Information Society in Europe: multiannual community programme 1998-2002 PROMISE

OBJECTIVE: to adopt a multiannual Community programme to stimulate the establishment of the Information Society in Europe (Information Society). COMMUNITY MEASURE: Council Decision 98/253/EC. SUBSTANCE: The programme covers the period from 01/01/1998 to 31/12/2002. The financial reference amount for its implementation is ECU 25 m. The aims of the programme are as follows: 1) to increase public awareness of the potential impact of the information society and its new applications and to motivate people, and give them the skills, to participate in changes leading to the information society; 2) to optimize the socio-economic benefits of the information society in Europe: - by analysing technical, economic, social and regulatory aspects of it, - by evaluating the challenges involved in moving towards the information society, particularly as regards employment, - by encouraging synergy and cooperation between actions at European and national level; 3) to enhance Europe's role and raise its profile within the global dimension of the information society. To attain these objectives, the Commission may use such means as: the award of contracts for the execution of tasks relating to analyses, studies or demonstration actions; organization of meetings of experts, conferences or seminars; publication and dissemination of information. Subject to certain conditions, participation in the programme may be open to entities established in third countries and to international organizations. �