"E-government in the EU25 - Around half of individuals and enterprises who used the internet sought administrative information in 2004"

The Press Room of the European Commission has just stated that "In the EU25, 45% of individuals aged from 16 to 74 who used the internet obtained information from public authorities' websites during the first quarter of 2004. At the beginning of 2004, 51% of enterprises with internet access obtained information from public authorities’ websites.
This information comes from a report released by Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities. This report presents the results of surveys on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for interaction with governmental bodies (e-Government) in the EU25 Member States, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Norway and Iceland. The report also includes an analysis of the availability of public services on-line.
e-Government is one of the main goals of the 'eEurope 2005 Action Plan - an information society for all', an initiative taken by the Heads of State in pursuing the Lisbon Strategy, which aims at making the European Union the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based society. Increasingly, public bodies are creating websites for enterprises and citizens that enable an easier, cheaper and more efficient handling of procedures and supply of services."

This press release is available in full text.

"Music copyright: Commission recommendation on management of online rights in musical works"

According to the Press Room of the European Commission, "The European Commission today adopted a recommendation on the management of online rights in musical works. The recommendation puts forward measures for improving the EU-wide licensing of copyright for online services. Improvements are necessary because new Internet-based services such as webcasting or on on-demand music downloads need a license that covers their activities throughout the EU. The absence of EU-wide copyright licenses has been one factor that has made it difficult for new Internet-based music services to develop their full potential."

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The European Commission published also a Document on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on copyright clearance for online music services.

Viviane Reading, one more time: "Multi-Media World: the need for a 'Light Touch'"

This time, the Press Room of the European Commission has published the Speech "Multi-Media World: the need for a 'Light Touch'" delivered today by Viviane Reding, Member of the European Commission responsible for the Information Society and Media, at the 36th IIC Annual Conference "Thousands to Millions – The New Diversity in Broadcasting and Telecommunications", Chatham House, London.

"Commission steps up personal data safeguards – to strengthen police and judicial co-operation in the fight against terrorism and organised crime"

According to the Press Room of the European Commission, "Faced with organised crime and terrorism which are increasingly operating across borders, the European Commission has today presented new proposals to reinforce the protection of personal data and allow for a more effective exchange of information between national law enforcement agencies. Today’s proposal for a framework decision on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters - together with a recent proposal on the retention of data by communication providers -reflect the Commission’s overall approach of strengthening international co-operation to ensure security and protection for citizens while at the same time safeguarding fundamental freedoms, particularly the right to privacy and data protection."

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The Proposal for a Council Framework Decision on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matter is also available, here.