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European Commission VP calls for more connected e-gov't across Europe

Xinhua, April 21, 2015 Adjust font size:

European Commission's (EC) Andrus Ansip, vice-president for the digital single market, here on Monday called for more integrated e-government across Europe.

"A more joined up e-government across Europe is a necessity, not something nice to have," Ansip said while addressing an e-government conference.

E-government is not only about cutting costs, red tape and delays in service delivery, Ansip said.

Open and digital governments can help to rebuild people's trust in public administrations, especially if their lives are made easier, he said.

All partners, government, and businesses should promote e-government as a number one priority, Ansip said.

"One important aspect is to avoid creating new technological 'borders' that hold back cross-border e-government in the EU," he said.

Very soon, the EC will present a strategy to build a digital single market (DSM) for Europe, Ansip said.

"Today, we do not yet have a true DSM," he said.

"Europe's citizens and businesses face too many barriers when they want to go online across Europe," he added.

According to Ansip, the DSM strategy that is to be presented on May 6, is a long-term vision for "how Europe should tackle the very real and practical problems that are holding us back from the ultimate objective: to build a true digital space that anyone and everyone can access without restrictions."

His aim was to make sure that Europe - its citizens and businesses - get the best of the online world in the safest and most open environment possible.

"Openness and opportunity: not obstacles," he said.

Europeans want more choice and competitive prices that the world's largest marketplace should be able to provide, he added.

During his two-day visit to Sofia, Ansip will also speak on Tuesday at the opening of the WebIT Congress for Central and Eastern Europe, the largest gathering of internet technology companies and entrepreneurs in the region. Endit