An information society for all (e-Inclusion) is also an important subject for the EU. One of the three main points of the EU initiative of June 2005 is e-Inclusion: ‘i2010, a European information society for growth and employment’. This initiative provides the foundation for the European information society up to 2010.
By promoting e-Inclusion the EU intends to create an integrated European information society with the focus on improved pubic services and quality of life.

i2010 - A European Information Society for growth and employment (in English)

Ministerial conference on e-Inclusion in Riga, Latvia, 2006

In June 2006, the first European ministerial conference on the subject of e-Inclusion took place in Riga. At this conference 34 European countries including Switzerland adopted a ministerial declaration.

Main points of the ministerial declaration:

• To consider the needs of older employees and senior citizens
• To reduce digital divides determined by geography
• To improve the accessibility and usability of ICT for people with disabilities
• To improve the necessary skills of all in using ICT
• To promote cultural diversity as a step towards the integration of all in the information society
• To improve online-content (websites) offered by public authorities for general use.

Ministerial Declaration (PDF)

Ministerial conference on e-Inclusion in Vienna, Austria, 2008

In November 2008, the EU organised a second ministerial conference on the subject of e-Inclusion held in Vienna. This conference concluded the campaign ‘e-Inclusion: Be part of it!’ At this final conference of the campaign there were several discussion rounds and an exhibition on the subject. Furthermore, ‘e-Inclusion’ prizes were awarded for the first time to recognize innovative ICT projects that support sections of society in need of assistance. The Zurich-based internet television company, ‘Focus-5 TV’, which offers programmes for the deaf, was amongst the finalists.

European Ministerial e-Inclusion Conference 2008 (in English)