Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

_**•à;**_ **`•`** **`[ :]`** **`-`** **`'`**
```
  **%$ N**w

## **`,4`**

      r«3

 >.1Jr a?' ' -i ••$*»

   \1

  -.VK'a

```

**--nsS&**

**H**

## **`COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES`**

```
                                C0MC94) 347 final

                                Brussels. 19.07.1994

```

**EUROPE'S WAY TO THE INFORMATION SOCIETY.**

**AN ACTION PLAN**

COMMUNICATION

from the

COMMISSION

to the

**COUNCIL** and the EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

and to the

**ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL** COMMITTEE and the COMMITTEE of REGIONS

**EUROPE'S WAY TO THE INFORMATION SOCIETY.**

**AN ACTION PLAN**

```
INTRODUCTION

I. REGULATORY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

```

**1.** **Towards a competitive environment**

**2.** **Standardisation,** **interconnection and interoperability**

**3.** **Tariffs**

**4.** **Worldwide dimension**

**5.** **Intellectual property rights**

**6.** **Privacy**

**7** **Electronic** **protection,** **legal protection and** **security**

**8.** **Media ownership**

**9.** **Competition**

**10.** **Audiovisual**

II. NETWORKS, BASIC **SERVICES, APPLICATIONS** AND CONTENT

1. Networks

2. Basic services

3. **Applications**

**4.** **Content**

III. SOCIAL, SOCIETAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS

IV. PROMOTION ACTIVITIES

ANNEX: Tables: _pending measures_

_new measures under consideration_
_partnership_

###### **_Ao,_**

**IMTROBUenON**

The information society is on its way. A _"digital_ _revolution"_ is triggering structural
changes comparable to last century's industrial revolution with the corresponding high
economic stakes. Hie process cannot be stopped and will lead eventually to a knowledgebased economy.

**The** **Commission's** **White paper on** _**"Growth,**_ _**Competitiveness,**_ _**Employment**_ **-** _**The**_
_**challenges**_ _**and**_ _**ways**_ _**forward**_ _**into**_ _**the**_ _**21st**_ _**century"**_ **acknowledges the importance of this**
process, critical to the future of European society. It develops a positive vision, stressing
that information and communication technologies and related services have the potential
to promote steady and sustainable growth, to increase competitiveness, to open new job
opportunities and to improve the quality of life of all Europeans.

The White piper was examined by the European Council at its December 1993 meeting.
The Council gave its Ml political support and requested that a report be prepared on the
information society by a group of prominent persons, providing concrete
recommendations for action

**The report** _**"Europe and**_ _**the global information society - Recommendations to the**_
_Europecm_ _Coatneir^_ illustrates the search for a consensus on this issue and beads on the
White paper's analysis It highlights the need for an acceleration of the liberalisation
procès and the achievement and the preservation of universal service «id the internal
Market principles of free movement Public authorities will have to set new "rules of the
game*, control their implemeraati^^ The deployment
and financing of an information mfrastructure wifl be the primarily responsibility of the
private sector At a Community level, in addition to legislative initiative, it will be
necessary to better target available resources to corrtribute to the rœw ob^Orves

Finally, the report emphasizes the urgency of adopting its recommendations. The race is
on at global level, notably US and Japan Those countries which will adapt themselves
most readily will _de facto_ set technological standards for those who follow. It also
underlines the global nature of the issue, and calls for proper coordination mechanisms,
and the advancement of international negotiations.

The report was submitted to the European Council for its meeting in CORFU on 24-25
June 1994. The European Council's conclusions recognize the importance of the
opportunity and the scale of the challenge facing Europe. It has emphasized that the
prime responsibility for acting rests with the private sector, and that the role of the
Community and the Member States is to back up this development by giving a political
impetus, creating a clear and stable regulatory framework and by setting an example in
areas of their direct responsibility.

The Commission fully supports these conclusions. It welcomes the European Council's
invitations _(a)_ to the Council and the European Parliament to adopt before the end of this
year measures already proposed by the Commission and _(b)_ to itself to establish a work
programme for the remaining measures needed at the Community level.

_**Air**_

**This Communication is a response to that invitation, and the signal that the information**
**society challenge is effectively being taken up. The momentum established since** **the**
**publication of** **the** **White Paper must be maintained. But it is not sufficient merely to act;**
**there is a need for a consistent response** **by** **Europe to the challenge, avoiding initiatives**
**which neutralise** **each** **other or are mutually incompatible.** **A global, coherent and**
**balanced approach of mutually supportive measures is called for. The Community will**
**assume its responsibilities for setting the appropriate regulatory environment. In parallel,**
**the private sector is invited to play its enterpreneurial role and launch without delay**
**concrete intiatives for the prompt deployment of the information society.**

**While a number of proposals have already been made and are under consideration, there is**
**a need for new proposals in a number of areas.** **This Communication presents an**
**overview of the Commission's work programme on the information society. It constitutes**
**an action** **framework** **within which a series of relevant policies will be articulated and more**
**specialised Communications will be released.**

**The Commission's response covers four areas:**

**• the regulatory and legal framework, for which new proposals will be made, in**
**particular regarding telecommunications infrastructure and services, on the protection**
**of intellectual property rights and of privacy, on media concentration, as well as the**
**updating of the "rules of** **t]he** **game"** **for the free movement of TV broadcast in the**
**Community;**

**•** **networks,** **basic** **services,** **applications,** **and** **content,** **where there is a need to bring the**
**parties concerned together in order to stimulate the development of applications in the**
**areas proposed by the High Level Group and endorsed by the European Council;**

**•** **social,** **societal and cultural** **aspects,** **including the linguistic and cultural dimensions of**
**the information society stressed by the European Council;** **and**

**• promotion of the information society in order to increase public awareness and**
**support.**

**The Commission invites the Council and the European Parliament, as well as the Social**
**and Economic Committee and the Committee of Regions, to debate the** **issues** **and give**
**political backing to the development of this action plan.**

**L** **REGULATORY** **AND** **LEGAL** **FRAMEWORK**

**The CORFU Summit's Presidency's conclusions underline** **the importance of** **backing** **up**
**the** **efforts of the** **private** **sector** **with** **the rapid establishment of a clear** **and** **stable**
**regulatory** **framework, notably** **with** **regards to** **market** **access*** **compatibility between**
**networks,** **intellectual** **property rights, data protection** **and** **copyright. As** **a** **response, the**
**Commission proposes** **a** **broad** **regulatory** **framework** **package** **(cf.** **Annex 1** **and** **2), while**
**preserving missions of public interest according to the principles of universality, equality**
**and continuity. More specific** **Communications** **will follow, covering different areas**
**outlined below.**

**Of central** **importance** **to the development of the** **European** **information society is the** **need**
**to safeguard the free** **circulation** **of** **services** **across our** **internal** **frontiers. Given the range**
**of measures** **mat** **might be** **necessary,** **the** **Commission** **will,** **as** **a** **matter** **of** **importance,** **set**
**such issues in me** **œntext** **of an Internal** **Market** **framework,** **with the view to guaranteeing**
**a level playing field**

**report recommends that** **Member** **States** **accelerate the on-**
**going** **liberalisation** **of the** **telecom** **sector.** **It** **is** **now appropriate** **to** **seek agreement**
**on** **the principle of** **infrastructure liberalisation** **fir** **the** **telecommunications** **sector,**
**together with** **clear** **dates for its implementation.** **These** **efforts** **would complement**
**the** **agreement** **on** **full service liberalisation according** **to Council** **Resolution** **of My**
**1993*.** **A Communication** **will be presented in September on the approach proposed.**

**The second stop will be** **for** **the Commission** **to** **publish a Green** **Paper on**
**infrastructure by the** **end** **of the** **year.** **This** **will** **be open to a** **broad** **consultation**
**process on line** **conditions for general'** **HberaRsation** **of** **infrastructure** **for** **the** **provision**
**of public telecom services.**

**Establishment** **of** **an authority at European level**

**The question of establishing an authority at** **European** **level has been** **raised** **Whilst**
**fully respecting** **the** **subsidiarity** **principle,** **the** **Commission** **will** **launch in-depth**
**studies** **to examine** **institutional aspects and to see which** **activities at present**
**exercised by the Member States and the Commission might be entrusted to such an**
**authority;** **and will initiate discussions** **with** **Member States authorities.**

**In** **the light of these consultations, proposals might be made by January 1996.**

Council Resolution of 22 July 1993 on the review of the situation in the telecommunications sector
and the need for further development in that market (93/C213/01; OJ C213/1, 06.08.93)

**2.** **Standardisation, interconnection and interoperability**

**•** **Standardisation**

Standardisation is essential to achieve network interconnection and interoperability
of services at the international level. The Commission is initiating a debate on
standardisation in information technology and communications policy in order to
increase its responsiveness to market realities. It will issue a Communication in
October on the wider use of standardisation in support of Union policy.

On the specific aspects of information technology and communication, a major
Workshop open to all concerned parties will be held in November. It will identify
measures for the improvement of planning and prioritisation, for facilitating
consensus building, for speeding up the standard making process and for appropriate
use of standards in the international context. On the basis of this workshop, the
Commission will initiate appropriate actions during the course of 1995.

- **Interconnection and interoperability**

Interconnection of networks and interoperability of services and applications become
increasingly important as competition is introduced, if fragmentation is to be avoided.
The emphasis on interconnection must be reflected in the adjustment of the overall
regulatory regime, in preparation for the liberalisation of telecommunications
services. The Commission will update the Open Network Provision framework,
focusing on rules for interconnection between existing and new service providers, the
entities which are concerned, standards interfaces for networks and services enabling
fair and open network access, with proposals to be submitted by end of 1995.

The Commission's proposals for TEN-ISDN (integrated services digital networks)
will improve the interconnection of networks. The IDA (networks for the exchange
of information between administrations) addresses inter alia the interoperability of
application services between administrations. The Council and Parliament are invited
to adopt these before the end of the year.

**3.** **Tariffs**

**•** **Tariff** **adj ustment**

Almost every Member State has started or announced plans to rebalance current
tariff structures as a key element in preparing for liberalisation, in accordance with
Council Resolutions of July 1993 and February 1994 [2] .

Cost-orientation is an objective the Commision is pursuing in view of the transition
to competition. At the Community level there are already binding requirements for
tariffs for leased lines to be cost-oriented, and for verifiable cost-accounting systems
to be established by the TO's in each Member State. The corresponding Directive is
still not fully transposed by all the Member States. The Commission is, therefore,
putting infringement procedures in place.

Council Resolution 94/C 48/01 of 7 February 1994 on universal service principles in the
telecommunications sector (OJC48/1, 16.02.94)

**•** **Financing of universal service**

The Commission will complete investigations on financing universal service in
accordance with Council Resolution of February 1994 and will report before end
1995. In this context the Commission will develop common access charge
principles.

**4.** **Worldwide dimension**

The Commission is involved in the negotiations on so-called "basic" telecom services in
the context of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). Specific
telecommunication trade issues will be addressed (e.g. the need to ensure a balanced
participation in the new personal communications satellite systems and the need for
effective access for new land-based mobile technology in world markets).

Additional trade issues will concern services (other than télécoms), IPRs, or mutual
recognition agreements (eg. on standardisation issues). These problems must also be
addressed on a global basis, notably under the auspices of the new World Trade
Organisation and the World Intellectual Property Organisation. The Community is
participating actively in these discussions.

These trade policy aspects must be formulated in a global and consistent approach,
necessitating an intensified dialogue with the US in the context of the information society.
Bilateral discussions with other major trading partners, such as Japan and Canada, will be
broadened. Furthermore, several issues related to the global information society will be
addressed in the near future in other fora such as the International Telecommunication

Union.

The Commission will also promote the setting up of a cooperation framework and support
concrete actions in the field of RDT and industrial cooperation with third countries in
order to contribute to the development of infrastructures and applications compatible with
those of the Union.

The NAPLES G7 meeting agreed to convene in BRUSSELS a conference of the relevant
Ministers to discuss the development of an open, competitive and integrated worldwide
information infrastructure. The Commission will organise this conference for the end of
this year.

5. **Intellectual property rights (IPRs)**

IPR measures, whether already adopted or addressed in the 1990 Working Programme in
the field of copyrights and neighbouring rights will have to be reviewed, and the possible
need for additional measures examined. A Green paper on IPRs in the information society
will be prepared in the coming months and give the opportunity for extensive
consultationss with interested parties.

The proposal for a Council Directive on the legal protection of databases [3] is critical to the
development of an appropriate regulatory environment for networks. The Council is
invited to adopt it as a matter of urgency.

Proposal for a Council Directive on the legal protection of databases, COM(93) 464 final, SYN 393

**5**

In the field of private copying, the Commission will shortly present a proposal for a
Directive.

**6.** **Privacy**

Following the conclusions of the CORFU Summit urging for the rapid adoption of the
data privacy framework Directive [4], the Commission will strive to have the text adopted in
Autumn. The Commission is, however, aware of the need to specify how the general
principles will be applied to specific situations raised by the introduction of new
technologies. It has modified its proposal for a Directive on the protection of personal
data and privacy in the context of digital telecommunications networks [5] in the light of the
subsidiarity principle and of the first opinion given by the Parliament.

7. **Electronic** **protection, legal protection and security**

**•** **Electronic protection**

The Council and Parliament have asked for rules concerning conditional access to be
included in the proposed Directive on the use of standards for the transmission of TV
signals [6] . Economic actors are currently trying to reach an agreement under the
auspices of the European project on Digital Video Broadcasting. In the light of the
results of this process, which will end in September, the Commission will include
appropriate provisions in the Directive.

- **Legal protection**

The Commission is preparing a Green paper on the legal protection of encrypted
broadcasts in the internal market, concentrating on problems associated with the
absence of specific legislation in some Member States and with the disparities
between existing legislation in others. The Commission will examine the need of
harmonising the legal provisions in Member states relating to unauthorised access
and the appropriate level of intervention.

- **Security**

The Commission, advised by the Senior Officials Group on Information Security,
intends to put forward by September 1994 a further proposal addressing the
requirements for encryption for business and commerce and also the integrity of
signatures.

COM(92)422

Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive concerning the protection of
personal data and privacy in the context of digital telecommunications networks, in particular the
integrated services digital network (ISDN) and digital mobile networks, COM(94) 128 final -COD
288, 13.06.94

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and the Council on the use of standards for the
transmission of the Television signals, COM(93) 556 final -COD 476

With the subsidiarity principle in mind, the Commission will undertake a broad
examination of the issues relating to information security and the information society,
culminating in the presentation of a communication.

The Community will explore cooperation with third countries, notably the US, on
encryption.

**8.** **Media ownership**

The Commission will shortly present a Communication to the Council and Parliament on
**the follow-up to the Green paper** _**"Pluralism**_ _**and media concentration in the internal**_
_market",_ in particular to avoid the risk of further fragmentation of the Internal Market
with the emergence of new national regulations. The Commission will analyse the
comments which have been received during consultations with interested parties and will
take a position on the different options regarding the need and the appropriate level of
intervention.

**9.** **Competition**

Competition law plays an important role in maintaining open markets, as well as in
ensuring that cooperation between TOs does not result in new barriers being set up. The
Commission takes an active role in the application of the competition rules to the telecom
sector, as shown by two Directives based on article 90, and many individual cases falling
under articles 85 and 86. The rules will in particular play an increasing role in the
settlement of interconnection disputes. The Commission is considering whether to take
measures on the use of alternatives and cable TV networks for non-reserved services.

The competition rules support a positive contribution to the achievement of the
information society, and the Commission will apply these rules taking into account the
reality of the newly emerging global markets and the rapid speed of change.

**10.** **Audiovisual**

The regulatory framework which applies to the content of audiovisual services must
contribute to the free movement of such services within the Union, and be responsive to
the opportunities for growth in this sector opened up by new technologies. These
measures must take into account the specific nature, in particular their cultural and
sociological impact, of audiovisual programmes, whatever their mode of transmission.
Traditional television remains an important service with regards to extending the
information society into the home. The 1989 Directive _"Television without frontiers"_ _[1 ]_

must be reviewed. A proposal will be submitted in the Autumn.

Council Directive 89/552/EEC of 3 October 1989 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down
by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the pursuit of television
broadcasting activities, ECOJ 17.10.1989, L298/23

**n.** **NETWORKS, BASIC SERVICES, APPLICATIONS AND CONTENT**

The private sector will take the leading role in the implementation of the Information
Society. It is used to risk-taking, has extensive experience in exploring and developing
new markets, and is a valuable source of capital. The Commission will play its catalytic
role by putting in a user-friendly and coordinated fashion its various instruments at
disposal and by stimulating partnership-building and the launching of new concrete
initiatives.

Applications in the area of Trans-European Networks, as well as the audiovisual field, will
play a major role in the development and implementation of the information society.

**1.** **Networks**

- **Euro-ISDN:** The Commission's proposals on TEN-ISDN [8] should be adopted by the
Council and Parliament before the end of the year.

- **Integrated Broadband Communications** (EBC): Work is performed under the
RDT specific programmes on information and communication and the
"asynchronous transfer mode" (ATM) trial (at present 18 public network operators
involved).

The Bangemann report recommends setting up a _European Broadband Steering_
_Committee_ involving all relevant actors in order to develop a common
implementation strategy by the end of the year. The Commission will encourage
such an activity by the end of 1994.

- **Mobile communications:** The Commission has recently issued a Green Paper
proposing further liberalisation of the sector and the development towards Unionwide markets for equipment, networks and services [9] . The Commission will present a
report on the results of the consultation phase by the end of 1994 and will table
respective legislative measures in 1995.

- **Satellite communications:** The Commission is finalising the first phase of its
policy based on the Satellite Green Paper [10] . This phase could, if necessary, conclude
with the adoption of an article 90 based Directive liberalising satellite services and

**8** **Communication from the Commission related to the development of the ISDN as a trans-European**
**network, proposal for a Council Decision on a series of guidelines for the development of ISDN as a**
**Trans-European network, and proposal for a Council Decision adopting a multi-annual Community**
**action concerning the development of ISDN as a trans-European network,** **COM(93)** **347 final**
**(01.09.93)**

**9** **Towards the Personal Communications Environment: Green Paper on a common approach to mobile**
**and personal communications in the European** **Union,** **COM(94)** **145 final.**

**10** **Towards Europe-wide systems and services: Green Paper on a common approach in the field of**
**satellite communications in the European Community, COM(90)490,** **20.11.90)**

Parliament of a Directive on the mutual recognition of licences for satellite services [11 ]

by the end of 1994.

With the recent adoption of a Communication on the provision of, and access to,
space segment capacity [12], the Commission intends to launch a new phase in its policy
and the Council is invited to adopt a Resolution on this issue. Extensive discussions
will take place with US authorities and European industry on satellite personal
communications services.

The Commission will produce before the end of the year an overall conceptual framework
for these various trans-European telecom networks initiatives.

**2.** **Basic services**

With the emergence of Euro-ISDN and the introduction of ATM-based broadband
communication services, more diversified basic services for electronic mail, video
conferencing and multimedia services can be provided.

The Commission will initiate a _European Forum for basic services,_ aiming at a closer
cooperation on common services and functional specifications and on the timing of their
introduction.

The Commission will set up a group to identify the benefits and the conditions for
coexistence and convergence of the INTERNET and OSI protocol suites in the context of
the Union's commitment to standardisation.

**3.** **Applications**

Research projects and experimental applications must be moved from the laboratory
into real life in order to create new markets and new job opportunities. The CORFU
Summit endorsed the application areas proposed by the Bangemann group:
teleworking, distance learning, a network for universities and research centres,
telematic services for SMEs, road traffic management, air traffic control, healthcare
networks, trans-European public administration network, electronic tendering, and
city information highways.

- **Methodology for implementation**

Initiatives will be designed and set up in a bottom-up fashion by the private sector,
possibly in partnership, for those applications which are related to public interest or
influenced and regulated by public authorities, with Member States, regions and
cities.

1 _]_ Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive on a policy for the mutual recognitio of
licences and other national authorisations for the provision of satellite network services and/or
satellite communications services, COM(93) 652 final - COD 482, 04.01.94

12 Communication from thr Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on Satellite
Communications: The provision of- and access to - Space Segment Capacity, COM(94) 210 final,
100694

9

Besides its actions in the regulatory and legal domain, the Commission will support
the development of applications in various ways. Each case being different, no single
universal solution exists, and a combination of different means will be needed. As an
immediate practical step, the Commission will set up an _"Information Society Project_
_Office"._ This office will act as a single user-friendly interface between the
Commission and those who are taking initiatives in the various areas ("one-stop
shopping" approach) in order to facilitate an optimal use of these various
instruments.

**Financing**

Whilst the creation of the information society will be entrusted to the private sector,
the Commission will see to it that better focused and more effective use is made of

existing financial instruments.

Building on the results of the 3rd Framework programme, the **4th** RDT Framework
programme will contribute extensively to accelerate the deployment of the
applications taken up in the conclusions of the European Council. New technologies
will be developed in the framework of the specific programmes for full-scale
implementation of the applications following the pilot experiments. While the
_**"Advanced Communication**_ _**and**_ _**Telecommunication**_ _**Services"**_ **specific programme**
has been adopted, the Commission will seek rapid decisions on _"Telematics",_ and
_**"Information**_ _**technology".**_ _**Call for proposals**_ **are likely to be issued on respectively**
15 September and 15 December 1994. The 4th Framework programme will also
support diffusion and valorisation activities, including financial engineering schemes
and technology transfer activities.

In the context of Transeuropean networks, The Commission will use the TENISDN and TEN-IBC initiatives to support those applications that contribute to the
development of advanced communication networks by means of feasibility studies,
loan guarantees and interest rebates.

Within the context of the **Structural funds,** the Commission welcomes the emphasis
given to aspects of the information society in the Community Support Framework
/single programming documents agreed for the Objective 1 regions for the period
1994-1999 . The Commission will seek to ensure through the monitoring
Committees that sufficient account is taken of the needs of the information society
when selecting projects to be financed. These needs will also be addressed in the
negotiations of the Objective 2 and 5b plans. In addition, the Member States will be
able to include appropriate measures within the draft programmes to be submitted
under the SME initiative by the end of October 1994.

**Initiative definition, partnership-building and** concrete experiments

The Commission will take a number of initiatives to stimulate private and publicprivate partnerships and to increase user involvment.

It will, from its own initiative or to respond to expressions of interest (for which it
will issue _Call for ideas_ and _Call for intentions_ in various domains), gather potential
actors (users, operators, service providers, equipment manufacturers, etc..) in _Round_
_tables, Fora_ and _Conferences,_ according to the degree of maturity of the initiatives.
Discussions will address such issues as the identification of needs, cost estimates,

**10**

organisational structures, and financing mechanisms. Current areas where this
methodology will first be applied concern teleworking, distance learning, research
networks, health care, as well as the examples described below.

Through these common definition and partnership-building exercises, and with the
support of the Commission's instruments, the aim is to arrive at the launching _oîfield_
_trials_ and _large-scale_ _pilot experiments_ in real-life commercial environments.

Besides this, the Commission will reflect on new ways and approaches to further
facilitate the deployment of concrete initiatives.

**Examples** **(cf.** **Annex 3)**

Following is a non-exhaustive list of themes mentioned in the Bangemann report
which are already well under way:

Telematic services for SMEs: In the framework of the implementation of the
integrated programme for SMEs, and with the collaboration of appropriate
local institutions, the Commission will stimulate the creation of telematic
networks to reinforce the partnership relations between SMEs and between
SMEs and large enterprises. In parallel, new services such as diffusion of new
technologies, partnership research, training, legal support, as well as a new
culture of cooperation and parnterships between enterprises will be promoted,
notably by the development of advisory agencies.

Transport telematics field: the Commission will issue in the late Summer 1994
**a Communication on** _**"Telematics applications**_ _**for transport in**_ _**Europe"**_ **which**
will identify the required actions (technical, legal, organisational) for the
development of the telematics infrastructure and will propose priority telematic
projects for various means of transport.

The Commission will continue to collaborate with associations of cities and
regions, such as POLIS and CORRIDOR in order to develop common
networks for pilot projects and ERTICO (which brings together more than 30
administrations, undertakings, operators and users), in order to coordinate the
implementation of telematics road transport.

Trans-European public administration networks: the Commission proposed in
March 1993 guidelines and the implementation action IDA [13] . This programme
covers not only electronic mail between administrations in the Union, but also
legal and architectural aspects and several sectoral networks linked with the
abolition of internal border controls, fisheries, statistics, social security,
medicinal products, etc. After the recent adoption of the Resolution on
coordination with regard to information exchange between administrations, the

13 Communication from the Commission on the trans-European data communication networks between
administrations, proposal for a Council Decision on a series of guidelines related to the transEuropean data communication networks between administrations, and proposal for a Council
Decision on a Community pluriannual action supporting the implementation of trans-European data
communication networks between administrations (IDA), COM (93) 69 final (12.03.93),

**11**

Council [14] and the European Parliament are invited to adopt rapidly this

programme.

Electronic tendering: The Commission, with the support of the Member
States, will develop the SIMAP programme _(Système informatisé des marchés_
_publics)._ This programme, of which a pilot project is currently being finalised,
should create interactive data exchange possiblities for entities covered by the
Community's public procurement Directives and their suppliers.

Urban Information Highways: The Commission will stimulate the
implementation of pilot sites in European cities by inviting multi-disciplinary
groups (technicians and creators) to promote pilot experiments, training in new
skills and development of interactive applications.

**4.** **Content**

**•** **Audiovisual**

In the audiovisual field, the Green Paper "Strategy options to strengthen the
European programme industry in the context of the audiovisual policy of the EU"
issued by the Commission in April 1994, focuses on the development of the film and
TV programme industry. It stresses the importance of developing a strategy to
contribute to the growth of the information society and to promote the
competitiveness of the programme industry in the world market.

The follow-up to this Green Paper will address both regulatory aspects (eg
promotion of European programmes), and incentive mechanisms (eg the follow-up to
the MEDIA programme, the convergence of national support systems). The
emphasis will be placed on action at the EU level but a collective effort will be
needed involving all interests in the Member States.

- **Information industry and market**

The availability of high quality information resources (databases, image-bases, etc)
will be key elements of the European information infrastructure. Building on the
results of the IMPACT programme, the Commission will reflect on ways to stimulate
the creation of favourable conditions for information providers to adapt their skills
and products to the changing environment and to stimulate increased usage.

**14** **see also Council Resolution of the 20th June 1994 on coordination with regard to information**
**exchange between administrations (OJ** **C-181** **of 02.07.94)**

**12**

m . SOCIAL, SOCIETAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS

The information society promises to create new jobs, enhanced social solidarity and to
promote Europe's linguistic and cultural diversity. However, if not adequately framed, it
could create new social and economic discrepancies. The strong support of European
citizens is needed for the real "take-off' of the information society. Its advent is likely to
generate some fears, which should not be underestimated.

In order to maximise the economic, societal and cultural benefits of new technologies and
to address the risks, it will be necessary to evaluate their impact and adopt the appropriate
response measures to accompany changes, while guaranteeing essential social notions
such as universal service. \

The Commission intends to set up a _High Level Group of Experts_ advising on the
problems to be considered in priority and the appropriateness of the measures which are
elaborated.

On completion of their work, the Commission might invite all relevant actors to tackle
social and societal issues within the framework of a major _Colloquium._

The Commission intends to give priority to the following issues:

- **Employment and the working environment**

The Commission considers it vital to ensure that the opportunities to develop new
and better jobs are exploited to the full, and that potential negative effects are
effectively addressed. In particular, it considers that the full involvement of the social
partners is an essential part of the process of coping with such structural changes.

Against this background, the Commission intends to ensure that, in the context of the
follow-up to the White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness and Employment and in
preparation to the ESSEN Council, the necessary conditions will be defined to ensure
the optimal exploitation of new possibilities of employment growth linked to
technological change, including guidelines designed to facilitate the process of
economic and social adaptation.

In order to be able to formulate policies in relation to the impact of the information
society on employment, the Commission will also conduct a number of specific
studies on this relationship, and contribute to a series of OECD studies, one of which
will address information infrastructures, under the leadership of the Commission
within the 1995-1996 programme.

The Commission, in collaboration with other instances, will take steps to ensure that
effective evaluation is made of the expected overall impact on jobs, both quantitative
and qualitative.

The Commission intends to prepare in the near future, a report which will address the
employment and wider social consequences of the development of 'the flexible firm' including the consequences of the development of core and periphery activities,
flexible working time arrangements, continuing in-hour training, teleworking, and
networking between enterprises.

**13**

**Societal aspects**

The information society will profoundly change everyday life and leisure time,
promote new forms of urban and rural development and improve the quality of the
education and health systems. However, the accelerated diffusion of new
technologies may also give rise to rejection and isolation.

In line with the actions undertaken with respect to applications and with the support
of the High Level Group of Experts, the Commission will launch a series of works on
the main social impacts caused by the introduction of these new technologies.

It will also launch a study assessing the impacts and benefits of the information
society for regional, economic and social cohesion.

**Cultural aspects**

The information society provides the opportunity to facilitate the dissemination of
European cultural values and the valorisation of a common heritage. Cultural goods,
especially cinema and television programmes, cannot be treated like other products:
they are the privileged mediums of identity, pluralism and integration and retain their
specificity within the framework of new multimedia products and services.

Measures derived from the audio-visual Green paper, to be proposed in the Autumn,
will aim at making audio-visual policy a key element in the content strategy which will
play a crucial role in delivering the benefits of the information society.

**Linguistic issues**

Europe's strength resides in its rich historical and cultural heritage. Its diversity and its
linguistic and cultural links with other parts of the world constitute an asset for
supplying new tailored services targeting regional or specialised audiences. However,
it also poses a challenge for services aimed at a European wide audience.

The Commission will issue by January 1995 a Communication identifying ways to
address European linguistic issues and to stimulate the emerging language-based
industry.

**14**

**^ • c**

**IV.** **PROMOTION ACTIVITIES**

**Within** **the framework** **of** **the** **information programme on the White Paper, a package of**
**information activities is planned in order to promote awareness of** **the** **global** **information**
**society throughout the European Union.**

**The** **programme** **of** **disseminating** **information has started by the wide distribution of the**
**report** _**"Europe**_ _**and**_ _**the**_ _**global**_ _**information**_ _**society -**_ _**Recommendations**_ _**to the European**_
_**Council"**_ **produced by the** **high-level** **group on the information society. Copies of the**
**report have been circulated throughout the EU institutions, national** **administrations,** **the**
**media and on** **the** **basis of individual requests. The report is now also available to a global**
**readership using worldwide electronic networks.**

**The information activities will target European citizens in** **general,** **as** **well** **as specialist**
**audiences (including** **companies,** **the** **press,** **user** **groups,** **trade** **associations,** **social partners**
**and public administrations) and will aim at raising the general awareness regarding the**
**emergence** **of** **the** **information society. They** **will** **include the benefits and effects of the**
**information services and applications which are being developed. The audience for the**
**promotional campaign** **will also include** **EU institutions, and will extend throughout the**
**Member States to ensure that** **all** **regions of the EU are** **informed.** **Best use** **will** **be made**
**of** **existing** **organisations at the national** **and** **regional level capable of supporting this**
**promotion exercise.**

**A number of information** **and** **promotional activities will be carried out by the**
**Commission, starting** **early** **in** **Autumn** **1994.** **This** **win*** **include the organisation of**
**"information** **days*** **and multimedia** **demonstrations,** **a conference on the global information**
**society lo he attended by international opinion-makers in this field, the production of**
**audiovisual materials for** **non-specialised** **audiences, and the production of** **an** **information**
**brochure aimed at the general** **public**

**AH** **modem methods of electronic publishing and information distribution will be used to**
**promote** **awareness** **of the techm>fogicalrx)temiaIofthemformation sociery**

**As far as user awareness of best practice is** **concerned,** **mechanisms will be established to**
**exchange** **best** **practice** **in the** **use of technologies, concentrating on the** **business** **and public**
**service** **domains,** **and giving special attention to the needs of** **SMEs.** **This would involve**
**the Member States, industry and user** **associations,** **chambers of commerce, local and**
**regional** **government,** **and** **local** **organisations**

**15**

**Annex** **1** **: Pending measures**

Measure Decision-making process Calendar

1. REGULATORY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

1. Towards a competitive environment
ONP / Directive on Voice Telephony (co-decision procedure)

3. Tariffs

Implement Council Directive on application of ONP/leased lines by
monitoring transposition in Member Stattes

4. Worldwide dimension

"Basic" services negotiations (essentially voice telephony)

IPR-related issues, MRAs

5. Intellectual property rights (IPRs)

Proposed Directive on legal protection of databases
6. Privacy
Data privacy framework Directive

Directive on the protection of personal data and privacy in the context
of digital telecommunications networks

7. Electronic protection, legal protection and security
Advanced broadcasting: revised Directive on TV standards

9. Competition
Procedures as regards mobile telephony monopolies

II. NETWORKS, BASIC SERVICES, APPLICATIONS AND CONTENT

1. Networks

Euro-ISDN: guidelines and Action Plan

Mutual recognition of licenses & authorisations to provide services;
Directives in telecommunications and satellite services sectors

Satellite communications : liberalisation of satellite services and

terminals

3. Applications

IDA : guidelines and action plan

Specific R&D programme on Information Technology

Specific R&D programme on Telematics applications

**(k**

Common position by Council;
EP to vote July 1994

Commission to take appropriate

measures

Commission to act within GATT,

WIPO & EPO frameworks

Council to adopt

EP and Council to adopt

EP and Council to adopt

Council to adopt common
position

Action under way

Commission to present revised
proposal taking into account EP
amendements

Council common position

Currently before the Council and
EP for discussion and decision

Commission Directive (art. 90) in
consultation with Council

EP and Council to adopt

Council to adopt

Council to adopt

1994

continued action

April 1996

continued action

1994

end 1994/1995

end 1994/1995

November 1994

continued action

July 1994

November 1994

end 1994/1995

1994

end 1994

September 1994

September 1994

**Annex 2 :** New **measures under** consideration

Measure Decision-making process C iiendar

I. REGULATORY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

I.Towards a competitive environment
Communication on infrastructure liberalisation: principle & timetable
Green Paper on infrastructure liberalisation implementation measures

2. Standardisation, interconnection and interoperability
Communication on wider use of standardisation to support EU policy
Proposal for adaptation of ICT standardisation policy

Updating ONP framework (organisation:standardisation)

Interconnection Directive (updating ONP Framework)

3. Tariffs

Report on the principles governing the financing of Universal Service

4. Worldwide **Dimension**

Global Information Society promotion

5. **Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)**
Green Paper on IPRs in the information society

Directive on private copying

7. Electronic protection, legal protection and security
Communication on security issues and role of Member States,
Follow-up to 1NFOSEC
Harmonisation of Member States legal provisions relating to
unauthorised access

Green paper on the legal protection of encrypted broadcasts

8. Media ownership
Communication to Council and EP on follow-up to Green Paper on
media pluralism

9. Competition
Measures on the use of alternatives and cable TV networks for non
reserved services

10. Audiovisual

"Television without Frontiers" Directive, revised Council Directive

II. NETWORKS, BASIC SERVICES, APPLICATIONS AND CONTENT

1. Networks

Follow-up to Communication on access to space segment
Establish overall framework covering all telecom-related issues
Communication on follow-up to Green Paper on mobile & personal
communications

Adoption by Commission
Adoption by Commission

Adoption by Commission
Commission's proposals
Commission's proposals
Adoption by Commission

Consultation with MS;
report to EP and Council

G7 ministerial level meeting

Adoption by Commission

Adoption by Commission

Adoption by Commission
Adoption by Commission

Commission's proposals
Adoption by Commission

Currently under consideration by
the Commission before adoption

Adoption by Commission

Adoption by Commission

Proposal for Council Resolution
Commission's proposal
Adoption by Commission
First discussion before Council

September _l'A-_
end 1994

October 1994

1995

end 1995

1995

end 1995

November 1994

early 1995

1994

1994

September 1994

1995

1994

July 1994

1994

end 1994

1995

end 1994/early 95
November 1994

1994

1994

1994

1994/1995

end 1994/

early 1995

3. **J.** **Applications** Applications
Communication on Telematics applications for transports in Europe Adoption by Commission

4. Content

Follow-up to IMPACT programme
Follow-up to the Green Paper on audiovisual

**III.** SOCIAL, SOCIETAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS

Analysis of conditions for optimal exploitation of new sources of
employment and guidelines to facilitate eco. and soc. adaptation
Report outlining the needs and effective options to develop flexible
organisational structures in enterprises
Communication addressing European linguistic issues and means to
stimulate the emerging language-based industry

### **_y_**

Commission's proposal
Commission's proposals

Adoption by Commission

Adoption by Commission

**Annex 3 : Possible partnerships**

_A e_ _following table recaps all those initiatives of a non-procedural nature which aim at providing or stimulating_
_partnership amongst the various actors, be they public or private sector, institutions, and users._

Sector and scope of the initiative Action foreseen /Calendar

I. REGULATORY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

2. Standardisation, interconnection and interoperability

Standardisation policy: bringing all concerned actors together to
review the European standardisation policy

4. Worldwide dimension

Improve international cooperation on information society related
issues through the promotion of join initiatives

10. Audiovisual

Advanced Broadcasting : Implement the 1993-1997 Action Plan on
advanced TV services and the development of new TV digital
services

II. NETWORKS, BASIC SERVICES, APPLICATIONS AND CONTENT

2. Basic services

Promoting closer concertation on common services and functional
specifications and on means of introducing them

3. Applications
Promotion of European-wide implementation and deployment of
applications; priority areas identified by the "Bangemann report"
and endorsed by the Corfu summit

Pursue ongoing work in specific domains

Research & Development effort to ensure a sound technology base
for the development of the Information Society

Take full advantage of the opportunities offered by TransEuropean
Netrworks

Make best use of the 1994-1999 CSFs and SME initiative

III. SOCIAL, SOCIETAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS

Advise Commission

To maximise the economic, societal and cultural benfits of the
introductions of new technologies and master the risks

IV. PROMOTION ACTIVITIES

Stimulate reflection and initiatives from citizens, users, public and
private bodies; promote awareness and sensibilise the largest
possible audience

**Vfc**

Workshop with all concerned parties to be held in
November 1994 and wide consultation

launching of joint EU-US projects (eg, World Wide
Web, telèworking, telematics for the environment);
interoperability workbench; information security

Commission's continued action with sector's actors;
support activities carried out within the Digital Video
Broadcasting forum

Commission's proposal for the establishment of a
European Forum for Basic Services

Combination of different means involving public and
private sector's actors, including round tables, steering
committees, fora, call for intentions and ideas

Telematic services for SMEs; transport telematics;
trans-European public administration networks;
electronic tendering

Community RDT Framework Programme and specific
programmes, eg, launching call for proposals in
advance communications, information technology and
telematics sectors before end or 1994

Carrying out feasiblity studies, preparing schemes for
interest rebates and loan guarantees

Eg, support information infrastructure building for
telework and distance learning centres

High Level Group of Experts

Bringing all concerned parties together in a
Colloquium

Disseminating information early in Fall 1994, through
publications, information days, conferences,
multimedia demonstrations

BSN 0254-1475

##### COM(94) 347 final

# DOCUMENTS

#### E N 16 Catalogue number : C&CO-94-364-EN-C ISBN 92-77-72084-0

L-2985LnxcmbcRirg