Press Release: Public sector information: Commission refers Poland to Court for incorrect implementation of EU rules

The European Commission decided on 24 June 2010 to refer Poland to the EU's Court of Justice over incorrect implementation of an EU Directive on the re-use of public sector information such as digital maps, meteorological, legal, traffic, financial, economic and other data. Such public sector information can be re-used in products and services like car navigation systems, weather forecasts and financial and insurance services, and is estimated to be worth at least €27 billion every year (according to a 2006 study undertaken for the Commission). The EU public sector information Directive, adopted in 2003, requires Member States to ensure that such information is made available and that the public sector and those who could be interested in using this data are made aware of their rights and obligations. The Commission asked Poland to take the necessary steps to comply with the Directive in June 2009. In the absence of adequate compliance, the Commission has decided to refer Poland to Court.

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