Electronic communication, open networks safety: electronic signatures, common regulatory framework

The Commission accepts the Council's common position on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive on a Community framework for electronic signatures and certification services. It regrets, nevertheless, that the Council did not accept fully or at least partially certain EP amendments regarding liability and data protection. The Commission regrets that the Council has introduced a management committee procedure to be applied in respect of the clarification of the requirements laid down in Annexes, the criteria referred to in Article 3 (4) and the generally recognised standards for electronic signature products established and published pursuant to Article 3 (5).�