Ms Viviane Reding, European Commissioner for the Information Society and Media, sees ICT as a valuable resource for achieving the Millennium Development Goals

Europe intends to intensify its efforts to become a major player in the information society. Might that not further widen the digital divide?

The European Commission is aware of the fact that the rapid development of the ICT products and services market creates enormous benefits for society, but also lays down potential digital divides. The global information society also risks creating differential development between a core of richer countries and a number of developing countries in terms of access to knowledge.

That is the reason why we set up policies that stimulate markets for the largest uptake of innovative technologies whilst making sure that the benefits are reaped by all. In my view, participation on equal terms in society and economy is a basic individual’s right. In the information society, this translates into an inclusive and barrier-free information for all. Our economy and society would benefit tremendously from such evolution.

What is the European Union’s strategy for constructing an inclusive, global information society?

Our leitmotiv is mainstreaming digital inclusion. First of all, access to and accessibility of ICT itself has to become the rule. Inclusive information society tools and services should no longer be a welcome exception or an afterthought. They should be turned into an inspiring design principle.

Recently, we adopted our policy on bridging the broadband gap. Based on increased competition we should aim for a broadband penetration of at least 50% of households by 2010. Broadband combined with a choice of platforms, from PC, mobile phone, kiosk or digital TV has a rich potential for e-inclusion.

Can the «1% digital solidarity», the innovative financing mechanism proposed by the DSF, operate within the EU’s policy to achieve the Millennium Development Goals?

All initiatives which may aid in attaining the Millennium Development Goals are welcomed.

The existing North-South economic and social divide will broaden if developing countries are not helped to take advantage of ICTs in tackling economic and social problems. The new EU development policy which is the world’s largest donor, states that the EU will address the digital divide by exploiting the potential of ICTs as a development tool and as a significant resource for attaining the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Nevertheless, ICTs can only become an effective tool to development and poverty reduction if they are an integral part of a broader, more comprehensive national development strategy. This implies that non-commercial e-applications – such as e-government, e-medicine, e-learning – will continue to be part and parcel of the EU's development policy.