EUobserver.com

EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - EU ministers have agreed on a pan-European initiative to promote information and communication technologies as a tool to help people to overcome economic and social disadvantages.

In a conference in Riga, ministers from 34 European countries signed a declaration which sets the target of boosting broadband coverage in Europe to at least 90%, and making all public web sites accessible by 2010.

"Many Europeans still get too little benefit from information and communication technologies, and millions are at risk of being left behind," said media commissioner Viviane Reding.

"Enabling all Europeans to participate on equal terms in the information society is not only a social necessity – it is a huge economic opportunity for industry. By implementing their Riga undertakings, European countries will take a big step towards making e-inclusion a reality," said Ms Reding.

In 2005, broadband use by businesses and households increased by 60% in remote and rural areas of the 15 old member states and to more than 90% in the urban areas.

Older people, people with disabilities, and unemployed persons are where the broadband targets are aimed at.

Lack of affordability, access, accessibility, skills and motivation are among the barriers for the estimated 30% to 40% of European citizens which are not benefiting from high speed internet connection.

In the EU, only 10% of the over-65's use the Internet, while only around 3% of public websites fully comply with minimum web accessibility standards

In real terms, this means that a large percentage of the population in the EU cannot fully participate in and contribute to social and economic life.

Despite broadband subscriptions in Europe growing by 60% in 2005 and overtaking the US for the first time, broadband penetration is still only at 13% of the EU population or about 25% of households with significant differences in access between rural and urban areas.

European ministers agree IT initiative