Developments in European information issues: Networks and relays – Services – Products, April 2000

Euro resources

As the debate over the euro continues and demand for information on the topic grows, it is worth being aware of a site created and maintained by an economics academic at Yale University, Giancarlo Corsetti. Frequently updated, it contains a wealth of information and links and will be particularly valuable for students and researchers. It is helpfully organised and includes a regularly updated day by day chronology of events from 1998, full text of basic readings and articles, commentary and analysis, background information, current news, official sources, policy issues, discussion and debate. Visit the site at http://www.econ.yale.edu/ for a full picture of what is on offer.

General report on the activities of the European Union 1999

One of the advantages of dissemination via the web is speed. The appearance of the latest annual volume in the General Report series on the Internet at http://europa.eu.int/abc/doc/off/rg/en/1999/index.htm/, before the paper version has been distributed and a mere six weeks after the year end, is just one example of how new technology can offer fast and widespread access to key publications.

Interinstitutional style guide now on the web

The style guide was introduced to facilitate the exchange of documents both internally between the institutions of the EU and externally. Documents are often produced in a variety of formats - both printed and electronic - from one original text, but standard layout conventions can help to reduce wasted time and effort in reformatting, enabling the presentation of a consistent image to the public. The printed version of this guide for editors has been available since 1998, but it is now also offered online free of charge at http://eur-op.eu.int/code/en/en-cover.htm/

Information Society Technologies Programme

The third call for the Information Society Technologies Programme opened on 10th February 2000. To offer help to potential participants in the UK a series of targeted events is being held in March aimed particularly at people interested in Key Actions 2 and 3 which cover new methods of work, e-commerce, multimedia content and tools and healthcare information systems. Organised by UKISHELP, the UK Helpline for the Information Society, seminars will have Commission officials explaining what is required. Further information can be had from the UKISHELP website at http://www.ukishelp.co.uk

Internet Fiesta 2000

The Internet Fiesta is an international project which ran for the first time in 1999 and because of its success is to be repeated this year. Its origins were French but it is supported by the EU. It aims to promote the Internet and show the Information Society in practice through a series of events involving people from a wide range of countries. Examples of initiatives are the creation of digital works of art, school children introducing the Internet to older generations, farmers discovering the Internet, citizens' access to government, ideas for those with disabilities, virtual rallies, and the Internet bus. The site seeks to present a fun image and includes games and drawings. The Internet Fiesta this year is to run from 17th to 19th March and the website will record events and help networking to gain maximum publicity for participants. Register your event by visiting http://www.internet-fiesta.org