The European Commission has published a proposal for a new economic strategy in Europe titled: EUROPE 2020: A European strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The press release IP/10/225 titled: Europe 2020: Commission proposes new economic strategy in Europe, states:
In order to meet the targets, the Commission proposes a Europe 2020 agenda consisting of a series of flagship initiatives. Implementing these initiatives is a shared priority, and action will be required at all levels: EU-level organisations, Member States, local and regional authorities.
One of the flagship initiatives detailed in the strategy is titled: A Digital Agenda for Europe and states: (reference pages 11 & 12)
The aim is to deliver sustainable economic and social benefits from a Digital Single Market based on fast and ultra fast internet and interoperable applications, with broadband access for all by 2013, access for all to much higher internet speeds (30 Mbps or above) by 2020, and 50% or more of European households subscribing to internet connections above 100 Mbps.
At EU level, the Commission will work:
- To provide a stable legal framework that stimulate investments in an open and competitive high speed internet infrastructure and in related services;
- To develop an efficient spectrum policy;
- To facilitate the use of the EU’s structural funds in pursuit of this agenda;
- To create a true single market for online content and services (i.e. borderless and safe EU web services and digital content markets, with high levels of trust and confidence, a balanced regulatory framework with clear rights regimes, the fostering of multi-territorial licences, adequate protection and remuneration for rights holders and active support for the digitisation of Europe’s rich cultural heritage, and to shape the global governance of the internet;
- To reform the research and innovation funds and increase support in the field of ICTs so as to reinforce Europe’s technology strength in key strategic fields and create the conditions for high growth SMEs to lead emerging markets and to stimulate ICT innovation across all business sectors;
- To promote internet access and take-up by all European citizens, especially through actions in support of digital literacy and accessibility.
At national level, Member States will need:
- To draw up operational high speed internet strategies, and target public funding, including structural funds, on areas not fully served by private investments;
- To establish a legal framework for co-ordinating public works to reduce costs of network rollout;
- To promote deployment and usage of modern accessible online services (e.g. e-government, online health, smart home, digital skills, security).
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