Granada Ministerial Declaration Meeting: ICT Sector Highlights Critical Issues

BRUSSELS, April 19, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The European ICT sector calls on European Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes - and other key ministers - at the Informal Meeting of EU Ministers in Granada 18-20 April - to take into account recommendations from the joint industry contribution to the Spanish Presidency Digital Europe Strategy - presented at the January meeting of the Spanish State Secretariat for Telecommunications and Information Society.

Further, DIGITALEUROPE's White Paper, 'A Transformational Agenda for the Digital Age,' - due for launch 4 May - reinforces the priorities for the Digital Agenda, and highlights the digital-technology industry's critical role across all industries.

"ICT is central to our global digital society," says DIGITALEUROPE Director-General Bridget Cosgrave. "Our industry plays a strategic role as a horizontal enabler and is pivotal in Europe's future economic and social prosperity."

"Digital technologies will drive innovation, provide practical solutions to critical global issues such as climate change, and deliver a competitive and prosperous Europe, as we move out of the recession," Cosgrave adds. "We must tackle competition from emerging, technically savvy global players and act decisively to maintain and enhance Europe's competitiveness."

In response to the Declaration Agenda, which identifies the need to "generate a favourable environment for the deployment and use of advanced infrastructures and services" the White Paper states: "Digital Europe's objective must be to establish global leadership in ICT infrastructure by 2015 by delivering close to 100% broadband coverage."

"The winners in the digital world of tomorrow will be those countries, communities and citizens with Internet access everywhere. This will enable them to get connected for creativity, collaboration, and commercial opportunities," Cosgrave explains, adding: "Future Internet is the primary communications infrastructure of the Digital Age. Europe is strongly positioned for digital infrastructure, but we must stay at the leading edge of technology development and implementation to provide 'ubiquitous participation'."

A key focus of the Granada discussions is Online Trust & Security. "A trusted and safe online environment is a prerequisite for the further development of Europe's digital economy and Digital Single Market," confirms DIGITALEUROPE's Executive Board President Erkki Ormala.

"Leveraging Europe's digital strengths into global competitiveness, economic wealth and sustainable jobs requires the creation of a European Digital Single Market where business can be conducted online as easily as through traditional channels," Ormala adds. "Security and safety for all categories of users - private individuals (including children), business and governments, are of paramount importance."

The White Paper also addresses other Granada Agenda Items including, ICT's critical role in developing a sustainable, energy efficient and low-carbon economy in Europe. "Digital Industry takes the view that a global cohesive approach to energy efficiency is a winning strategy for securing competitiveness, jobs and economic prosperity in the future," Cosgrave concludes.

DIGITALEUROPE's Executive Summary is available by request [email protected]

SOURCE Digital Europe