Common framework agreed for electronic signatures
An EU Directive on a common framework for electronic signatures has been unanimously approved by the Council of Ministers, and will shortly be adopted into Community law. The Directive, which passed its second reading in the European Parliament on 27 October 1999 (see RCN 13845), is intended to remove one of the last remaining obstacles to cross-border electronic commerce, by providing legal recognition for electronic signatures and certification services. Electronic signatures accompanied by a valid certificate will now have the equivalent legal recognition as hand written signatures, providing certain requirements are met.