Information society, eContent: European digital content, linguistic diversity. 2001-2004 programme

PURPOSE : to adopt a multiannual Community programme (2001-2005) which aims to promote the use of European digital content on global networks (the eContent Programme). COMMUNITY MEASURE : Council Decision 2001/48/EC concerning the adoption of a multiannual Community Programme aiming to strengthening the use and development of European digital content on global networks as well as promoting linguistic diversity in the information society. CONTENT : the eContent Programme covers the period from 18.01.2001 to 17.01.2005 and has a budget of EUR 100 million for the that period. It is made up of 4 main objectives: - to help stimulate the use of and access for all to the Internet by increasing the availability of European digital content on the global networks to support the professional, social and cultural development of the citizens of the European Union and facilitating the economic and social integration of nationals of the applicant countries into the information society; - to stimulate access to and use of European digital content potential and especially promoting more effective use of infromation hed by the public sector; - to promote cultural diversity and multilingualism, especially in the languages of the European Union, in digital content on the global networks and increasing the export opportunities of European content firms, and in particular SMEs through culture and linguistic customisation; - to create favourable conditions for the reduction of market fragmentation for the marketing distribution and use of European digital content on the global networks to stimulate economic activity and enhance employment prospects. In order to attain these objectives, 3 action lines are provided, accompanied by support actions written in the Annex of the decision: 1) improve access to and expanding use of public sector information; 2) enhance content production in a multilingual and multicultural environment; 3) increasing dynamism of the digital content market. An Annex to the programme sets out an indicative breakdown of expenditure. The Commission is responsible for the implementation of the eContent programme and its coordination. Moreover, the selected beneficiaries shall submit a report to the Commission. It should be noted that participation in the programme may be opened to legal entities established in EFTA States which are members of the European Economic Area (EEA). The programme shall also be open to CEECs countries and also Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, in accordance with bilateral agreements to be concluded. Participation may also be opened without finanical support by the Community from the programme, to legal entities established in third countries and international organisations. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 22.12.2000. The Decision shall apply from 18.01.2001.�