Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Brussels, 27.11.1996

COM(96) 607 final

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION

TO THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,

THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE

AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

## _'Europe at the Forefront of the Global_ Information Society: 7 ;û, RollmgAetiongkfaZ^M+ti

### CONTENTS:

I. Introduction

II. The Priorities of the Rolling Action Plan

III. The Goal of the Rolling Action Plan

IV. Conclusions

Annex Europe's Rolling Action Plan for the Information Society

**INTRODUCTION**

The information society is not a challenge for the future but one for the present. Decision
makers are now fully aware that Europe's future in the global economy will be shaped by the
speed and success with which it exploits the opportunities arising from the new information and
communication technologies (ICT).

Momentum towards the information society is already building up in Europe at a breath-taking
pace. But major tasks are still ahead of us. The key challenges are to ensure that Europe
remains at the forefront of the new global and networked society and that European citizens
equally enjoy its benefits. The EU must therefore focus on an effective implementation of all
aspects of the information society.

Considerable progress has already been achieved since the adoption in July 1994 of an Action
Plan defining a comprehensive strategy and a set of measures aimed at taking the European
Union into the information society:

_S_ The liberalisation of the telecommunications sector has been successfully launched and
will be completed by the 1st of January 1998, hence triggering the development of new
services and promoting their widespread uptake. The stakes in tenus of job creation
and competitiveness are particularly high since the ICT market had an astonishing
growth rate of 8% in 1995 and is bound to grow even faster in the future.

_•f_ Considerable effort has been devoted to ensuring that the social and societal dimension
of the information society is fully taken into consideration and to supporting regional
information society initiatives in order to enhance cohesion.

_•f_ The recognition of the vital role of education and training in the race towards the
increased participation and employabrlity of European citizens has lead to the
formulation of an ambitious Europe-wide learning action plan.

_S_ Support is being given to the development of the emergence of a strong European
multimedia content industry which is expected to create 1 million new jobs over the
next 10 years.

_•S_ The specific ICT programmes of the 4th RTD Framework Programme are being
successfully implemented and the preparation of the 5th Framework Programme has
been launched.

_S_ The Commission has been instrumental in the successful outcome of major
international events aiming to develop global rules underpinning the swift development
of the global information society.

With these actions the Commission has established the building blocks of the information
society in Europe and has significantly contributed to raising awareness of both the public and
decision makers. The necessary climate has therefore been created for unleashing the creative

"lùiropc's way to the information society: An Action Plan" COM (9-4) 3<47 of the _V)\\\_ July I _*•)_ [l] M

potential and entrepreneurial spirit of Europeans and has put Europe at the forefront of the
drive towards the infomiation society.

The present Communication comes as a follow up to the July 1996 Communication entitled
_"Information_ _Society:_ _From Corfu to Dublin_ _- The new emerging_ _priorities. "_ which
announced an updated and revised Action Plan in order to launch a second phase of the EU
information society strategy. This action plan addresses Community actions which arc
complementary to those undertaken by the Member States. The Rolling Action Plan will be
complemented in the future by an overview of the transposition of the European regulator}'
framework into the national legislation of the Member States particularly with respect to the 1st
of January 1998 deadline. This forms an important part of the employment pact [2] .

**II.** **THE PRIORITIES OF THE ROLLING ACTION PLAN**

Driven by the digital revolution and global competition, the private sector has started investing
in and exploring new market opportunities. The success of the Internet, the booming mobile
communications market and the emerging multimedia content industry are only a few examples
of the huge market potential offered by the infomiation society. These developments
demonstrate that whenever technology offers attractive and cost-efficient solutions to meet
consumer needs, and whenever the market is operating in a competitive environment,
investment and economic output grow with breath-taking speed and new job opportunities

become available.

Another key factor for the success of the information society is its social acceptability. The
infomiation society is bringing fundamental changes in the way we live and work in a period of
high unemployment. This situation brings uncertainties and poses big challenges for workers,
citizens, enterprises and public institutions. Therefore, to ensure social acceptance of the
information society in Europe, it is essential to meet these challenges with public policies that
provide opportunities to develop the employability of workers, support change in the
organisation of enterprises, reinforce social cohesion and cultural diversity and enhance
people's ability to participate in the infomiation society.

Experience has shown that the success of Europe in the infomiation society will not only
depend on how telecommunications and new services are regulated or deregulated, but also on
a wider range of factors amongst which innovation plays a central role. For example, by setting
GSM as a world standard, the EU has ensured that most GSM-relatcd investments and jobs arc
to be found in Europe. Internet on the other hand is a success story for the USA which enjoy
the main benefits in terms of investment, job and market shares (e.g. amongst the world's 100
most visited Web sites of the Internet, not a single one is European).

The development of the information society requires changes which still have to overcome a
certain degree of organisational inertia and psychological resistance as well as financial
constraints. This is extremely hard to achieve in a period characterised by high unemployment,
pressure on social benefits and budgetary restrictions. Whilst the implementation of the
information society is mostly taking place at national, regional or local level, the value-added of
Community level actions is to set up a common framework, to co-ordinate various activities

Action Plan lor employment m Kuropc: A confidence pact ( CSP (%) 1 )

and to act as a catalyst. Therefore, the Rolling Action Plan aims to harness and give more
impetus to the implementation of the various measures taken at Member State level.

The main policy objectives of the Rolling Action Plan have already been outlined in the
Communication _"The implications of_ _the_ _information society for European Union policies -_
_Preparing the next_ _steps"_ _[1]_ _._ The Rolling Action Plan also draws upon valuable input from the
European Parliament [4], the Council, the Information Society Forum [5], the High Level Expert
Group and the Industry Advisory Group as well as from the assessment of technological and
international developments. It is therefore the result of a wide reflection process on the
infomiation society which has led to the identification of four new priority areas:

1) Improving the business environment through the efficient and coherent
implementation of the liberalised telecommunications environment and the thorough
application of the internal market principles (i.e. the free circulation of goods, the free
provision of services, the free circulation of capital and the freedom of establishment)
in the infomiation society context. Actions are also outlined to promote the introduction
of new technologies into daily business activities, in particular with respect to SMEs
and for the promotion of satellite personal communication services (S-PCS) in Europe.
Ensuring that the necessary conditions are met for the introduction of electronic
commerce (e.g. copyright, data protection, digital signatures, etc.) [7] is also a major
priority.

2) Investing in the future primarily depends upon the recognition that the infomiation
society starts in the classroom. The Florence Summit gave impetus to the educational
dimension of the EU information society strategy by asking the Commission to adopt
an initiative, _"Learning in the information society"",_ which now needs to be
implemented. However, adapting educational structures and the learning process is
mainly a responsibility of the Member States. At the same time emphasis must also be
placed on life-long learning to enable European citizens, whether in their capacity as
consumers or participants in the job market, to adapt to the emerging infomiation
society. Broadly speaking, the information society is also a generation phenomenon.
Only by introducing specific actions focusing on the younger generation can the best
conditions be prepared for access and acceptance of infomiation society by the
population at large.

Technologies in the information society are developing fast and if one fails to enter the
technology race on time, it may result in an exclusion from the corresponding market.
It should therefore be clear for European businesses that keeping abreast of the fast
pace of global technology development often requires substantial investment at a
relatively early stage of market development (e.g. the development of digital TV,
satellite communications and interactive multimedia services). This would allow
European players to be better represented in key emerging markets. In this context, the

3 COM (96) 395 of the 24th of July 1996

 - 1 1 ierman Report of the 19th of September 1996

5 Resolution on "New political priorities regarding the information society. Mh of October 1996

6 Networks for people and their Communities - June 1996

7 The Commission envisages to launch a new strategic initiative to identify and remove the barriers
to the development and take-up of electronic commerce

S COM (96) -171 oflhe 2nd of October 1996

Action Plan refers in particular to the Commission's formal proposal for the Fifth
Framework Programme to be presented in March 1997 where detailed proposals on
overall research priorities for the EU will be set out. A new specific programme will be
devoted to the promoting the development of a user-friendly information society

3) The far-reaching implications of the information society for the citizen have triggered
an avalanche of discussions, comments and suggestions on how to put **people at** the
**centre.** Following the consultation process on the Green _Paper "Living and_ _working_ _in_
_the information society: People_ _first",_ the Commission will establish a number of
actions to address the key issues identified in the Green Paper and related documents.
This will be completed by further actions arising from the debate on the Green Paper
on _"Work_ _organisation'._ At the same time, the process of using the advantages of the
information society in the context of regional policy to promote European cohesion
must be addressed. Another important clement in this context is the protection of
fundamental rights and freedoms, such as the right to privacy, in the infomiation
society. As regards the crucial issue of job creation, a **significant number** of new
**employment opportunities will result from** developments **in** the services and
**content sectors,** in particular through new business activities such as electronic
commerce and multimedia content creation.

4) While the initial Action Plan did not fully reflect the importance of global co-operation,
it is now clear that setting global rules is an essential clement of the infomiation
society. Global rules concern market access, intellectual property rights, privacy and
data protection, harmful and illegal on-line content, tax issues, infomiation security,
frequencies, interoperability and standards. **The successful completion** of the
**multilateral negotiations on** basic telecommunications services in the context of the
**WTO (World Trade** Organisation) are of primary importance for the
establishment of **such** ground rules. In addition, a review of European laws and
policy positions must be launched with a view to reaching international agreements. In
this context, the Commission's negotiating powers need to be enhanced in order to
strengthen the EU's negotiating position at international level. Meanwhile, appropriate
follow-up actions are required in accordance with the conclusions of the conferences
held recently with the Mediterranean countries. Central and Eastern European
countries and the developing world.

**III.** **THE GOAL OF THE ROLLING ACTION PLAN**

The goal of the Rolling Action Plan is to present a list of all important actions, in particular
legal measures, required to further implement the information society in Europe. It presents an
updated and comprehensive overview of the main Community measures related to the
information society, and thus fulfils four major functions:

1) It provides information about forthcoming Community initiatives in a consistent and
transparent way, thereby serving as a navigation tool for the Member States and
other European institutions, in particular the Parliament. An equivalent level of
claritv and transparency would be most welcomed at Member State level.

2) It provides detailed information about the development of the regulatory framework to
the business sector, in particular private investors, thereby serving **as a guidance tool**
**for investment decisions.**

3) **It** provides open infomiation to all interested parties, in particular the public, about the
direction of EU policy, thereby allowing **for timely reactions and suggestions as** **well**
**as a constructive dialogue between the Commission and all relevant segments of**
**society in a user-friendly and democratic way.**

4) **In** addition, as the infomiation society impacts virtually on all policy areas, the Action
Plan also provides a useful **internal management tool** for the Commission.

**IV.** **CONCLUSIONS**

The Commission invites the Council and the European Parliament, as well as the Social and
Economic Committee and the Committee of the Regions, to debate the issues involved and give
political backing to the development of this Rolling Action Plan for information society.

A nnex

EUROPE'S ROLLING ACTION PLAN
FOR INFORMATION SOCIETY [1 ]

TABU- OF CONTENTS

1) The structure or the Rolling Action Finn

2) The mtormation society World Wide Web Server

3) The actions

**B.** **PENDING AND** **ON-GOING** **ACTIONS**

**1.** **Improving the Business Environment**
**2.** **Investing in the Future**
**3.** **People at the Centre**
**4.** **Meeting the Global Challenge**

C. ACCOMPLISHED ACTIONS

**1.** **Improving** **the** **Business Environment**

**2.** **Investing in the Future**
**3.** **People at the Centre**
**4.** **Meeting the Global Challenge**

**ill n i \ (** **i\** **i i n i ' i i** _**\')'**_

**17**

**17**

**22**

22

**25**

**1.** **T H E S T R U C T U R E O F T H E R O L L I N G A C T I O N** **P L A N**

The initial 1994 Action Plan was organised along four lines <"••: action:

    - the regulatorv framework

   - networks, basic services, applications and content

   - social, societal, and cultural aspects

   - promotional activities

The Rolling Action Plan has a two-layer structure. The first layer describes the current status ot

the different actions:

    - Part A presents forthcoming actions

    - Part B presents pending and on-going actions (i.e. .cnons that have been initiated but

have not vet been finalised)

    - Part C presents the actions that have been completed since the adoption of the original

Action Plan in Iulv 1994.

This structure has been chosen in order to allow for a rolling Action Plan. It must be noted that

the initial Action Plan was constantlv adjusted and expanded - but only tor internal puiposes and

not as a political instrument. The new structure will allow tor a regular and comprehensive

official update of the Action Plan.

The second laver is built upon the policv priorities idcnt:::ed in the Communication on _"The_
_implications_ _of the_ _ir.:or??ution society_ _for_ _TAJ_ _poliaes."_ i.e.:

    - improving the business environment

    - investing in the future

    - people at the centre

    - meeting the global challenge.

The same structure is used tor all three parts m order to ensure the coherence ot the document

as well as to facilitate reading.

**2.** **T H E I N F O R M A T I O N SOCIETY WORLD WIDE WEB SERVER**

In order to give interested parties a complete and updated picture of Commission information
society-related activides, a dedicated "World Wide Web" server has been set-up by ISPO [: ]

**[(http://www.ispo.cec.be)](http://www.ispo.cec.be)** [which has already been providing information to over a hundred](http://cec.be))
thousand users per month (see graphical representation below).

ITirthermore, the "Rolling Action Plan" Web page will be linked through hvpertext links to other
relevant Web pages, tor instance those related to the G7 "Global Inventory" project and the
European Commission's "European Survey of Information Socictv (HSIS)" which hold
informadon about major public and private information socictv initiauves.

The server will also provide informadon on sources ot financing, forthcoming calls for
proposals, as well as, announce relevant conferences and studies.

ISPO Web server access

**Monthly hits February** 95 • **October** 96

242696

Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aig Sep **Oct** Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr ' May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

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After final adoption of the 1998 package of
measures, this Communication will be
published as a guide to illustrate for users the
impact of the 1998 package and to show the
inter-relationship in a non-technical way
between different measures regarding the
information socictv.

The Commission proposes to implement new
actions to contribute to the development of
applications of space-related activities in the EU
in the fields of telecommunications, navigation
and earth observation.

Initiatives in order to set the necessary frame for
commercial transactions via the networks.

The Communication will analyse Europe's
position in the standardisation for electronic
commerce, identify technical barriers of
electronic commerce services and submit

proposals on the dissemination of standards, in
particular for SMEs. Finally, the role of public
authorities in the standardisation process for
electronic commerce will be elaborated.

This Communication will be a follow-up to the
consultations held in the framework of the

Green Paper on commercial communications
(COM(96) 192) which was adopted on K-5-96.

The Communication will contain an analysis of
the transformation trends in the European
industry due to the impact of ICT, both with
respect to the production processes and in
management and organisation. It identifies the
potential benefit of ICT for industry as a
strategy for improving competitiveness.

97

11-97

1 Q 97

97

1 Q97

3-97

Communication on a guide
to the regulatory framework
of the information society
(1998 packet)

**Communication** on the EU

and space: fostering
applications, markets and
industrial competitiveness

Communication and

directive on secure

transactions including
digital signatures in
electronic commerce

**Communication** on a

European standardisation
initiative for electronic

commerce

Communication on an

internal market framework

for new on-line commercial

communications based on

home country control and
mutual recognition

Communication on

information society and
industrial aspects

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

I'I ml ( l..lc 1 1 _2<<V(>._ _^:^')_ I'M.

.mniK\X 1 doc

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan for Information Society**

**Specific Measures** **Decision** **Making** **Calender**

**•••** **-Process**

**Explanations** **-** **Implications**

Document setting out competition law
principles to increase legal and economic
certainty. In particular: (i) summarising past
decisions, (ii) clarifying relations between
competition law and article 100A-based
harmonisation directives, (iii) explaining
application of competition rules to converging
sectors, especially access issues and gateways.
In order to assist Member States in preparing
national reforms in advance of full liberalisation

of télécoms in 1998. this Communication

identifies the principal elements that the
Commission will assess in looking at national
universal service schemes which must be

notified to the Commission by the end of 1996.
It also provides detailed guidelines, building on
the existing principles within Community law.
which are designed to develop best practice in
national approaches to the costing and
financing of universal service.
The Communication will provide an evaluation
of the TEDIS programme which deals with the
promotion of the use of EDI in the private
sector and focuses on SMEs. Further

consideration will in particular be given to
promoting the communication links between the
private and the public sectors and on focusing
on SME needs.

The Commission is developing a proposal for a
follow-up to the first wide-screen Action Plan in
order to complete the introduction of the new
format into broadcasting.

The GNSS rolling action plan provides a
framework for the deployment of GNSS in
Europe. It will present the remaining technical
and institutional activities to be carried out to

implement the European contribution to the
global system. The Commission will also
propose to begin formal negotiations with the
other major players, in particular the USA,
Russia and Japan. This communication follows
a Communication on the same subject

[COM(94)248| and a resolution of the EP in
May 94 on space transport policy.

3-97

4Q96

97

1 Q 9 

1 Q9~

97

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

Council and EP

adoption

Commission

adoption
COM (96)

Council and EP

adoption

4th Q % : Divergent rules on media ownership may cause

; [ lo] [ the freedom of establishment of media ]
companies within the community.

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Communication on the

application of the
competition rules to access
agreements in the
telecommunications sector.

**Communication** on the

assessment criteria for

national schemes for the

costing and financing of
universal service and

guidelines for the Member
States on the operation of
such schemes.

Communication on the

evaluation of the TEDIS

programme: Assessment
and future steps

**Decision** on the extension

of the Action Plan for the

introduction of advanced TV

services in Europe

**Decision** on an action plan
for the deployment of GNSS
(Global navigation satellite
systems in Europe) and
bilateral agreements with
certain third countries

Directive on the access to

media ownership

I'rini cl.ilo: 1 _\I2U_ _<)(>._ _1:.\<)_ I ' M .

i n n n c x X I d o c

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan for Information Society**

**S|H-vittl-** **Mc.lMlll"** **D n i s i o n M a k i n g** **>ns** **-** **Iiuplii.ilioiiv**

###### m Directives on the

harmonisation of certain

authors' rights and related
rights

###### m Directive on the legal

protection of encrypted
services

**Consultation Documents**

Green Paper on the
implications of the
regulatory framework for
telecommunications,
audiovisual and publishing

ilfiliyi: Communication on the

development of the use of
multimedia as pedagogical
means in the Community

**Communication** on

vocational training in the

::::::::::::::::::::! information society

yii::::::::::j **Communication** on

GI2000: Towards a

European Policy Framework
for Geographic Information
(GI).

Commission

adoption

Council and EP

adoption

Commission

adoption

Council and EP

adoption

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

Council and EP

adoption

97

1997

97

1 Q97

98

2Q97

97

1Q97

97

As announced in the Commission's draft

Communication on the matter, this instrument
proposes to further harmonise a number of
copyright and related rights aspects, where
necessary for the proper functioning of the
Internal Market in the I.S. and the needs to

bring about a favourable environment which
protects and stimulates creativity and
innovation across Member States.

The Directive will establish a common

framework for the legal protection of encrypted
services in the EU.

97 This Green Paper will examine the regulatory
implications of the increasing convergence of
the telecommunications, audiovisual and
publishing industries and will make appropriate
proposals.

This Communication follows the Council

Resolution relating to educational multimedia
software in the fields of education and training
of the 6-5-96

This Communication will constitute the

complement to the Communication on
"Learning in the Information society" (COM
(96) 471).

The objective of the communication is to raise
awareness and start a discussion at the political
level to be followed by the development of an
action plan. GI is important because of its value
for planning, land management, marketing
studies, environment, renewable energy
resources, emergency services, health care,
political analysis etc.

On 10-8-96 the Commission adopted a series of
preliminary guidelines for the 5th RTD
framework programme. Without prejudice to
the final structure and content of the 5th FP, the
identified priorities for future research are:
unlocking the resources of the living world and
the ecosystem; creating a user friendly
information society; promoting competitive and
sustainable growth.

**/'->**

illŒSiiiîHiiii! Decision on the 5th

Framework Programme
followed by proposals for
the specific programmes

Page 6

**Print date: 11/26/96, 4:48 PM,**

**nnnncx81.doc**

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan** **for** **Information Society**

**Spicifu'** **MIMMU-<->** **Dicisjon** **M.ikiug**
**Process**

**C'alvnJer** **Explanations - Implications**

ilBiiiil **[Communication and ]**
**directive on an Action Plan**

**for the deployment of road**
**transport** telematics **in**
**Europe**

iiiGÉJiiJiijJijii **Directive** on harmonisation
measures for VTMIS

;] (Vessel traffic management
and information services)

1 Q97 An action plan will be developed to address the
development of new jobs and working patterns,
co-operation between different levels of public
administrations, review of regulation, awareness
and confidence raising through networking,
harnessing the Structural Funds, identification
of themes and issues for further analysis.

12-96 The Communication intends to clarify the
relation between the information society and
cohesion by indicating a number of actions in
the field of demand stimulation, regulatory
environment and support of supply. It will
particularly concentrate on the potential role of
Structural Funds in this domain. It addresses

regions, member stales, telecom operators and
service providers.
A Conference on "Regions and the information
society" (30/3 1-1-97) will discuss the ways to
better address the implications of the
information society in policy actions under the
structural funds.

/'*

1 Q97

4Q
98

The Communication is based on the Council

Resolution of 28-9-95 on the deployment of
road transport telematics.
The Action Plan is being elaborated within the
High Level Group on road transport telematics
created in December 1995. It will propose an
overall European strategy to carry out this
deployment, with legislation, technical
harmonisation and co-ordination of

implementation and financing of RTT projects
(notably through the TEN-T budget).
It will also address the basic requirements for
the setting up of traffic information and
navigation systems in Europe.

The Directive will present a set of measures
directed at the harmonisation of VTS

procedures, the level of qualification of
operators, the level of services, the
interoperability and interconnection of VTMIS.

13231!

**Follow up of Green Paper**
"People First".

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

**jn^&iiJill-Dd]^^**

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

**iiimnmiiiii»iij**

**iiXSiH!** **Communication** on

Cohesion and the

information socictv

I'.igc 7
Print date: I I/269<>. _\.\}_ I'M.

**annnexX** **1** **doc**

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan for Information Society**

Specific Mi'iiMircs Decision Makin<

**PlIIVCSS**

Calender Explanation*-Implications

ii^Siii

_mm=\_

iii&siiiiiiiiiij

Hl-Z&l:::::::::

Communication on the

consumer dimension of the

information society

**Communication** on an

action plan to combat illegal
and harmful content on the

Internet and similar

networks

Decision on the

development of Guidelines
for Trans-European data
communication networks

(TENS) for administrations
and identification of projects
of common interest for IDA

**Follow up to the** **Green**
**Paper** on the protection of
minors and of human

dignity and new audiovisual
and information services

The Communication will examine the

respective benefits and problems facing
consumers as a result of information society
developments and will identify areas of action
both at a political level and in practical terms
(such as the use of new communications
technologies for consumer information and
education).

The Communication on illegal and harmful
content, that was adopted by the Commission on
the 16-10-96, indicates a number of policy
options to combat this type of content on the
Internet. The action plan will, after discussion
of these options with the Council and EP.
indicate the range of measures neccssaw to
implement these policy options, the means to do
this and the actors responsible. It will elaborate
the measures necessary to ensure a coherent set
of actions at the EU level and the launching of
these actions into the global context and will
especially address the question of liability for
access and service providers.

This follows Council decision 95/468/EC of the

6-11-95 adopting the IDA programme, which
invites the Commission to present the Council
and the EP new proposals following the midterm programme evaluation. This proposal
concerns the development of guidelines for
TENS for administrations and the identification

of projects of common interest for IDA in
Europe.

The development of new audiovisual and
information services will require new types of
programme content as well as new ways _o[_
producing and financing it. It will also offer
new opportunities in terms of cultural and
linguistic diversity. The analysis of these issues
with a view to identifying ways of encouraging
the development of new services will
complement other initiatives related to the
protection of the public interest in audiovisual
and information services.

97

6-97

97

97

1 O 97 The Green Paper is published in the context of
the INTO 2000 programme. It will invite a
public debate on two main issues: citizens
access to public information and exploitation of
public sector information by private information
content providers in developing value added

services.

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

Commission

adoption

     - •'•'•I Consultation Documents

iil[2|7|J!Jii!i!i! [Green Paper on access to ]
public sector information

**I'iml** **dale** **I** **l/26/Vr..** _**\**_ **:** **I** _**3**_ **I'M,**

**annncxS I aloe**

**Europe's Rolling** **Action Plan for Information Society**

IllMIM^iiiiliiiiii

iiilpil

Green Paper on Work
Organisation

**Green Paper on public**
**procurement "Pistes de**
**reflection pour l'avenir"**

**Kxplanations** **-** **Implications**

The implications for labour markets and
working lives of new forms of work
organisation, including telcwork, enabled bv the
adoption of ICTs, and the roles of public
administrations and social partners in raising
knowledge and awareness are being addressed.

The Green Paper is intended to provide a
framework for a wide-ranging debate on a
number of issues central to the Community's
present and future public procurement policy.
One of the issues addressed is electronic

procurement and the key role of electronic
tendering in further enhancing transparency
and access to public procurement.

**DniM'.ti Mai**

**l'mccss**

Commission

adoption

**Commission**

**adoption**

97

**97**

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Communication on

Information Society and
Developing Countries

**International Conference**

**for a** "Common

understanding on means and
conditions governing the use
of global information
networks"

**International Conference**

at G7 level on

standardisation aspects of
information society

**International Conference**

on the 3rd annual

information society Forum
with CEECs

**International Conference**

**with** Latin American

countries on IS

**Round** **Table** on

information society with
Russia

The Communication is a follow-up to the ISAD
Conference. It will focus on the redefinition and

the re-oricntation of previous policies to give a
higher priority in development policies to
telecommunications infrastructures and

applications.

This is an initiative proposed by the German
Government at the IS Council of Oct-96. It is

intended to address the issue of the distribution

of material adversely effecting public order and
morality over electronic networks.

The Conference is market focused and aims to

facilitate the timely and coherent development
of the Global Information Society (GIS) by
identifying and promoting the resolution of
outstanding standardisation issues.

Support will be given to the organisation of a
Round Table with Russia on information

society. The round table should target
govcrment representatives, associations,
industrv and research bodies.

_**IS**_

1997

1 Q97

9-97

10-97

4Q97

97

To be adopted by the
Commission

International

Conference

International

Conference

International

Conference

International

Conference

International

Conference

**I'nnl** **date:** **1** **I** **/2o/VY,.** _**}:**_ **H** **I'M.**

**mniicxX I .doc**

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan for Information Society**

**Spi-cilic Measures** **Decision Makins**

**J'|1»Cl\S.S**

**C'aUmltr** **J** **A|ilanaii(ins** **-** **Implications**

**B.** **PENDING AND ON-GOING ACTIONS**

**B.l.** **IMPROVING THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT**

These guidelines cover the objectives, priorities
and broad lines of measures envisaged for the
development of trans-European
telecommunications networks, with special
focus on generic services and applications.
Priorities will be on projects of societal interest
which have reached a high degree of maturity
and are economically viable.

Financial support mechanism (Council decision
of 22-7-93 93/424/EEC) intended to overcome a
market failure: broadcasters would not transmit

in the wide-screen format without wide-screen

TV sets being available on the market and
manufacturers would not mass market wide
screen TVs without broadcasting. It targets
broadcasters' and programme producers' extra
cost in order to overcome this problem. Its
indicative targets arc a critical mass of services
supported with an increasing volume of wide
screen programmes. (The 16:9 screen format is
the only globally-agreed parameter for the
future of TV, including HDTV).

The proposed decision provides for a coordinated approach to the awarding of
frequencies and the licensing at a national level
of the new satellite based personal
communications systems in Europe.

Within the package of reform measures for
1998. there is general support for a common
framework for interconnection between the

traditional operators and new entrants. This
framework will assist the achievement of

universal service. It will create a stable

regulatory framework for interconnection which
is essential in the future competitive
environment.

_**/c**_

May-95

21-3-96

9-96

4th Q 96

7-961-97

8-11-95

28-9-96

3-97

19-7-95

18-6-96

1-97

BMtlfJttBffli Decision for guidelines
H H H covering trans-European
S S ^ H B Telecom Networks (TENM B M B I Telecom)

BjjÏÏQHfl Decision on the allocation of
ggflBflj wide-screen broadcast
mBHHil funding for the introduction
H B H H H of advance TV services in
|§l§§flfl§§§B Europe

ijjjjjjiil Decision on an action at the
HJjjffllBflB EU level in Lire field of
B j H B H satellite personal
BBHHB communication services in

H H H the EU

K o J H I Directive on
flflf§flflfll||H interconnection in the
1 illfllill context of ONP and

1 BJHHI universal service

I'ayc 10
I'nnl dale: 1 |/2f>/Vf>. 3:13 I'M.
annnevX i iloc

Commission adoption

Common Position

Conciliation

procedure launched

EP and Council

adoption

Commission adoption
COM (96) 346

Call for proposal:
1/96

Call for proposal

Commission adoption
COM (95) 529

Political agreement
on Common Position

Council and EP

adoption

Commission

adoption
COM(96) 121

Common Position

Council and EP

adoption

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan for Information Society**

Specific Measures I.\pl mations . Implications

The Directive revises and replaces the existing
Directive 95/62/EC on the application of (ONP)
to voice telephony.
It describes the scope of the universal service for
telecommunications which must be available to

all users in the EU and requires Member States
to ensure that this service is affordable, taking
into account national situations.

The Directive also sets out harmonised

conditions for the provision of fixed public
telephone networks and publicly available
telephone services in the EU.

As required by Council Resolution 93/C213/01
the Commission tabled measures by 1 Jan. 1996
to implement the regulatory framework for a
competitive environment in 1998. The
adaptation of ONP to this new environment is a
central clement.

This directive replaces the two proposals that
the Commission submitted in 1'992 and 1993 on

the mutual recognition of licences and the other
authorisations for telecom services and satellite

communications services that the Council

examined under the German Presidency in
1994.

The new proposal, based on Article 100a. lays
down common rules to apply as regards the
procedure and conditions for the grant of
general authorisations and individual licences
for telecom services.

The document proposes an internal market
mechanism which would ensure that any new
national proposals for regulation of new services
would be transparent and coherent with existing
internal market principles.

#### **_n_**

11-9-96

12-96

14-11-96

12-9-96 .

3-97

14/11/95

28-9-96

3-97

24-7-96

97

^ ^ ^ H Directive on the application
^ ^ ^ H of open network provision
^ ^ ^ H (ONP) to voice telephony
^ ^ ^ H and on universal service for

^ ^ ^ H telecommunications in a

^ ^ ^ H competitive environment.

R ^ ^ H Directive updating the open
^ ^ ^ f l network provision (ONP)
^ ^ | f l and leased lines directives

1I9HB Directive on licensing of
^ ^ ^ 9 telecommunication services

fJtâ^H Directive on a regulatory
n § § 9 transparency mechanism

Commission

adoption
COM(96)419

Council and EP

adoption

Commission

adoption
COM (96) 419
Common Position

Council and EP

adoption

Commission

adoption

Political agreement
on Common Position

Council and EP

adoption

Commission

adoption
COM(96) 392

Council and EP

adoption

1';.!>• I 1
h ml dale: I 1/26/';:

unnncxX I .doc

3:13 I'M,

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan for Information Society**

Spécifie Measure.' Calender - Implications

**B.2.** **INVESTING IN THE FUTURE**

**Decision** on **a** specific **RTD**
**programme in Information**
Technologies (ESPRIT)

**Decision** on **a** specific RTD
programme on Advanced
Communications,
Technologies and Services
(ACTS)

**Decision** on a specific RTD
programme on Telematics
Applications

Council adoption
O.J.:

Further Calls

Council adoption
O.J.:

Further Calls

Council adoption

O.J.:

Further Calls

11-94

96-98

7-94

96-98

11-94

96-98

Focused calls for proposals were held on 15Dec-94, 15-Mar, 15-Jun. 15-Septand 15-Dcc95. At least two calls in 1996. The programme
contributes to providing technologies, standards
and best practices for information society. A
special initiative to promote electronic
commerce has been launched.

The ACTS programme has been implemented
through two major calls for proposals in 1994
and 1995 and a complementary call in 1996. It
now involves about 1000 organisations in 158
co-operative technology development projects
and over 300 trials on National Host

infrastructures. All major European industrial
interests arc involved, and organisations from
over 38 different countries participate.

The first call for proposals closed on 15-3-95
and a second call on 15-6-95 and a third call

closed on 15-1-96. A further call is to be

launched on 15-12-96. The implications for the
deployment of services and possible actions arc
being assessed in areas such as healthcare,
public administrations, education and training,
libraries and related areas, transport, urban and
rural development, research networks, disabled
and elderly people.

**Decision** on a specific RTD Council adoption 15-12-94 The first call for proposals closed on 15-3-95
programme in the field of 94/914/EC and a second call on 15-3-96. A third call will
transport be launched on 17-12-96 with a closing date of

O.J.:L361 31-12-94 the 17-3-97.

The programme contributes to integrating into
the transport system a number of technologies

Further Calls 96- 97 linked to the information society notably

telematics tools. The programme will also
assess the potential policy impact of the use of
such technologies.

Decision on a specific RTD Council adoption 12-94 Research into the socio-economic aspects of the
programme on targeted information society arc a major theme of the
socio-economic research programme. The first call took place in 1995
(TSER) and the second in 10-96.

**Decision** on a specific RTD
programme in the field of

transport

Council adoption
94/914/EC

15-12-94

O.J.:L361

31-12-94

Further Calls

96- 97

Council adoption 12-94

Further Calls 96- 97

Research into the socio-economic aspects of the
information society arc a major theme of the
programme. The first call took place in 1995
and the second in 10-96.

Current projects include socio-economic
analyses of user-producer interaction,
application in the services sector, and learning
applications. The second call includes pathways
to a European I.S., quality of working,
domestic, social and political life: and effectue
introduction of ICT into education and Irainmu.

**l';ii;c.** **12**

**Print** **dale:** **1** _**\/2(<,V(<.**_ **3 : H** **I'M.**

.mniKwX 1 doc

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan for Information Society**

**Sprvific Measures** **Dicisimi** **M;ikin<**

**PlIK'i'S.V**

**C'iiliink'i-** **l** **[r]** **A()l.iii.ili(tns** **- Implications**

**B.3.** **PEOPLE AT THE CENTRE**

96

97-99

3-6-95

95

20-1-95

6-11-95

96-97

9-96

5-97

7-96

1st Q 97

H Decision on the ADAPT
H BIS Community Initiative
H under the Structural Funds

» | **Decision** on the SIMAP
ra (Système d'Information pour
**IH** les Marchés Publics)

**lffi3j?3lfllll** **Decision on IDA**
**^^^^^H** **Programme:** Telematic
**H|f|t|H|Httiftt|IW|iW** interchange of data between

p j n ^ ^ m **Directive** concerning the
**Bltfl|]Mltft«** processing of personal data
**WIWWHtWWHtiB** and the protection of privacy
IPlSlllffllH [ m t n c] telecommunications
**|tttftti|tttt|ft|i[f|f8** sector, in particular in the
**flgiiiliEiffl** Integrated Services Digital

^ H ^ ^ ^ Networks (ISDN) and in the
**BflllJIPftWi** public digital mobile

**[!|{§W{|{Pffl** networks
**flolflflfffll Directive** amending the

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ m " television without

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ M Frontiers" Directive

1'iiitl dalo 1 |/26/'X., 3:13 I'M.

.innnoxX I d>v

Commission

adoption

Launching of projects

Commission

adoption
COM(95) 107

OJ: C 138

Project launch

Council adoption

Council adoption
95/468/EC

Further Calls

Common position

EP and Council

adoption

Common position
SEC 96/1292

Adoption by EP and

Council and EP

adoption

The ADAPT-BIS (building information society)
Community Initiative will reinforce the support
currently given to facilitating the adaptation of
workers to the'information society and the
creation of new jobs, in particular SMEs, and to
evaluating and promoting innovations in work
organisation.

The first SIMAP projects were launched in July
1994 and entered their pilot phase in November
1995, with the participation of all Member
States as well as Norway, Switzerland and
Iceland. SIMAP aims to prepare the way for the
introduction of electronic tendering procedures
for public procurement. Electronic tendering,
will be further addressed in the forthcoming
Green Paper on Public Procurement.

Over 25 trans-European telematics projects arc
being implemented. IDA users (EC and
agencies, other European institutions, Member
States administrations ) will gradually migrate
to the use of common telematic services which

will be provided through TESTA (TransEuropean Services for Telematics between
Administrations), which is expected to be in
operation towards the end of 1997.

Following the adoption of the general directive
(see 1.3) progress is being made on this
measure, which provides a specific set of
safeguards, based on the general directive, but
adapted to the telecommunications sector. It is
central to maintaining public confidence in the
emergence of. in particular, personal
communications in the information society

Regulatory framework for transnational
movement of television broadcasting services.

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan for Information Society**

**Spmtk Mt'iisuics** **Diiision** **M.ikins** ***** **CnU-niliT**

**1'lltCCSS** **:-"'**

**High Level** **Expert** **Group**
**on the Social and Societal**

**Aspects of** **the** **information**
**socictv**

Commission

Decision

First interim report

Final report

**l.\pi;in;itioiis** **-** **Implications**

The **Group** published its First Reflections report
"Building the European information society for
us all", **in** January 1996. This **report** focuses on
the following themes: employment, work
organisation, the future of work, labour
markets, social cohesion, regional cohesion,
education and training, health, culture, media
and democracy.

The Forum has 128 members from five main

fields of activity: users of the new technologies,
social groups, content and service providers,
network operators and institutions.
The Forum has published its first annual
entitled "Netwoik for people and their
communities. Making the most of the
information society in the EU". This report
focuses on the following issues: the cultural
dimension, the future of the media, sustainable
development, social and democratic values,
employment, education, training and learning.

IRISI attempted to demonstrate a methodology
based on subsidiarity and a bottom-up approach
for creating awareness among the general
public and decision makers. The six
participating [North West of England(UK),
Nord Pas-dc-Calais(F), Valcncia(E). Central
Macedonia (GR) and Picmonte(I)] had to
outline a strategy on the information society by
analysing the base-line situation and assessing
the opportunities for building the information
society, through a concerted effort bringing
together all the relevant regional actors.The
innovative nature of the IRISI approach rests on
the institutional mechanism by which strategy
lias been developed, i.e. a partnership between
all key players in a region.The success of the
IRISI initiatives has convinced the Commission

to continue in that direction with a new

generation of innovative actions under Art. 10 of
the ERDF and Art.6 of the ESF. The general
approach aims at enabling and facilitating
learning processes within a given region and
between regions. The initiative has meant that
nearly 25% of all eligible regions under the
structural funds arc currently engaged in this
process of strategy building and of us
translation into an action plan.

**Information Society Forum** Commission

Decision

(SEC (95) 287/7)

First annual report

Second annual report

21-2-95

1-96

12-96

21-2-95

26-6-96

97

11-94

94->

3-97

4Q96

**Inter-Regional**
**Information Society**
**Initiative (IRISI)**
a) initial 6 regions
b) further regional strategies
c) inter-regional projects

**Regional information**
**society initiative** **(RISI)**

         - RISI strategy building
(23 regions)

        - RISI 2-pilot
applications

**!';** **U** **;c** **14**

Print date: I 1/26/96, _3 A3_ I'M,

aimnoxX 1 .doc

Memorandum of

Understanding

(MoU)

Development of
regional strategics

Launching of projects

Duration : 2 years

Duration. 3 vcars

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan** **for** **Information Society**

**Specific Miasmes** **Dtiisiitn** **Making** **(alindor**
**PlIKfSS**

**ilanatitms - Implications**

```
B.4. MEETING THE GLOBAL CHALLENGE

```

**Multilateral** **Negotiations**
on basic telecommunications

services **in the** context of the

**World** Trade Organisation
(WTO)

and its Member

States. Coordination

in the 113 Committee

Commission

negotiates on behalf

**Multilateral** **Negotiations** Commission 15-2-97 The establishment of ground rules will be
on basic telecommunications negotiates on behalf followed by the exchange of commitments
services **in the** context of the of the Community opening and securing access to export markets
**World** Trade Organisation and its Member for EU industries. For the Union, these shall be
(WTO) States. Coordination based upon the internal liberalisation process.

in the 113 Committee The aim is to reach a conclusion by 15 February

1997

**Negotiations** and Commission 12-96 The envisaged treaties aim at setting minimum
**Diplomatic** **Conference** of negotiates on behalf standards of protection for works and other
WIPO on the possible of the Community subject matter in the information society at
conclusion of three and its Member international level. In view of the Community
international treaties (Treaty States with respect to competence for copyiight and related rights, the
on certain questions matters of its approval of the treaties by the European
concerning the protection of competence Community, besides the Member States is
literary and artistic works; crucial.
Treaty on the protection of
the rights of performers and
producers of phonograms;
Treaty on intellectual
property with respect to
databases)

of the Community

Commission

negotiates on behalf

of the Community

and its Member

States with respect to

12-96 The envisaged treaties aim at setting minimum
standards of protection for works and other
subject matter in the information society at
international level. In view of the Community
competence for copyiight and related rights, the
approval of the treaties by the European
Community, besides the Member States is
crucial.

matters of its

competence

96-97 The cornerstone of the agreement is the
elimination of tariffs for information technology
products between, at minimum, a critical mass
of major IT producing countries.

**Negotiations** **on**
**Information** Technology'
**Agreements:**
Recommendations on duty
reductions for information

technology products

**Decision** on a specific
programme on international
RTD cooperation (INCO) of
the 4th Framework

Programme for RTD

**p..,-,,-** **i.s**

**Pi** **ml** **J.He** **I I** _**2(,•')(>.**_ _**3:13**_ **I'M.**

**. i n n i K \ X 1 i W**

Commission

negotiates on behalf

on the Community

and its Member  

States.

Coordination in the

Article 113

Committee

Council adoption

Council adoption

Further calls 96-98

R&D projects have already been launched with
third countries the process of execution in the
field of communication technologies and
Telematics applications.
Further calls will address information networks

for SMEs and research centres, telcworking,
telematics applications for health and education,
language engineering and the creation of a
network of Innovation Relay Centres.

**2** **/'**

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan for Information** **Society**

**Spwiik Measures** **Diiisiitii Making**
**l'lmcs.v**

**C'aUnUcr** **Explanation*** **- Implications**

As a result of the G7 conference in Brussels in

Fcb-95, 11 projects have been launched: Global
Inventory Project, Global Interoperability of
Broadband Networks, Cross-cultural education
and training, Bibliotheca Universalis,
Multimedia access to world cultural heritage.
Environment and natural resources

management, Global emergency management
information network initiative, Global
healthcare applications, Government On-line.
Global marketplace for SMEs, Maritime
information Systems.

In June 1995, the first Forum on the
Information Society was held with the countries
of Central and Eastern Europe. A follow-up
meeting of the Forum took place in September
1996 in order to develop a workplan. Four
thematic panels were set up in order to prepare
the next meeting of the Forum: strategy and
policy for I.S., implementation of the Action
Plan, education and training, application of ICT
in public administrations.

An Action Plan has been drawn up outlining a
number of future actions.

The conference focused on the cognitive
dimension of the IS and the regulatory basis for
its development. Workshops were held on:
research networks, telecommunications
regulatory aspects and for educational
dimension. These actions were launched as a

follow-up of the Ministerial Euro-McdConfcrcncc in Barcelona.

Following the conference, a follow-up Action
Plan is being prepared which will incorporate
three types of measures: dialogue measures
(workshops), training programmes and regional
pilot and R&D projects.

_**i**_ _**y**_

2-95

12/13-9-96

97

30/31
5-96

97

Launched at the G7

Ministerial

Conference in

Brussels in February

1995.

E 

i'ai'0 l(>

1 G7-Pilot Projects

**Information society Forum**
with Central and Eastern

Europe (Prague)

**Follow up actions** on
information society in the
CEECs

**International Conference**

on 'the creation of the Euro
1 K/fcrtitprranr>an infinrmntinn

1 socictv" (Rome)

I Follow up of Euro1 Mediterranean Conference

' n u l d a l o 1 I _2(>_ _<>(,,_ M _3_ I ' M .

in1111cxX I .(liK

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan for Information Society**

**Specific Measures** **Decision** **Making**
**Process**

**Implementation of**
**Directive** (91/263/EEC,
April 1991) on the
approximation of the laws of
the Member States

concerning telecom terminal
equipment, including the
mutual recognition of their
conformity Mutual
Recognition Agreements
(MRAs)

**FAplanatious** **- Implications**

Art. 10.5 of this Directive states that European
regulator}' bodies shall recognise documentation
issued by third country relevant bodies, when
agreements between the Community and the
third country concerned have been concluded.
A mandate has been given by the Council to the
Commission to negotiate MRAs for the
regulated areas, by which public authorities will
recognise the validity of certificates issued in
the territory of the other country.
Negotiations are currently taking place between
the EU and USA, Canada. New Zealand,
Australia, Switzerland and Japan.
Preliminary meetings have taken place with
Korea. Singapore and Israel in 1995.

C. ACCOMPLISHED ACTIONS

C*l» Improving the business environment

Report on the results of the public consultation
on the Commission's proposal for action

The Communication confirmed the importance
of the ONP principles of open and efficient
access in the liberalised telccoms environment

from 1998. It considered the scope of
application of ONP and launched the debate
prior to the submission of legislation at the end
of 1995.

The Communication will contain a brief

assessment of the consultation procedure around
the Green Paper and set out the Commission's
working programme in the field of copyright
and related rights in the information society in
the framework of the Internal Market.

5-95

11-94

1 1 -96

Commission adoption
COM (95) 158

Commission adoption
COM (94) 513

Commission

adoption

300

301

302

I ' a y e 1 7

Communication on

consultation on

Infrastructure Green Papers

Communication on the

present status and future
approach for open access to
telecommunications

networks and services (Open
Network Provision - ONP)

Communication on the

follow-up to the Green
Paper on copyright and
related rights in the
information society

1'iiiil d a l e : I 1'2<< '.><>. _3:_ _13_ I ' M,

a n n n e x X I iloc

Europe's Rolling Action Plan for Information Society

Specific Measures Decision MuKiiij

P r mes s

#03liÉ|ij **Communication** on
Universal Service in

telecommunications

Commission adoption
COM (96) 73

( alcmler i-Apluratii.-ns - Siiipli

18-3-96 Building on the consensus established around
the infrastructure Green Paper, the Commission
presented a survey of the level and availability
of universal service within the EU. It also drew

together the elements of the 1998 package
relating to universal service to propose a
strengthening of the concept of voice telephony
sen ices, in particular with regard to
affordability and quality of service. It also
examined the impact of universal service on
regional and social cohesion, criteria for its
evolution over time and the relationship
between universal service and the information

socictv.

304 ] Communication on followup to Green Paper on mobile
& personal communications

304 ] Communication on follow- Commission adoption 23-11-94 The Communication reported on the views
up to Green Paper on mobile COM (94) 492 13-6-95 expressed in the Consultation on the Mobile
& personal communications G.P. and proposed concrete measures and a

Council Resolution timetable to act on the consensus which

emerged. On the basis of this, political support
was sought from the Member States.

305 1 **Communication** on the Commission adoption 10-10.-95 The communication highlighted the importance
future development of the of directory services in the general context of
market in directories and COM (95) 43 the information society and described the
other telecom information guidelines and principles which have been set
services in a competitive out for directory services in various directives
environment and other Community acts. Both the EP and the

Commission adoption
COM (94) 492

23-11-94

13-6-95

Council Resolution

Commission adoption

10-10.-95 The communication highlighted the importance
of directory services in the general context of
the information society and described the
guidelines and principles which have been set
out for directory services in various directives
and other Community acts. Both the EP and the
Council reacted positively to the
communication (Presidency conclusions of 21st
March 1996 Telecom Council and EP

resolution of 22nd May 1996).

COM (95) 43

The aim of this Communication is to examine

how. in the light of the characteristics of the
ICT market and the ICT standards process, the
best possible conditions can be created for the
drawing up of standards needed for the
implementation of the Information Society, and
to indicate by what means the Community
intends to promote those aspects for which it
has particular responsibility.
The report was published on the 27th of March
1996.

_**11,**_

30-10-95

24-7-96

9-96

Communication on wider
_**mm**_
use of standardisation to

support EU policy

307:

308

Communication on

"Standardisation and the

global information society:
The European approach"

Communication on the

directive on mutual

recognition of type approval
for terminals

Commission adoption
COM(95)412

Commission adoption
COM(%) 359

Commission adoption
COM(%) I 14

'i ml . l a i c : I _\_ _• 2(<_ '><>. _3 \3_ I ' M .

m n i u - s X I . l o c

**Europe's** **Rolling Action** **Plan** **for Information Society**

Specific Measures Decision Making

**PltlCCSS**

Calender Explanations. Implications

Financial support mechanism to assist
broadcasters and programme producers with
extra costs of introducing wide-screen 16.9
format. The 16.9 screen format is the only
globally agreed parameter for the future of TV,
including HDTV. It embodies cinema/TV
convergence. Publication of a call 96/2 for
broadcasting and programme production
proposals in Oct 96.

The objective is the development of a range of
services and applications based on EUROISDN: A number of projects have been

launched in 1995 and the 1996 call was issued

on 13 April with a closing date of 24th June.

Following political agreement on the full
liberalisation of voice telephony services and
infrastnicture, this measure gives legal form to
the date of the 1st of January 1996 and provides
for possible transitional periods for Greece. |
Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg
subject to Commission approval. The measure
also provides for early liberalisation from 1996 j
of alternative?infrastructures for liberalised j
telccoms services and sets out principles under j
the competition rules for licensing. j
interconnection, universal service, numbering j
and directory' services..

Following political agreement on the early

liberalisation of alternative infrastructure for

sen ices which arc already open to competition,
this measure provides for the use of cable

television networks to deliver such services

from 1996. It also provides for possible
transitional periods for Greece. Ireland.
Portugal. Spain and Luxembourg subject to
Commission approval.

The measure fully opens the market for mobile
communications to competition as foreseen in
the 1994 Mobile Green Paper. It provides for
self-provision of infrastructure or use of third
party infrastnicture and allows from 1998 direct

interconnection between mobile networks. It

requires Member States to consider requests for
licences for DECT systems from 1996 and for
DCS 1SOO digital mobile networks from 1998

Commission adoption

COM (96) 346

2717/95/EC Council

and EP adoption

OJ:

Commission adoption

Directive 96/19

OJ: L 74/13

Commission adoption

Directive 95/51/EC

OJ: L 256/49

Commission adoption

COM (96)

Directive 96/2/EC

OJ: L 20/59

7-96

9-11-95

13-3-96

22-3-96

18-10-95

26-10-%

16-1-96

26-01-96

309

310

311

312

313

Communication for the

introduction of advanced

television services in Europe

**Decision** on guidelines for

TEN-ISDN

**Directive** amending

Commission Directive

90/388/EEC of 23-July-1990
regarding the
implementation of full
competition in

telecommunication markets

**Directive** amending

Commission Directive

90/388/EEC of 23-July-1990
regarding the abolition of

the restrictions on the use of

cable TV networks for the

provision of telecom services

**Directive** amending

Commission Directive

90/388/EEC of 23-July-1990
regarding mobile and
personal communications

**nut** **ii:iic.** **1 1** _**2<>**_ **•** **[,]** **»C.** _**3 \3**_ **I'M.**

**Illlk'VX 1** **i|.** **ic**

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan for Information Society**

**Specific** **Measures** **Decision** **M;ik'm«**

PlllCt'SS

**Calender** **FApI;uKttii>us - Implicit** **ions**

314

315

31(5

317

318

Commission adoption
COM(95) 575

Directive 95/62/EC

Council and EP

Adoption

OJ:L 321/6

Directive 94/46/EC

OJ: L 268/15

Council and EP

adoption

Directive 95/47/EC

O.J.: 23/11/95 No.

L281/5

Directive 96/9/EC

Council and EP

adoption

OJ: L 77/20

Commission

adoption

This directive has been re-submitted at the

urging of EP, following its rejection of the
Council Common Position in July 1994, the
conciliation procedure having failed over the
issue of comitology. The proposal builds on the
agreements reached between the Council and
the EP during the conciliation procedure. The
Directive's three fundamental objectives arc:

- determining the rights of the users of voice
telephony services in their relations with

telecommunications bodies

- improving access for all users, including the
providers of services, to the fixed infrastructure
of public telephone networks (the Directive does
not apply to mobile telephones)

- encouraging the provision of voice telephony
services at Community level (see also A 1.10).

Following Council Resolution 92/C8/01 the
Directive extends the scope of Directives

88/301/EEC and 90/388/EEC to remove

monopolies over satellite equipment and

services

The Directive provides a regulatory framework
for advanced TV (16:9. digital. HDTV)
including standards; and deals with the issue of
conditional access to digital pay television,
following the outcome of an industry-wide
consultation on this topic.

The Directive provides for the harmonisation of
the author's right relating to the structure of
databases and for the creation of a new right
protecting substantial investments made by

makers of databases.

The rapid development of the telecom market
means that reform of the numbering

environment will be inevitable. This reform will

need to be based on an agreement on the
political priorities, stemming both from the
liberalisation trend and from changing
technological trends.

The technical work will follow on from this.

The Green Paper is intended to initiate a broad
consultation with sector players on these

matters.

:

Directive on the application
of ONP (Open Network
Provision) to voice

telephony

**Directive** on satellite
communications:

liberalisation of satellite

services and terminals

**Directive** on the use of TV
standards

**Directive** on legal
protection of databases

**Green Paper** on numbering

27-11-95

13-12-95

30-12-96

13-10-94

19-10-94

24-10-95

11-3-96

27-03-96

11-96

l':.ge 20

I'rmt date: I I'2C. '>(,. .1:1.1 I'M,

;mnne\X 1 doc

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan for Information Society**

**Specific Measures** **Decision Milking**

**I'liicess**

**lalcmlcr** **lApfiiiiati.ins -** **Implications**

319

320

321

322

323

**;';u'.o** **2** **1**

The Green Paper aims to identify, in the light of
the Internal Market principles, the measures
needed to safeguard the legal protection of
encrypted services at an equal level throughout
the Community. It is closely related to IPR
protection, to media policy and to the Directive
on satellite and cable broadcasting of 1993.

The Green Paper establishes the general
principle of the free choice of infrastructure to
deliver services already open to competition. It
proposes immediate limited action and links full
competition to the 1998 date for services
liberalisation.

The Green Paper has launched a consultation on
the issues raised by allowing competition in
infrastnicture for the basic telephone service
and the relevant safeguards. It sets out future
policy on infrastnicture liberalisation and
initiates public debate on the issues.

The Green Paper identifies in detail those issues
in the field of copyright where initiatives may
be needed with respect to the IPRs exploited for
the new electronic services. It is based on the

conclusions of a hearing with inteiestcd circles
in July 1994. The deadline for written
submissions was end October 1995. A hearing
on certain specific questions in relation to
technical systems of identification and
protection and on certain aspects related to the
acquisition and administration of rights took
place in January 1996. The consultation process
was closed in the context of a Conference on

the matter held in Florence in June 1996.

EDI users arc recommended to use a European
model EDI Agreement and Member States arc
recommended to facilitate the use of this model

agreement, which legal provisions aim at
providing a contractual approach to the legal
issues related to the use of EDI.

**:•** **/**

Green Paper on the legal
protection of encrypted
services

**Green Paper** on the
liberalisation of telecom

infrastructure and cable TV

networks: principles &
timetable (Part **I)**

**Green Paper** on the
liberalisation of telecom

infrastructure and cable TV

networks: implementation
measures (Part II)

**Green Paper** on copyright
and related rights in the
information society

Recommendations relating
to the legal aspects of
electronic data interchange
(EDI)

Commission adoption
COM (96) 76

COM (94) 440

Council Resolution

EP Resolution

COM (94) 682

Council Resolution

EP Resolution

May-95

Commission

adoption

COM (95) 382

Commission adoption

6-3-96

17-11-94

4-95

13-6-95

5-95

Jul-95

19-10-94

'nnt d.ilL- I I _'2U.')(i._ _3 \3_ I'M.

iniincvX I ..In.

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan for Information Society**

**Specific** **Measures** **Decision** **Making**

**-** **FiiK'c.s.s**

**Calender** **F,\plan;itiiiiis** **-** **Implications**

_CX_ `INVESTING` `IN THE FUTURE`

This communications proposes a
methodological approach of a general nature
for the implementation of all types of
applications which represent the driving force
of the information society.

The objective of this communication is to
indicate the impact of the information society
on European Union policies, thereby
highlighting future priorities: improving of
the business environment: investing in the
future; putting people at the centre; meeting
the global challenge. The information society
Council of the 8-10-96 welcomed the

intention of the Commission to present a
revised action plan to the Dublin Summit.

Commission

adoption

COM (95) 224

Commission

adoption

COM (96) 395

13-6-95

24-7-96

324

325

Communication on a

methodology for the
implementation of
information society
applications

**Communication** on

Information Society: From
Corfu to Dublin, The new
emerging priorities

```
C.3. PEOPLE AT THE CENTRE

```

326; Communication on

telematics applications for
transport in Europe

**1'age** **22**

**Print** **date:** **1** **l/2(./'>(>.** _**3**_ **I 1** **I'M.**

**.miinexX 1** **do.;**

Commission

adoption
COM (94) 469 •

Resolution EP

Council resolution

95/264/01

4-11-94

6-95

28-9-95

The communication provides the basis for an
action plan for the implementation of Transport
Telematics in Europe. Financial engineering of
public-private partnerships needs closer
attention. The Council Resolution of Sept-95
concentrates on Telematics Applications in
Road Transport, identifies priorities for short
term actions and recommends the setting up of a
High Level group to assist the Commission with
the strategy for deployment.

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan for Information Society**

Specific Measures Decision Making Calender
Process

2-10-96

16-10-96

22-6-95

22-12-95

10-7-95

9-9-96

l,\pl,m.liions        - Implications

Requested by the European Council at Florence
(June 1996), the proposed action plan is aiming
at increasing the synergies among national
initiatives to promote the use of new
technologies in education. The objectives are to
speed up the diffusion of common multimedia
platforms for learning, the development of
quality educational content, the training of
teachers and the exchange of experiences
through setting up a European school network
based on the interconnection of existing school
networks.

A European conference (Dcc-96, Brussels) will
take stock of developments in national schools
networks, as well as needs, experiences and
difficulties encountered.

The Communication refers to the legal and
regulatory challenges posed by content
circulating on the Internet, giving particular
emphasis on the issue of harmful and illegal
content. It proposes options for short term
action to combat or control such content (selfregulation, technical protection means,
improved international co-operation, education
and awareness).

Financial support mechanisms for key sectors of
the programmes industry. The Commission's
proposal has two parts:
MEDIA II - training (1996 - 2000). A
programme for the training of professionals of
the European audiovisual programme industry
MEDIA II - development and distribution
(1996 - 2000). This programme aims to promote
the development and the distribution of
audiovisual works.

Intelligent transport systems (ITS) for traffic
management, positioning and navigation is an
integral part of the Trans European NetworksTransport guidelines. They include the
necessary technical installations and
information and telecommunications systems to
ensure harmonious and efficient traffic

management. All the priorities of the guidelines
such as connections, key links, interconnections,
interoperability, provisions relating to the
environment, the optimisation of capacity and
efficiency, safety apply to ITS and require the
use of ITS for their achievement.

_**21**_

Commission

adoption
COM(96)471

Commission adoption

COM (96) 487

Commission

adoption
COM(95) 263

Council adoption
95/564/EC

Council adoption

95/563/EC

Council and EP

adoption

OJ: L228

327

328

329

330

Communication on

Teaching and learning Towards the learning society

**Communication** on harmful

and illegal content on
Internet

**Decision** on the Media II

Programme

**Decision** on guidelines for
the trans- European
transport network

I'agc 23

I'rinl date: I 1/26/96. _3A3_ I'M.

iiiuncxX 1 .iloc

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan for Information** **Society**

**Specific Measures** **Decision** **Making**
**Pimccss**

**Calender** **Explanations -** **Implications**

**Decision** on INFO 2000
_**ma**_
Programme

**Decision** on a Multi-annual
_**mm**_
programme on
Multiligualism in the
Information Society
Programme (MLIS)

_**im**_ **Directive** on the protection
of individuals with regard to
the processing of personal
data and on the free

movement of such data

334 Green Paper: Living and
working in the Information
Society: People first

335 Green Paper on the
protection of Minors and
Human Dignity in
Audiovisual and

Information Services

P.t^e 21

1'iinl il.tie: I 1/26 '>(>. _3 \.}_ I'M.

umncsX ] .(loo

A multi-annual programme to stimulate the
development of a European multimedia content
industry and to encourage the use of multimedia
content in the emerging information society.

The multiannual programme promotes
multilingnalism in the information society and
has been allocated a budget of 15MECU. It
includes the following action lines:
a. Support for the creation of a framework of
services for European Languages;
b. Encouraging the use of modern language
technologies, resources and standards;
c. Promoting the use of advanced language tools
in the European public sector; d. Accompanying

measures.

The general directive provides for a number of
rights for the data subject and of obligations on
the controller of data processing (fair
processing, quality of data, law- fullness of
processing, notification of certain processing).
The directive is designed to ensure a high level
of protection for individuals and creates a level
playing field for the free circulation of personal
data in the Community. The principles of the
Directive apply to all areas of the Information
Society and will constitute the basis for specific
rules in the telecommunications field

Commission

adoption
COM (95) 149

Council adoption
96/339/EC

Commission

adoption
COM (96) 456

Council adoption

O.J. :

EP and Council

adoption

95/46/EC

OJ: L 281/31

Commission

adoption

COM(96) 389

Commission adoption

COM (96)483

30-6-95

20-5-96

2-10-96

8-10-96

24-10-95

23-11-95

24.7.96 The Green Paper forms the basis for a wide
discussion _on_ social, economic and
technological challenges in the context of
employment and economic structure, future of
work, labour market and learning and living in
the Information Society.

A consultative process was officially launched
in a Colloquium held in Dublin and organised
together with the Irish Presidency. Contributions
and reactions to the Green Paper will be invited
from the widest possible audience until the end
of 1996.

ICA10-96 The Green Paper will initiate a medium to long
term reflection on the issue of the protection _ol~_
minors and human dignity in audiovisual and
information services.

**Europe's** **Rolling Action Plan for Information Society**

**Specific Measures** **Decision Making** **Calender**
**Process**

**Explanation*** **- Implications**

29-11-95 This White Paper is part of a process designed
simultaneously to provide an analysis and to put
forward guidelines for action in the fields of
education and training. After describing what is
at stake and analysing the changes which need
to be considered, while respecting the principle
of subsidiarity, the White Paper suggests five
general objectives for action setting out for each
of them one or more support projects at
Community level.

336 White Paper on "Teaching
and learning - Towards the
learning society"

Commission

adoption
COM(95) 590

CA MEETING THE GLOBAL CHALLENGE

A meeting of relevant G7 ministers took place
in Brussels on Feb 25-26 1995. The meeting
emphasised the necessity to encourage the
development of a world-wide information
society. Eleven pilot projects were identified for
international cooperation. The'implemcntation
of the G7 conclusions across the different EC

policies related to Information Society is under
way. A progress report on the pilot project was
presented at the Halifax G7 meeting in June

South African Vice President Mbcki. proposed
at the occasion of the G7 Conference in

Brussels an Information Society Conference
with the developing countries hosted by South
Africa. The conference took place in May with
the participation of many developing countries.
Contacts have been established with the

Egyptian government for the preparation of a
follow-up meeting.

_**31**_

2-95

13/15-5-96

337

338

International Conference

at G7 ministerial level on

information society
(Brussels)

**International Conference**

on information society and
development (ISAD) in
South Africa

I'.i^e _2 S_

I'rint date. I |/2(."X-, .1:13 I'M.

IIUIDCNK I d o c

ISSN 0254-1475

###### COM(96) 607 final

# DOCUMENTS

EN 16 15

Catalogue number : CB-CO-96-636-EN-C

ISBN 92-78-12954-2

Office for Official Publications of the European Communities

L-2985 Luxembourg