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

PURPOSE : to adopt a series of actions and measures in order to ensure interoperability of and access to trans-European networks for the electronic interchange of data between administrations (IDA). COMMUNITY MEASURE : Decision 1720/1999/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council. CONTENT : in the framework of the second phase of the IDA programme, the Community action aims to : - achieve a maximum degree of interoperability between the various systems and their components, between the telematic networks established in the Member States and between the Community and the Member States, in order to achieve the European Economic and Monetary Union and to facilitate the implementation of Community policies; - seek the convergence of these networks towards a common telematic interface between the Community and the Member States; - achieve substantial benefits for Member States' administrations and the Community by streamlining operations, reducing maintenance, speeding up implementation of new networks and enhancements, achieving an overall secure and reliable interchang of data, as well as the achievement of greater cost-efficiency, responsiveness, flexibility and adaptability to technological change and market evolution in the establishment and cooperation of such networks; - extend the benefits of such networks to Community industry and citizens of the European Union; - promote the spread of the best practice and the encouragement of the development of innovative telematic solutions in administrations. In order to achieve these objectives, the Community shall undertake horizontal actions and measures in support of sectoral networks and in accordance with the IDA work programme. Implementation of the horizontal actions and measures shall include feasibility studies and demonstrations, the establishment of working groups of Member States and Community experts, and the procurement of goods and services for the Community, as appropriate. With a view to ensuring the administrative efficiency of the programme, it is foreseen that the IDA work programme will contain a complete description of the intended actions, a complete description of the functionalities and of the technical approach and a detailed plan for its implementation, specifying the individual tasks and their sequence. The financial framework for Community action under this Decision for the period 1998-2000 shall be EUR 33.1 million. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 03/08/99. The Decision shall apply until 31/12/2004.�