Information market: re-use and commercial exploitation of public sector documents. 'PSI Directive'

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by W.G. van Velzen (EPP-ED, Netherlands) making several amendments to the Commission's proposal: - Parliament made a distinction between "basic" and "other" information. (On this point, please refer to the document dated 28/01/03.) - public authorities must make available their own information in a format which as far as possible is not dependent on the use of specific software subject to payment. Where possible, all the information should be presented not only in graphic form but also in textual mode, to enable people with sensory difficulties to use it; - with regard to specific categories, a Member State may decide that, where charges are made, the total income from allowing access or re-use will not exceed the cost of producing and disseminating this information together with a reasonable return on investment. The burden of proving that charges are cost-oriented lies with the public sector body charging for the re-use of information; - an applicant will have the right to request a review of the charges; - public authorities must promote the re-use of information made available to them; - Member States must make available lists of main content assets (e.g. major databases) held by public sector bodies including, where relevant, information on the conditions for re-use. These lists must show by category whether the generally accessible information is basic information or other information and the public sector body responsible for making it available for re-use; - the review of the Directive should focus on its success in facilitating the creation of Community-wide information products and services, and on the extent to which it has enhanced the cross-border use of public-sector information.�