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Europe

The objectives of the e-Europe initiative are:

  • to bring every citizen, home and school, every business and every administration into the digital age and online
  • to create a digitally literate Europe, supported by an entrepreneurial culture ready to finance and develop new ideas
  • to ensure that the whole process is socially inclusive, builds consumer trust and strengthens social cohesion.

Examples of initiatives are:

  • Government online - citizens have two-way electronic access to basic interactions enabling them both to receive information and submit returns
  • Bringing European youth into the digital age with all pupils digitally literate by the time they leave school
  • Faster internet access for researchers and students
  • Smart cards for secure electronic access to health services, electronic payment, mobile Internet, public transport, pay TV, etc.
  • E-participation for the disabled - design and content of all public websites accessible to people with disabilities.
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    Finland

    Finland has traditionally been at the forefront in providing a legal basis for public access to information. The 1999 Act on the Openness of Government Activities has ensured greater public access to documents. The goal of this legislation was to "increase the openness of government activities, to enhance the implementation of the openness principle relating to these activities, to improve the possibilities to participate in the public debate and to influence the management of common issues". The Finns have developed electronic methods of collecting and providing information by integrating traditional methods of information management. The aim is to increase the possibility of citizens' participation in public debate and to enable their influence in the management of common issues. [OECD e-Government Studies, Finland, 2003]

    An example is:

    The Finnish Youth Corporation Allianssi and the Ministry of Education have created a web site (www.valtikka.net) which is a discussion and information forum for social issues. This project aims to increase young people's involvement in civil society and in policy making in areas affecting their lives. The project also aims to encourage debate and exchange of ideas among the public, experts and civil servants.

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