International partnership and collaboration between Member States is a key to success, since Member State information infrastructure is interconnected and interdependent. The uninterrupted operation of information infrastructures is crucial for secure business activity and the protection of civilian interests. Accordingly, the Hungarian Presidency’s aim is to promote dialogue between the ministers of Member States on infrastructure protection and contribute to improvement through the adoption of Council Conclusions.

European citizens are reluctant to engage in increasinly sophisticated online activities (a result of improved ultra fast networks), unless they feel that they can fully rely upon their networks. Europe – and the Hungarian Presidency – must therefore address the rise of new forms in cybercrime and the identification of preventive methods, and develop response mechanisms. Simultaneously, we have to face new challenges with regard to the protection of European citizens’ fundamental rights to personal data and privacy.

The Internet has now become such a critical information infrastructure for individuals, and for the European economy as a whole, that our IT systems and networks must be resilient to and protected against all sort of new threats at a pan-European level. Enhanced international co-operation is also imperative and must be promoted in this field.

Collaboration and mutual action at European and international level is a top priority.

This is the main objective of the Telecom Ministerial Conference and the exchange of views organised under the auspices of the Hungarian Presidency to be held on 14-15 April 2011 in Balatonfüred, Hungary. In addition to high-level Commission representatives and ministers form the Member States, American and Japanese decision-makers will also attend the event. The Hungarian Presidency is also planning to adopt Council Conclusions in the subject at the TTE Council on 27 May, 2011.

For further information about the conference, please, visit the following site:

http://www.eu2011.hu/event/ministerial-conference-ciip-telecom-networks-european-and-international-cooperation-strengthen

“Hungary welcomes the Commission’s proposal which aims to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of state administration particularly at a time of economic crisis; the proposed measures should reinforce the internal market and contribute to open, more transparent and flexible public services” – said Zsolt Nyitrai Minister of State for Infocommunications. “The Action Plan will be high on our agenda during Hungary’s EU Presidency and we plan to adopt Conclusions of the Council at the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council on 27 May 2011.” – noted Nyitrai.

The Ministers responsible for eGovernment policy of the European Union have approved a declaration in Malmö on 18 November 2009, on the occasion of the Ministerial Conference “Teaming up for the eUnion” outlining the following eGovernment political priorities, identified in four categories in the eGovernment Action Plan:

– User empowerment: services designed around users’ needs, improvement of transparency, involvement of citizens and businesses in policy-making process;

– Internal Market: seamless services for businesses, mobility, implementation of cross-border services;

– Efficiency and effectiveness of public administrations: electronic procurement, faster
processing of applications, reduction of administrative burdens, “Green” Government;

– Putting in place pre-conditions for developing eGovernment: open specifications and interoperability, revision of the eSignature Directive, mutual recognition of e-Identification and eAuthentication.

The eGovernment Action Plan envisions the creation of a knowledge-based, sustainable, and inclusive economy as set forth in the Europe 2020 Strategy. It also supports and complements the Digital Agenda flagship initiative. The Action Plan is also closely linked to other EU legislative activities (e.g. Services Directive, eSignature Directive, procurement directives, Data Protection Directive, Directive on re-use of public sector information).