INFORMATION SOCIETY: IDA II DATA EXCHANGE PROGRAMME TO BE UPDATED.

The Council of Ministers should shortly move without a debate to adopt changes to the IDA II programme on the Interchange of Data between Administrations. These modifications aim to extend the programme to non-EU members of the European Economic Area (Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland) and associate countries (Central and Eastern European countries, Cyprus, Malta and Turkey). The modifications also cover the introduction of a financial reference for the period 2002-2004 and the integration of the e-Europe initiative.

Two Decisions are on the table: one amends Decision 1719/1999/EC defining a series of guidelines and joint interest projects concerning trans-European networks for the interchange of data between administrations (the Guideline Decision); the other amends Decision 1720/1999/EC adopting a series of measures and actions aimed at guaranteeing the interoperability of trans-European networks (Interoperability Decision). The proposed adaptation of these two Decisions stems from the...