Council hears Commission plans for a European information security agency
The EU Telecom Council has responded positively to a presentation by Commissioner for Enterprise and the Information Society Erkki Liikanen on plans to create a European network and information security agency. Mr Liikanen was addressing the Council in Brussels on 28 March, where he confirmed the Commission's intention to create a working group of Member State experts to prepare for the establishment of such an agency before the end of 2003. Greek Deputy Transport and Communications Minister Manolis Stratakis stressed that the agency was a priority for the Greek Presidency, given that the agency would 'help shape a climate of confidence among citizens and users, and help contribute to the further development of the telecommunications sector in the EU'. During the meeting, EU ministers also adopted the multi-annual programme for the monitoring of the eEurope 2005 Action Plan (MODINIS), and held an exchange of views on the status of electronic communications in Europe, in particular, the regulatory framework, future broadband strategies, and the deployment of third generation mobile services and applications. The Greek Presidency announced plans to organise three major events at which ministers will conduct further discussions. An e-inclusion event will take place from 11 to 12 April in Crete, followed by a meeting in Athens on e-governance on 2 and 3 May, and finally an e-health conference is planned to 22 and 23 May in Brussels. The Member State representatives also discussed preparations for the first phase of the world summit on the information society in Geneva, due to take place at the end of 2003. Commissioner Liikanen underlined the importance of the event, and called on the Heads of State and Government to represent the EU at the summit. After the Council meeting, Mr Stratakis and Mr Liikanen held a joint press conference at which Mr Stratakis said: 'We are striving to accelerate Europe's progress towards the objectives set in Lisbon. Through today's fruitful dialogue, the Member States were given the opportunity to exchange views and experiences on the strategies they are implementing and to coordinate their actions and initiatives [...].'
Countries
Greece