The modernisation of the public sector is one of the main political priorities of the European Committee of the Regions and EPP-CoR rapporteur Martin Andreasson's opinion on the eGovernance Action Plan, adopted today in the plenary session, aims to ensure a simpler, more efficient and transparent administration for the benefit of Europe's cities and regions.
The aim of the Action Plan is to remove existing digital barriers to the single market and prevent further fragmentation arising from the modernisation of public administration. Local and regional authorities should become the drivers for this new development as they are at the heart of the proposal. "It is not a question of whether to digitalise or not - this is a necessity and a game changer to overcome many of our challenges in the public sector and improve the quality and efficiency of our services", rapporteur Martin Andreasson emphasised.
The Vice President of the European Commission in charge of the Digital Single Market, Andrus Ansip, addressed the Members: "Regions are where the work to build a digital single market and economy begins in earnest. They are the starting point for Europe's ultimate digital success. Regions should inform and remove obstacles for emerging tech startups and other new businesses.They can link with other regions to create new digital networks and ecosystems. More positively: let us not forget how much technology can do for local and regional communities."
"There is no end to the possibilities that eGovernance can bring in transforming our administration into a service for – and even by – the people. In my home city of Espoo, e-services offer every citizen a possibility to take part and influence the renewal of our city from children's playgrounds to petitions to the City Council. In dire financial times, it is also a key investment towards future budgets as digitalisation brings efficiency and transparency. What we need is every region, city and town to become a pioneer for digital transformation," stressed President of the European Committee of the Regions, Markku Markkula.
The opinion supports the vision that by 2020 public administrations and institutions should be open, efficient, inclusive and providing borderless, personalised, user-friendly, end-to-end digital public services to all citizens and businesses in the EU. However, there are many preconditions that must be met before the benefits of eGovernment can be obtained: affordable internet across the European Union, enhanced digital skills, trust and openness towards digital services as well as a fully functioning Digital Single Market.