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Program :: John Riddle /Closing
Ceremony Abstract Introduction Praise for the e-SEE Action Plan Since June 1999 the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe has offered a broad framework to promote regional co-operation. The Pact has been highly instrumental in launching a wide range of regional cooperation by addressing vital issues in common and reducing deeply rooted conflicts. Some of the most advanced initiatives are aimed at improving the economic environment for trade and investment. Now cooperation takes place every day following the norm in the European integration. The eSEE Initiative is another important example of this effort. Allow me to congratulate the Ministers for their adoption of the eSEE Agenda on "Development of the Information Society" The eSEE Working Group did an excellent job in preparing this action plan in accordance with its mandate given by the statement of Intent signed by the ICT Ministers on the 4th of June this year. As the leader of this initiative, the FRY has been doing terrific work. The SP eSEE Working Group can be pleased with their ability to mobilize the region. The Signatory Ministers can be proud as initiators as well as stakeholders of this process. Regional ownership remains key to the successful implementation of these commitments. Importance of Integrated Policy Approach Effective reform requires precisely identified actions and solutions regarding what, when and by whom the reforms must be done. Experience indicates that an integrated policy approach is needed. Strong political leadership and a top level commitment also must support this approach. To this end the SP fully supports the endorsement of the eSEE Agenda by the Heads of Governments. The eSEE Agenda sets in motion a series of concrete actions. Working out the National Strategies for the development of the Information Society by the end of March next year is among the most important commitments. Each country needs to determine the ways tailored to its needs and possibilities on how exactly the objectives are going to be implemented. The adoption of decrees regarding the EU's legislated framework should form a bottom-line for the national actions. The Information Society is expected to be an end product of the process initiated today. While the eSEE Agenda offers a working framework, it is also an important political signal that things are moving forward in the integration process. It is good to see that the region is ready to answer new challenges. No blank area should remain on the map of Europe that have not yet properly addressed the new challenges of technological development. Let me underline what we believe is the right focus of the initiative: - Bringing the region closer to the eEurope and eEurope+ processes by assuming commitments that mirror the European 'aquis' in this area. This effort deserves due appreciation. The member countries of the EU and candidate countries may be well ahead in putting into practice the eEurope 2005 Action Plan and the eEurope-plus 2003 Action plan. The countries of SEE deserve appreciation for their efforts to catch up with the ongoing processes. The SP wants to continue to work closely with all its members to help ensure adequate support from the International Community for implementation. A fundamental question is how to build an open, inclusive, and democratic information society in which the broadest possible group of citizens can be integrated and which contributes to a sense of economic well being, European unity and personal security. Without a clear public policy, new technologies can become a source of exclusion rather than a tool of progress. The advantages brought by information technologies are multiplied when they are available for all, on a regional scale. Therefore their adoption has to be supported across society, including both the private and public sectors and across the entire region. Competition is the best assurance that society will enjoy widespread access as the Information network is developed and then evolves. Conditions for a truly competitive environment are the best guarantee for affordable prices. Proper Regulatory Environment The creation of a proper regulatory framework for the Information Society is appropriately the central point in the eSEE Agenda. Shaping a suitable open and flexible regulatory framework however is a highly complex issue. We encourage the Signatories to rely on the experiences of other countries, which have already had considerable experience learning their lessons the hard way. Conflicts may rise in the course of putting regulatory frameworks in place. We are aware of the dispute between Telecom Monopoly and the Internet Service Providers in FRY and other conflicts may rise in other countries when taking over the compliant EU Telecom Law. These disputes should be settled. A regulatory telecom framework, which fosters competition, is one that cuts away obstacles that hinder entry to national markets. Artificial obstacles of distinctions between different transmission infrastructures should be removed. Technological neutrality meets requirements of the convergence through internet applications between telecomm, computers and media and may result in a regulatory framework that meets the requirements of EU and major partners outside Europe. New regulations should prepare the way for broadband networks, which are linked comprehensively to the larger strategy for Europe. A sound Regulatory framework and its effective implementation are key prerequisites to attract investment for the faster development of broadband infrastructure based on existing facilities (telephone lines cable TV services, ADSL, and cable modem) and on new ones, (such as 3G fixed wireless, satellite and fiber optic). The implementation of national strategies to be worked out according to the commitments of the eSEE Agenda should be done so that no barriers remain to the use of existing cable networks for provision of broadband services. Main areas to benefit The potential benefits of a modern, open, and flexible regulatory framework are manifold. They carry powerful economic and social implications. Broadband can improve the quality of applications. Users can enjoy rich content, applications and services that allow improving productivity. The spill over effect would come to a variety of different fields, such as e-governance, e-economy, e-learning, e-health and entertainment. Technologies related to the development of Information Society are increasingly transforming our lives. Mobile telephone and internet are just a foretaste of the opportunities presented by the convergence of computing, communications and content. Key settings of the Information Society are individual applications at home (smart living), enterprise and workplace (the e-economy), public services (the connected society). The fourth section covers enabling technologies, which underpin future services, and applications. - The long-term objective is Support to Implementation We in the Stability Pact are very much aware that implementation of the commitments of the eSEE Agenda needs support from two direction. On the one hand it is absolutely necessary that the countries of the region should mobilize their internal means to the extent possible. The issue should be put on the governments daily agenda. On the other hand we want the committing Signatory countries to know that they are not alone in their efforts, the International Community stands by to help. Much appreciated early support has been committed from donors. The UNDP and the Greek INA company helped from the very early stage. The UNDP has offered practical support for the Secretariat of the eSEE Working Group and professional back to the implementation through a local network in the region. The Greek INA through the South East European Telecom Academy programs specified technical assistance for implementation. The US Commercial Law Development Program is co-sponsoring this conference and the organization of a specific seminar for senior officials of the eSEE Working Group is also underway. Other supporting countries and organizations have contributed to the preparation of the eSEE Agenda and committed to ensure further political and professional support as EC, Greece, Hungary, Slovenia Sweden, UK, Turkey, just to mention a few. The support of Bulgaria and Rumania, being already part of the eEurope+ process, is crucial to complete the regional dimension of the eSEE Initiative. All this support has enabled the countries of the region to make a real difference. On behalf of the Stability Pact I want to thank each of these contributors for their help, and we invite other players of the International Community to join the effort. Conclusion I would like to conclude by emphasizing my firm conviction that building the bases of the Information Society is not a luxury for a region that plans to take its place among the leading countries. Coping with this challenge is important for stability and economic development of the region. Thank you.+++ |