eGovernment services progressing fast in new Member States, finds survey
The Commission's fifth annual survey of online government services in Europe has revealed that availability in the EU's new Member States is currently at the same level as it was in the EU 15 countries two years ago. Furthermore, the survey found that over 90 per cent of public service providers now have an online presence and that 40 per cent of basic public services are fully interactive. Reacting to the findings, Information Society and Media Commissioner Viviane Reding said: 'This study points to impressive progress in developing and delivering public services online across the EU. The service delivery gap between the new Member States and the pre-enlargement EU 15 is lower than many expected and could close very quickly.' The survey, carried out by consultants Capgemini, looked at 14,000 websites in 28 countries - the EU 25 plus Norway, Iceland and Switzerland. It defined an 'index of sophistication' for services, ranging from simple online information to fully interactive services. According to the index, Sweden is the most advanced country in terms of online services, with Austria a close second. Those countries that have made the most progress over the last year are Iceland, Germany, Italy, the UK and Belgium. The ten new Member States are still largely found in the lower half of the index, with the exception of Estonia, but all appear to be progressing fast. According to the Commission, further progress in the future will require greater connection between civil services' front and back offices, increased collaboration, and cultural and procedural change. 'The challenge now is to ensure that online government services are used as widely as possible, so as to deliver the maximum possible efficiency gains for business and citizens,' reads a Commission statement. Commissioner Reding concluded: 'e-Government services can make administrative formalities easier and more pleasant for everyone. Encouraging business and citizens to use them as widely and intensively as possible will boost the efficiency and hence productivity and competitiveness throughout the economy.'