EC VP Ms Neelie Kroes shared a New Year's video message at the end of December, sharing three things she learned in 2011, and talking about her hopes and plans for 2012.

Three things stood out to Commissioner Kroes in 2011:

• Meeting amazing people with new ideas and ICT skills to make those ideas reality
• Great examples where ICT is being used to improve the lives of people
• The flexibility of ICT in a wide variety of settings and backgrounds

"All of this made me hopeful that ICT can give everyone, everywhere, the tools to change their lives for the better.

Next year I will be continuing my work to ensure we get this right. I want to deliver real innovations for the health and social care sector. I want to open up Europe's public sector, to unlock the treasure trove of public data.

And I want to make the most of our single market. Both so our entrepreneurs can market to 500 million without dealing with 27 rule-books. And so our citizens can use their mobile devices wherever they travel in Europe, with fair roaming prices.

Because I want to put the powerful tool of ICT in your hands: so you can help change the world for the better."

The full text of Ms. Kroes speech is available, also for your feedback and comments.