E-governance

The concept of electronic governance chosen by the Council of Europe covers the use of electronic technologies in three areas of public action:- relations between the public authorities and civil society - functioning of the public authorities at all stages of the democratic process (electronic democracy) - the provision of public services (electronic public services)This is a broad definition covering the different aspects of relations between the state and civil society. The Council of Europe is currently considering a recommendation which will offer a common vision of how digital technology can be incorporated into exercise of power. Aware of the risks entailed in these technologies, the Council reaffirms the need to strengthen democratic institutions and processes and to involve the public in political choices so that their needs and priorities are respected. In this connection, governments must ensure that they involve the whole population, in particular by ensuring that the largest possible number of citizens are educated in the use of computers.The European Union is supporting the development of electronic government (e-government), which is the modernisation of public administration bringing it closer to civil society and businesses through the use of information and communication technologies. Its action plan, which was given the name of “e-Europe” and was launched at the Seville summit in 2000, envisages not only the development of high-speed access and the security of the network, trade and electronic services but also on-line access to public administrations.“The use of information and communication technologies in public administrations combined with organisational change and new skills in order to improve public services and democratic processes and strengthen support to public policies” said the European Commission in its Communication on e-Government’s role for Europe’s future. It considers e-government as a prerequisite for improving Europe’s competitiveness at the dawn on the 21st century.