New policy priorities for the Information Society
The Council of Ministers of the European Union has published the text of its resolution on new policy priorities regarding the Information Society. The Council recognizes the major achievements already made in implementing the Action Plan "Europe's way to the Information Society", launched in 1994. In particular, progress has been made in the liberalization of the telecommunications market and successful implementation of research programmes in the area of information and communications tools. In view of the challenges posed by global competition, and the employment opportunities created by the development of Information Society tools, the Council stresses the need to continue to develop the Information Society in Europe. There must be sufficient education and training to ensure that citizens are able to take advantage of the opportunities opened up. Calling for speedy take-up of information and communications technologies, the Council nevertheless recognizes that this must not be at the expense of people's fundamental rights and freedoms. The Council calls on the Commission and the Member States to encourage the use and development of Information Society tools and technologies, including within their own administrations. Equally the Council calls on industry to take on board new technologies and participate in their development. At Community level, the Council calls for appropriate measures to be taken for the development of the Information Society, and welcomes the Commission's updated Information Society Action Plan, presented in late 1996.