Parliament urges Commission to give Internet development proper focus
The European Parliament passed a resolution on 3 May giving the European Commission specific instructions on the integration and focus to be given to the next generation Internet in the European Union's Sixth Framework programme. Reinforcing the point that the EU needs to have a global role in the next stage of development, MEPs highlighted that development is needed for both a future research strategy and to achieve the goal set at Lisbon of achieving a competitive, dynamic and knowledge-based economy. Specific features which need to be developed include availability of low cost and expanded high bandwidth infrastructure, better quality Internet delivery, more remote device connections and a higher number of wireless communications. Specific themes highlighted by the MEPs which need further attention include Internet security, health considerations and use of mobile phones as both forms of identification and sources of 'electronic money'.