Trans-European data communications networks between administrations IDA: guidelines

1) OBJECTIVE To propose a series of measures aimed at enabling the national administrations and Community institutions and bodies to process and exchange with each other, by setting up and using the appropriate trans-European data communications networks, the information required for the functioning of the internal market and the implementation of common policies. 2) CONTENTS 1. The development of the European Union, and in particular the removal of controls at internal Community borders to allow the free movement of persons, goods, capital and services, means that a large number of new rules are being laid down. These new rules will lead to substantial interchanges between individuals, economic operators and the national administrations. Only advanced data communications and telecommunications networks are able to provide a fast, efficient exchange of such information between the competent national authorities. 2. The objective of the European Community is to propose a series of measures aimed at enabling the national administrations to process and exchange such information with each other using trans-European data communications networks. 3. Four series of measures are proposed to achieve this objective: * The adoption of an "overall plan" of action to be carried out to set up trans-European data communications networks for the efficient exchange of information. This overall plan is analysed in this section. * The adoption of a multiannual IDA (Interchange of Data between Administrations) programme representing the Community contribution to the implementation of projects of common interest (e.g. Comedi, Animo, etc.) and to the action required to ensure the interoperability of the trans-European networks concerned (summary 1.17.1). * The setting up of a high-level coordinating group responsible for assisting the Commission in the implementation of the multiannual IDA programme. * To open discussions with the EFTA countries to evaluate how the extension of the data communications networks between administrations to these countries might help to facilitate the management of European Economic Area. Proposal for a decision on an "overall plan" 1. The proposal defines the broad lines of action and the projects of common interest in the field of trans-European data communications networks between administrations in order to contribute to the management of a European area without internal borders. 2. The aim of the broad lines of actions is to: * Carry out feasability studies to determine the technical specifications of data communications networks which will contribute to projects of common interest; * Implement these data communications networks; * Ensure interoperability between the various networks by harmonizing the standards and systems used to transmit the information; * Promote the provision to users of bearer services such as electronic mail, access to data bases and file transfer in order to ensure that the information is passed among those concerned. 3. The trans-European data communications networks between administrations to be implemented under this decision are to be covered by projects of common interest. The following projects are covered: * Data communications networks between administrations for statistics on trade in goods between Member States (Comedi) (summary 1.17.3). * Intra-Community trade in animals (Animo) (summary 1.17.4). * Veterinary and plant health controls (Shift) (summary 1.17.5). * Prevention of fraud CIS (summary 1.17.6). Source : Commission Européenne - Info92 - 12/95�