EU in race to digitise economy

The EU is trying to drag all of its member states into the digital age. In the not-too-distant future, all EU citizens should have internet access, most should routinely shop online, their medical records will be stored in a data cloud, they will plan trips using smart technology, access art and culture electronically and pay bills, return tax forms and interact with government all online.

The bid to see virtually all facets of life conducted electronically by the end of this decade is...