Brussels: 26 June 2008

The European Commission (EC) has published a press release that poses the question as to whether Information from the Public Sector is now easier to re-use in all Member States? The question has been presented in the context of the EC consultation that is underway into the impact of the Directive 2003/98/EC.

The EC press release IP/08/1017 dated 26 June 2008 states:

“Public bodies produce, collect and share vast amounts of information, such as meteorological, traffic and financial data, digital maps or tourist information. This valuable Public Sector Information can be the basis of new added value services, but it is often difficult for businesses and individuals to re-use it. The EU's Public Sector Information Directive of 2003 enhances the re-use of such information across the EU. Transposition of the Directive has now been completed in all 27 EU Member States, as the European Commission has now closed an infringement case against Belgium for non-transposition of the Directive. The Commission is currently evaluating the corresponding national laws in preparation of a review of the Public Sector Information Directive which is due by the end of 2008. It has launched a public consultation towards this aim, which is open until 31 July 2008.”

If the reactions from the recently held ePSIplus Conference titled - PSI Re-use – Who takes Action next? are an indicator to the EC question then firm action is now required to ensure that the PSI re-use framework set out by Directive 2003/98/EC meets its objective and that the action lies predominantly with the Member States aided by clarification from the European Commission including taking infringement actions where necessary.

All PSI stakeholders are invited to make a submission to the European Commission consultation, this is your opportunity to explain your experiences when re-using public sector information to the European Commission. Please ensure that you exercise your democratic right the action at this moment lies with you the PSI stakeholder.