While most European activity is around research and policy making, Member States are occasionally issued with Directives that have to be incorporated into the legal framework of each country.
European Union ICT Strategy
Public procurement and standardisation are considered as particularly efficient in effecting change. The Public Procurement Directives contain provision for accessibility standards to be incorporated into public sector procurement. Within the UK, the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) has incorporated the Directive in its Guidance Note on Social Issues in Purchasing.
This in itself is not particularly powerful but, since the Lisbon Agenda was launched in 2000, the EU has had an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) strategy in place. The i2010 initiative has three streams or 'pillars':
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The completion of a single European Information Space.
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Strengthening innovation and investment in ICT research.
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Achieving an inclusive European Information Society.
E-inclusion
The third pillar, e-Inclusion, is intended to promote an inclusive European information society, and e-Accessibility is a strong theme within this strand. On 13 September 2005 an e-Accessibility Communication was issued under the banner of i2010 that proposes a set of policy actions to foster e-Accessibility. It suggests three approaches to deliver accessibility:
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public procurement
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certification of ICT products and services
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the better use of existing legislation.
It calls on Member States and stakeholders to support voluntary positive actions to make accessible ICT products and services far more widely available in Europe.
Improving e-Accessibility
By presenting this Communication and responding to consultation with stakeholders, the Commission shows its determination to improve e-Accessibility in Europe and serves three main purposes:
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It conveys to Member States the urgent need to work together towards a consistent approach.
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It encourages industry to develop accessible solutions in their products and services.
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It demonstrates to users with disabilities the commitment of the European Commission to improve accessibility in the Information Society.
Voluntary action is not the same as a legal requirement. The Communication gives industry some two years to demonstrate that voluntary action can address accessibility concerns. At the end of this period the Commission will review progress and, if necessary, consider what further measures are required, including legislation.