Multiannual programme for the Information Society
The Commission has put forward a proposal for a multiannual programme for the establishment of the Information Society in Europe. The proposed programme would run from 1997 to the end of 2001 with a budget of ECU 45 million. The aims of the Information Society programme, intended to complete existing Community instruments (e.g. research and development programmes, trans-European networks, standardization policy and training and education actions) will be: - To increase public awareness of the potential impact of the Information Society and its new applications; - To determine users needs, in particular those of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and of disadvantaged groups such as disabled, unemployed and elderly people; - To analyse current initiatives at national and Community level (for this purpose, a permanent inventory of all international, national and European projects, programmes and measures is to be drawn up). The programme is also intended to promote demonstration projects, identify barriers to the proper functioning of the single market in the Information Society and take account of the global dimension. Plans include an exchange of information with third countries, in particular developing countries, and demonstration projects with third countries and international organizations. Adopted on a proposal from Dr. Martin Bangemann, Commissioner responsible for the Information Society, the programme is based on Article 235 of the EU Treaty. Its final adoption requires a unanimous decision by the Council after consultation of the European Parliament.