific Programme ‘Cooperation’ defines the priorities and criteria for 
the  calls  for  proposals  launched  in  2007.  It  addresses  seven  ‘challenges’  of  strategic  interest  to  European  society  (1. 
Pervasive  and  trusted  network  and  service  infrastructures;  2.  Cognitive  systems,  interaction  and  robotics;  3.  Components, 
systems  and  engineering;  4.  Digital  libraries  and  content;  5.  Sustainable  and  personalised  healthcare;  6.  Mobility, 
environmental sustainability and energy efficiency; 7. Independent living and inclusion), along with research into ‘future and 
emerging  technologies’  and  support  for  horizontal  actions,  such  as  international  cooperation.  Furthermore,  research  e-
Infrastructures is supported through the Research Infrastructures Work Programme for the ‘Capacities’ programme. 

The  Commission  proposed  a  new  kind  of  Europe-wide  public-private  R&D  partnership  —  Joint  Technology  Initiatives 
(JTIs) — in embedded computing systems. JTIs pool industry, Member State and Commission resources to conduct targeted 
research programmes. They move away from the traditional case-by-case public research funding approach towards large-
scale research programmes with common strategic research targets. 

Proposal  for  a  Council  Regulation  Setting  up  the 
‘ENIAC 
Joint  Undertaking’,  COM(2007)  356, 
22.06.2007 

The  second  Commission  proposal  for  a  Joint  Technology  Initiative  concerns  nanoelectronics.  This  Europe-wide  public-
private research partnership, called ENIAC, is to have a €3bn budget from industry, the Member States and the Commission, 
and aims  to create a strong nanoelectronics research and manufacturing sector in Europe. The ultimate aim is to generate 
innovative  products  with  in-built  intelligence  in  numerous  areas  such  as  the  consumer  electronics,  automotive,  healthcare 
and environmental management sectors. 

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Action 6: Making innovation and research policies more efficient 

Action Plan for European Standardisation, April 2006  This four-year rolling action plan outlines the main actions to be implemented, including in the area of ICTs, and defines a 

timeframe for carrying out these actions, subject to a review after 2 years. 

Communication  ‘Putting  knowledge  into  practice:  a 
broad-based 
the  EU’, 
COM(2006) 502, 13.09.2006 

innovation 

strategy 

for 

This  10-point  programme  urges  action  at  national  and  European  levels  to  foster  innovation  in  the  EU  economy.  The 
Commission  outlines  the  concept  of  lead  markets  where  public  authorities  facilitate  industry-led  innovation  by  creating 
conditions for the successful market uptake of innovative products and services in key areas of societal demands.  

Communication  to  the  European  Council  informal 
meeting  in  Lahti:  An  innovation-friendly,  modern 
Europe. COM(2006) 589, 12.10.2006 

The document focuses on several specific measures that could boost Europe’s innovative capacity in a relatively short period 
of time. The proposed measures concern the establishment of European leadership in future strategic technologies, forging 
stronger  links  between  universities,  research  and  business,  as  well  as  improving  the  framework  conditions  for  R&D 
investment. 

Launch  of  a  European  Network  of  Living  Labs, 
20.11.2006 

The European Network of Living Labs creates a platform where firms, public authorities and citizens can work together on 
developing and testing new technologies, business models and services in real-life contexts. The ultimate aim is to set up a 
new European Innovation Infrastructure where users play an active role in innovation. 

Preparation of the ICT PSP Work Programme 2007 

Green  Paper:  The  European  Research  Area-  New 
Perspectives, COM(2007)161, 4.4.2007 

The ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP) in the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) supports the aims 
of the i2010 strategy, building on the previous e-TEN, Modinis and e-Content programmes. In 2007 the programme focused 
on  three  main  themes:  efficient  and  interoperable  eGovernment  services;  ICTs  for  accessibility,  ageing  and  social 
integration; and ICTs for sustainable and interoperable health services.  

The Green Paper launched a debate on how to create a unified and attractive European research area (ERA), a European 
internal market for research, where researchers, technology and knowledge freely circulate and where there is effective 
European-level coordination of national and regional research activities, programmes and policies. The Commission and 
Member States launched new iniatives to develop ERA, including enhanced political governance through the ´Ljubljana 
Process´ and five specific policy initiatives. 

Communication  on  pre-commercial  procurement: 
driving  innovation  to  ensure  sustainable  high  quality 
in  Europe,  COM(2007)  799, 
public 

services 

The  Communication  proposes  a  new  strategy  for  harnessing  the  innovative  potential  of  public  spending  in  Europe  in  the 
field of Research and Development (R&D). Europe could do substantially more at the pre-commercial stage, where products 
and  services  are  not  yet  ripe  for  the  market,  and  where  investment  is  particularly  risk-prone  but  crucial  for  research 
breakthroughs.  For  the  Commission,  such  pre-commercial  procurement  could  tap  unused  potential  especially  in  high-tech 

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14.12.2007 

areas,  such  as  research  into  information  and  communication  technologies  for  health  care  and  medicine.  The  strategy 
launches a debate with the 27 EU Member States on where and how to focus the pre-commercial procurement of R&D. 

Communication ‘A lead market initiative for Europe’, 
COM(2007) 860 21.12.2007 

Europe  can  develop  innovation-friendly  markets  in  a  more  targeted  way,  considerably  facilitating  the  marketing  of 
innovations. That is what the Lead Markets Initiative seeks to do. eHealth is one of the six markets identified for the initial 
stage  of  the  initiative.  The  Commission  presents  ambitious  action  plans  for  these  markets  to  rapidly  secure  tangible 
advantages for Europe’s economy and consumers. 

regulation  on 

Council 
legal 
framework  for  a  European  Research  Infrastructure 
(ERI), COM (2008) 467 

the  Community 

The  legal  framework  assists  Member  States  to  develop  and  fund  pan-European  Research  Infrastructures,  including 
eInfrastructures,  many  of  which  have  already  been  identified  through  ESFRI,  the  European  Strategic  Forum  on  Research 
Infrastructures.  

Towards joint programming in research: Working 
together to tackle common challenges more 
effectively, COM(2008)468, 15.7.2008 

The Commission proposed that Member States develop and implement common Strategic Research Agendas addressing 
major societal challenges, thereby eliminating unnecessary cross European duplication by pooling data, resources and 
expertise currently scattered across Europe. 

Communication  'A  strategic  European  framework  for 
international  science  and  technology  cooperation', 
COM(2008) 588, 24.09.2008 

The Commission proposes a strategy for strengthening science and technology cooperation with non-EU countries, notably 
in the field of ICT, where Europe is a strong exporter. The Commission invites Member States to define together, rather than 
in isolation, research areas where a coherent EU effort would have more impact. 

Communication 
'A  strategy  for  ICT  R&D  and 
innovation  in  Europe:  raising  the  game',  COM(2009) 
116, 13.03.2009 

Both Europe's market and research efforts are fragmented; as a result, Europe is lagging behind its global competitors in ICT 
research and in production of innovative ICT-based products and services. The proposed strategy calls on Member States 
and industry to pool resources and work together more in ICT research and innovation. The strategy also proposes showcase 
ICT innovation projects to deliver modern services infrastructures in areas like healthcare and energy efficiency. 

Communication 'Moving the ICT frontiers – a strategy 
for  research  on  future  and  emerging  technologies  in 
Europe', COM(2009) 184, 20.04.2009 

Unlimited computing power, computers mimicking the brain, mind-controlled wheelchairs and friendly robotic companions 
are  part  of  this  new  European  plan  to  boost  visionary  research.  The  Commission  proposes  to  boost  Europe's  high-risk 
research  into  future  technologies  by  doubling  research  investment  at  national  and  EU  level  in  this  area  by  2015.  The 
Commission pledges to lead by example, increasing the current funding of € 100 million per year by 70% by 2013. 

2.2 — Promoting ICT innovation and adoption for competitiveness and employment 

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Action 7: Promoting eBusiness solutions 

Establishment  of 
Centre (EIC), April 2006 

the  Enterprise 

Interoperability 

The EIC provides a platform for companies to discuss interoperability issues in their business relationships, with the focus 
on business-to-business processes, taking into account the various messaging standards available in each industry.  

3 — Inclusion, better public services and quality of life 

3.1 — Facilitating wider inclusion, accessibility and digital literacy 

Action 8: Further development of eAccessibility and a comprehensive eInclusion strategy 

Communication  on  eAccessibility  COM(2005)  425, 
13.09.2005 

The  Communication  calls  upon  the  Member  States  to  do  more  to  promote  eAccessibility  and  to  encourage  take-up  by 
industry. While continuing to support measures such as standardisation, Design for All, web accessibility and research, the 
Commission  also  proposes:  to  improve  the  consistency  of  accessibility  requirements  in  public  procurement;  to  explore 
certification schemes for accessible products and services; and to make better use of the ‘eAccessibility potential’ of existing 
legislation.  

Communication 
‘Bridging 
COM(2006) 129, 20.03.2006 

the  broadband  gap’, 

The Communication focuses on the lack of adequate broadband services in the less developed areas of the Union. It assesses 
the  instruments  available  at  EU  level  to  address  this  issue  and  proposes  two  main  strands  of  action:  the  strengthening  of 
national broadband strategies to set clear targets and reflect regional needs; and better exchange of best practice. 

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Riga  Ministerial  Declaration 
11.06.2006 

on 

eInclusion, 

The  ministerial  conference  in  Riga  launched  preparations  for  the  2008  European  Initiative  on  eInclusion.  The  concluding 
declaration set priorities and commitments for addressing the needs of older people, reducing geographical digital divides, 
enhancing eAccessibility, improving digital literacy and promoting cultural diversity as well as inclusive eGovernment. 

Recommendation  on  key  competences  for  lifelong 
learning, (2006/962/EC), 18.12.2006 

Every  citizen  must  be  equipped  with  the  skills  needed  to  live  and  work  in  the  new  information  society.  The  European 
Parliament and the Council adopted the Commission proposal for a Recommendation providing a European reference tool 
on key competences, including digital competence, and on access to these competences through lifelong learning. 

Communication 
competitiveness, 
fostering 
COM(2007) 496, 07.09.2007 

‘E-skills 

for 

the  21st  century: 
jobs’, 
and 

growth 

Communication  ‘European  i2010  initiative  on  e-
Inclusion  —  To  be  part  of  the  information  society’, 
COM(2007) 694, 08.11.2007 

Recent surveys indicate that Europe may face severe e-skills shortages in the coming years. At the same time, e-skills are 
becoming  central  to  productivity,  employability  and  the  response  to  global  challenges.  The  Commission  has  therefore 
proposed a long-term e-skills agenda and a set of actions at EU level. 

Despite technological progress and enhanced competition, more than one in three Europeans are still excluded from the full 
benefits of the digital society. To address this, the Commission sets out a European initiative to: 1) enable everyone to take 
part  in  the  information  society  by  bridging  the  accessibility,  broadband  and  competence  gaps;  2)  boost  the  effective 
participation of those at risk of exclusion, and improve their quality of life; and 3) integrate e-Inclusion actions in Europe, so 
as to maximise their lasting impact. Among other things, the Communication announced a 2008 awareness-raising campaign 
‘e-Inclusion, be part of it!’ and a ministerial conference at the end of that year.  

'Digital  Literacy  Report:  a  review  for  the  i2010 
eInclusion Initiative ', European Commission Working 
Paper, December 2008 

As part of its the commitment made in the 2006 Ministerial Riga Declaration on eInclusion, the Commission has carried out 
a review of 470 digital literacy initiatives in Europe. It finds that Member States have invested heavily in digital literacy and 
much has been achieved with increasing internet use by all sections of the population. However it warns that much remains 
to be done, particularly for the elderly, and finds evidence of a possible secondary digital divide in terms of quality of use. 

3.2 — Providing better public services 

Action 9: Promoting ICT-enabled public services (eGovernment and eHealth) 

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Commission  decision  on  e-Commission  2006-2010: 
enabling  efficiency  and  transparency,  C(2005)  4473, 
23.11.2005 

The  Commission  intends  to  lead  by  example  by  applying  eGovernment  to  its  own  administration.  The  e-Commission 
initiative  aims  to  deliver  better-quality  and  more  transparent  services,  guaranteeing  security  of  information  including  the 
protection of personal data. 

Action  plan  for  the  implementation  of  the  legal 
electronic  public  procurement 
framework 
(2004)841, 
implementing 
its 
directives 

for 
13.12.2004 

and 

'The application of new ICT technologies has the potential to transform public (and private) procurement. It can enhance and 
expedite  communication  between  contracting  authorities  and  bidders,  reduce  delays  and  transactions  costs,  and  widen  the 
pool  of  tenderers.  Many  of  the  technical  solutions  to  support  'straight  through'  e-procurement  are  coming  on  stream.  The 
Commission – through its e-procurement Action plan (2004) and support for the PEPPOL project – is working to ensure that 
interoperable solutions are rolled out on a pan-European basis. 

Communication  on  interoperability  for  pan-European 
eGovernment services, COM(2006) 45, 13.02.2006 

Interoperability in eGovernment requires that the multiple layers of government at national, regional and local levels are able 
to  ‘talk  to  each  other’.  The  Communication  calls  upon  the  Member  States  and  industry  to  collaborate  to  make  such 
interoperability happen. More concrete steps follow in the eGovernment Action Plan. 

Communication  on  i2010  eGovernment  Action  Plan: 
Accelerating  eGovernment  in  Europe  for  the  Benefit 
of All, COM(2006) 173, 25.04.2006 

The eGovernment Action Plan addresses five priority areas, with ambitious objectives to be reached by 2010: 1) ensuring all 
citizens have access to a wide range of technologies; 2) raising administrative efficiency; 3) implementing e-Procurement; 4) 
ensuring secure access to services across the EU; and 5) strengthening participation and democratic decision-making.  

Decision  of  the  Commission  on  the  EU  Public 
Licence, C(2008) 891,9.1.2008  

The EUPL is the first European Free/Open Source Software (F/OSS) Licence. The EUPL has been approved as a Licence to 
be used for the distribution of software developed in the framework of the IDA and IDABC programmes. Nevertheless, the 
text of the Licence is drafted in general terms, so the Licence may be used for other software applications, as the case may 
be,  by  other  European  Institutions,  by  national,  regional  or  local  administrations,  other  public  entities  as  well  as  private 
entities and natural persons.  

Commission  decision  on  e-Commission  2006-2010: 
Mid-Term Review, C(2008)7961, 11.12.2008 

Three years after the adoption of the e-Commission 2006-2010 strategy the overall picture is encouraging and most actions 
are on track. The Commission thus faces a new stage of e-government maturity where collaboration, common repositories, 
rationalisation  and  integration  of  the  information  systems  portfolio  will  provide  the  framework  to  assemble  processes  in 
seamless operations so as to sustain the Commission's efforts in being a world-class, knowledge-based public administration.  

Proposal  for  a  decision  of  the  European  Parliament 
and  of  the  Council  on  interoperability  solutions  for 
European 
(ISA), 
COM(2008)583 12.12.2008 

administrations 

public 

This  programme  is  the  follow-on  of  IDABC  which  will  come  to  an  end  on  31  December  2009.  The  ISA  programme  is 
focusing  on  interoperability  solutions  supporting  the  interaction  between  European  public  administrations  and  the 
implementation of Community policies and activities. 

The European Interoperability Framework (EIF) has been developed in the context of the IDA and IDABC programmes to 
support  the  European  Union's  strategy  of  providing  user-centred  eGovernment  services  by  facilitating,  at  a  pan-European 
level, the interoperability of services and systems between public administrations, as well as between administrations and the 
public (citizens, businesses). The EIF defines the general rules and principles for collaboration on interoperability between 

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Member States and European Institutions. The first version of the EIF has been issued in 2004: the Commission is currently 
revising the European Interoperabilty Framework (EIF) to prepare a second version.  

Communication on the final evaluation of the IDABC 
programme, COM(2009)247, 29.5.2009 

The evaluation describes the IDABC programme as being in line with the eGovernment policy priorities of the European 
Commission,  as  expressed  in  the  i2010  strategy  and  the  related  eGovernment  action  plan  and  identifies  some  future 
challenges in this area. 

EU Health Portal ‘Health-EU’, launched 10.05.2006 

Health-EU provides a single point of entry where citizens, administrations and specialists can find a wealth of health-related 
information and data from EU, national and sub-national levels. It is accessible at http://health.europa.eu. 

Recommendation  on  cross-border  interoperability  of 
electronic 
systems, 
record 
(2008/594/EC), 02.07.2008 

(EHR) 

health 

Communication  on  telemedicine  for  the  benefit  of 
patients,  healthcare  systems  and  society,  COM(2008) 
689, 4.11.2008 

Action 10: Ageing Well in the Information Society 

Communication  ‘Ageing  well  in  the  Information 
Society  —  An  i2010  Initiative  —  Action  Plan  on 
Information  and  Communication  Technologies  and 
Ageing’, COM(2007) 332, 14.06.2007 

in 

Proposal  for  a  Decision  on  participation  by  the 
Community 
and  development 
research 
programme  aimed  at  enhancing  the  quality  of  life  of 
older people  through  the use  of new  Information  and 
Communication  Technologies  (ICT),  COM(2007) 

a 

The Recommendation aims to provide Member States with basic principles and guidelines for ensuring that doctors can gain 
access to vital information on patients that they are trying to treat, wherever such information may be located in Europe. This 
will improve the safety and quality of care for people who require medical assistance while travelling or living abroad. 

This Communication aims to support and improve access to telemedicine for EU citizens and healthcare professionals across 
Europe.  In  response  to  a  call  for  action  from  Member  States,  this  initiative  aims  to  increase  and  broaden  telemedicine 
services, including diagnosis, treatment and monitoring at a distance across Europe. Such services will allow, for example, a 
patient suffering from a rare retinal disease to be diagnosed in his hometown by a specialist working at a European Centre of 
Excellence for eye diseases located thousands of kilometres away. Patients with chronic heart failure will be able to have 
their disease more closely monitored and to enjoy better quality of life while staying at home. 

Responding  to  the  needs  of  Europe’s  growing  ageing  population,  the  Commission  adopted  a  European  Action  Plan  for 
‘Ageing Well in the Information Society’. The action plan aims to help overcome technical and regulatory barriers to market 
development,  to  help  raise  awareness  and  share  best  practice,  as  well  as  to  accelerate  take-up  through,  for  example,  pilot 
projects and a European award scheme for smart homes and independent living applications. In particular, three areas of user 
needs are to be addressed: ageing well at work or ‘active ageing at work’, ageing well in the community, as well as ageing 
well at home.  

The  action  plan  is  accompanied  by  a  new  joint  European  research  programme  raising  to  over  €1bn  the  investment  on 
research into ICTs to improve the lives of older people.  

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329, 14.06.2007 

Action 11: Intelligent Car 

Second  eSafety  Communication  ‘Bringing  eCall  to 
Citizens’, COM(2005) 431, 14.09.2005 

eCall is an in-vehicle safety system: when a car senses a major impact in an accident, its eCall device automatically calls the 
nearest emergency centre using 112. In response to the slow progress of eCall in the Member States, the Commission urges 
the national and regional governments to do more. The Communication provides a roadmap for full-scale roll-out of eCall. 

the  Intelligent  Car  Initiative 
Communication  on 
‘Raising  Awareness  of  ICT  for  Smarter,  Safer  and 
Cleaner Vehicles’, COM(2006) 59, 15.02.2006 

The Commission’s Intelligent Car Initiative is a comprehensive initiative for smarter, safer and cleaner vehicles. The long-
term objective is a situation where cars no longer crash and traffic congestion is reduced. The Communication presents a 
policy  framework  for  action,  comprising  coordination  of  relevant  stakeholders  (eSafety  Forum),  ICT-based  research  and 
development, as well as awareness raising and stimulation of user demand. 

Third  eSafety  Communication  ‘Bringing  eCall  back 
on 
track  —  Action  Plan’,  COM(2006)  723, 
23.11.2006 

An  urgent  set  of  actions  to  roll  out  emergency  call  (eCall)  technology  for  cars  in  Europe  has  been  proposed  by  the 
Commission.  Member  States  have  been  given  clear  tasks  with  deadlines  for  solving  the  remaining  issues  and  proceeding 
with the necessary 112, E112 and eCall infrastructures. Industry is asked to renew its commitment to eCall. 

Commission  Recommendation  on  safe  and  efficient 
in-vehicle  information  and  communication  systems: 
update  of  the  European  Statement  of  Principles  on 
human machine interface (2007/78/EC), 22.12.2006 

Communication ‘Towards Europe-wide safer, cleaner 
and efficient mobility: the first Intelligent Car report’, 
COM(2007) 541, 17.09.2007 

Commission  Decision 
the 
harmonised use of radio spectrum in the 5875 - 5905 
MHz frequency band for safety-related applications of 
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), 05.08.2008 

2008/671/EC 

on 

The Commission has updated the Recommendation on human-machine interfaces in vehicles. This update responds to the 
increased presence of portable devices in cars such as mobile telephones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) or laptops. The 
objective is to make the design and installation of these systems safer.  

The  Commission  has  outlined  new  plans  to  accelerate  the  drive  for  safer,  cleaner  and  smarter  cars.  The  next  step  is 
negotiations with European and Asian automotive industry associations to reach an agreement on offering the pan-European 
in-vehicle  emergency  call  system  (eCall)  as  a  standard  option  in  all  new  cars  from  2010.  The  Commission  continues  to 
promote  the  take-up  of  other  life-saving  technologies  and  investigate  how  technology  can  help  make  cars  greener  and 
smarter. 

As part of its overall fight against road accidents and traffic jams, the Commission decided to reserve, across Europe, part of 
the radio spectrum for smart vehicle communications systems (so called co-operative systems). They are based on wireless 
communication  technology  and  allow  cars  to  'talk'  to  other  cars  and  to  the  road  infrastructure  providers.  They  can,  for 
example, warn other drivers of slippery roads or of a crash which just happened. Smart vehicle communication systems have 

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the potential to make safer and ease the lives of Europe's drivers. 

Communication  'Action  Plan  for  the  Deployment  of 
Intelligent Transport Systems in Europe', COM(2008) 
886, 16.12.2008 

With the objective to accelerate and coordinate the deployment and use of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) applications 
and services for road transport and their connections with other modes of transport, the ITS action plan proposes concrete 
measures in six priority areas to ensure seamless access and continuity of services throughout the EU. Such systems can help 
to  make  transport  greener,  reduce  congestion  and  save  lifes  on  Europe's  roads.  The  ITS  Action  plan  is  a  transport  policy 
initiative which complements the Intelligent Car initiative and the work of the eSafety forum to make cars safer, cleaner and 
smarter. 

Proposal  for  a  Directive  of  the  European  Parliament 
and of the Council laying down the framework for the 
deployment  of  Intelligent  Transport  Systems  in  the 
field  of  road  transport  and  for  interfaces  with  other 
transport modes, COM(2008), 887, 16.12.2008 

The  proposed  Directive  accompanying  the  ITS  Action  Plan  lays  down  the  framework  for  the  implementation  of  the 
measures  identified  in  the  Action  Plan.  It  establishes  a  framework  for  the  coordinated  deployment  and  use  of  intelligent 
transport systems within the Community and the development of the specifications necessary. By ensuring the development 
and  adoption  of  the  necessary  specifications  and  procedures,  the  proposed  Directive  will  guarantee  the  required 
interoperability  of  systems  and  continuity  of  ITS  services  and  applications.  Both  ITS  Action  Plan  and  Directive  proposal 
will benefit from work carried out in the framework of the Intelligent Car Initiative. 

Action 12: Digital Libraries 

Communication on digital libraries, COM(2005) 465, 
30.09.2005  

The Commission is promoting and coordinating work to build a European Digital Library — a common multilingual access 
point to Europe’s cultural heritage. The Communication proposes a first set of actions in the areas of: digitisation of content 
stored  in  traditional  formats;  online  accessibility  of  this  content;  and  digital  preservation.  The  target  as  set  to  make  two 
million books, films, photographs, manuscripts, and other cultural works accessible through the European Digital Library by 
2008. This figure is planned to grow to at least six million by 2010.  

Commission Decision setting up a High Level Expert 
Group on digital libraries, (2006/178/EC), 28.02.2006 

This  advisory  group  also  provides  a  forum  for  discussion  with  stakeholders.  Its  first  contribution  on  the  management  of 
copyright addresses the practical problems of dealing with orphan and out-of-print works and digital preservation. 

Commission Recommendation on the digitisation and 
online  accessibility  of  cultural  material  and  digital 
preservation, (2006/585/EC), 24.08.2006 

In  the  Recommendation,  the  Commission  urges  Member  States  to  tackle  three  main  areas:  the  digitisation  of  cultural 
material, its online accessibility and digital preservation. The institutions or Member States themselves are responsible for 
the selection of the material to be digitised.  

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Communication on scientific information in the digital 
age: 
preservation, 
COM(2007) 56, 15.02.2007 

dissemination 

access, 

and 

The Communication examines how new digital technologies can be better used to increase access to research publications 
and data. The Commission thereby launches an EU framework to support new ways of promoting better access to scientific 
information online and to preserve research results digitally for future generations. 

Commission  Decision  setting  up  the  Member  States’ 
Expert Group on Digitisation and Digital Preservation 
(2007/320/EC), 22.03.2007 

The  group  monitors  progress  and  assess  the  implementation  of  the  Recommendation  on  the  digitisation  and  online 
accessibility of cultural material and digital preservation, and the Council Conclusions on this topic. It is also a forum for 
sharing strategies and best practice. 

'Europeana'  –  Europe's  Digital  Library,  launched  at 
www.europeana.eu, 20.11.2008 

At  www.europeana.eu,  Internet  users  around  the  world  can  now  access  more  than  two  million  books,  maps,  recordings, 
photographs, archival documents, paintings and films from national libraries and cultural institutions of the EU's 27 Member 
States.  Anyone  interested  in  literature,  art,  science,  politics,  history,  architecture,  music  or  cinema  will  have  free  and  fast 
access to Europe's greatest collections and masterpieces in a single virtual library through a web portal available in all EU 
languages. And this is just the beginning: Europeana will be expanded.  

Action 13: ICTs for sustainable growth 

Communication  'Addressing  the  challenge  of  energy 
efficiency  through  Information  and  Communication 
Technologies', COM(2008) 241, 13.05.2008 

As part of its effort to combat climate change, the Commission is promoting the use of ICT to improve energy efficiency 
throughout the economy, starting with buildings, lighting and the power grid. ICT can enable 'greener' behaviour across the 
economy, which would massively cut Europe's carbon footprint if widely deployed.  

'Mobilising 

and 
Communication 
communication technologies to facilitate the transition 
to 
economy', 
COM(2009) 111, 12.03.2009 

energy-efficient, 

information 

low-carbon 

an 

The Commission encourages the ICT sector, which accounts for 2% of global CO2 emissions, to lead by example the drive 
towards carbon neutrality. This will be done by reinforcing research, development and deployment of components and 
systems, complemented by voluntary agreements, for example on green procurement. The real gains from green ICT will 
come from developing energy-efficient ICT solutions that impact the other 98% of global emissions. The Communication 
focuses on three energy-intensive areas: energy generation and distribution, buildings, and lighting.  

The  Commission  calls  on  Member  States  and  industry  to  use  ICT  to  improve  energy  efficiency,  as  this  can  reduce  total 
carbon  emissions  in  Europe  by  up  to  15%  by  2020  (Europe's  overall  target  is  20%).  ICT  can  help  make  people  and 
companies more aware of how they use energy. It. With smart metering in their homes, for example, consumers have been 
found to reduce their energy consumption by as much as 10%. A public consultation was launched on what measures and 
commitments should follow. 

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