1. Corfu, 10 December 2003 Public sector information: a key resource for Europe Yvo Volman European Commission

2. For citizens: Bringing citizens closer to administrations Important in the democratic process For business: Essential to make business strategies Crucial for taking advantage of the internal market rights Source for new information products (aggregation) Importance of PSI

3.  PSI is prime content resource  Barriers at European level  Disadvantages vis-à-vis US  Some countries move ahead, others do not What is at stake?

4. The barriers Lack of clear rules and policies Mindset public sector bodies Unfair competition Lack of transparency High charges Difficulties to make European products

5. Green Paper published 20 January 1999 Discussions with stakeholders Information industries strongly advocate a Directive on exploitation

6. The October 2001 Communication Part of eEurope 2002 package Coherent strategy Directive announced Can we find a European way?

7. The Proposal for a Directive Minimum harmonisation to facilitate cross-border use Transparency of conditions Avoid abuse of market power Non-discrimination Clear procedures Proposal adopted on 5 June 2002 after online consultation

8. Some issues Market legislation, not freedom of information legislation Intellectual property rights of public sector bodies Charges Practical burden on administrations

9. The Process Co-decision procedure Parliament vote in first reading: 12 February 2003 – marginal costs as a principle? Council Common Position: 26 May 2003 – internal discussions in all MS

10. Adoption and signature Parliament vote in second reading 25 September 2003. It adds: – practical tools facilitating re-use – obligation for PSBs to provide calculation base for charges – transparency of means of redress Signature and publication 18 months for transposition after publication OJ

11. The Results Transparency, fair competition, downward effect on charges First time legislation in some EU- countries Speed up developments in others Review clause Recitals go beyond legal obligations Change of culture in public sector

12. Conclusion Healthy cross-border content market important for information society Public sector information is substantial component of this market Barriers prevent full impact on economic activity and employment Directive will create minimum of legal security and will stimulate investment