Trans-European networks for the electronic interchange of data between administrations IDA II: interoperability

The Council common position incorporates 2 amendments adopted by the European Parliament at first reading including, notably, the amendment which stresses the need to maximise the use of standards, publicly available specifications and public domain applications to ensure seamless interoperability in order to achieve economies of scale and to increase the benefits of such networks. The common position is in line with the objectives and the content of the Commission proposal but makes the following changes: - scope and objectives: the Council has inserted two new objectives: a) convergence of networks towards a common telematic interface, b) substantial benefits by streamlining operations, reducing maintenance etc. and achieving an overall secure and reliable interchange of data; - horizontal actions and measures: The Council considered that, for the efficient management of the programme, the IDA work programme should contain detailed information about intended actions, functionalities and implementation for each action or measure envisaged under the proposed decision; - generic services: several changes have been made with a view to ensuring a pro-competitive environment for generic services; - common tools and techniques: the scope of such tools has been clarified and changes have been made to ensure a more market-oriented approach; - information content interoperability: the common position mentions the linguistic diversity of the Community in this context and also with regard to the spread of best practices; - reference legal and security practices: it was noted that the requirements of this provision were without prejudice to the competence and specific obligations of the Member States; - financial framework: in order to ensure transparency, the Council has inserted a new article which gives the financial framework for (EUR 33.1 million) for 1998-2000.�