e-SEE Task Force

International donors are pouring billions into "Second Wave" infrastructure (eg. roads and bridges) but have put comparatively little into "Third Wave" infrastructure (eg. electronic networks, accompanying reforms to modernise business and government procedures). The Stability Pact E-Balkans Initiative will aim to put E-issues firmly on the agenda as essential to development and reconstruction in the region.


MAIN OBJECTIVES

1. To help the countries of SEE seize the opportunities presented by the new technologies.

2. To promote full participation across the region and prevent further divide between or within the SEEs.
3. To facilitate co-operation between international, bilateral and private donors in providing assistance.
4. To facilitate co-operation between the public and private sector and civil society in meeting the internet challenge.
5. To encourage co-operation between the SEEs in establishing greater economic and democratic stability in the region.

THE E-BALKANS INITIATIVE

1. Creation of a Stability Pact Working Group to bring together both regional and international experts from government and the private sector.

2. Development of a comprehensive e-strategy for Southeast Europe as set out in the G8 Okinawa Charter:

• Government leadership in promoting policy, regulatory and network readiness;

• Government and private sector co-operation in increasing access to IT and lowering costs;

• Fostering a favourable investment environment;

• Building human capacity and IT awareness through training and education;

• Encouraging participation in global e-commerce networks.

3. Assistance to the SEEs in drawing up and implementing national information strategies.

4. Synchronisation of existing or related activity (eg. G8 Okinawa Charter, EC, World Bank, EBRD, UK DfID).
5. Identification of necessary new programmes and facilitation of funding for them.