9 March 2005
In excess of 90 per cent of all public service providers are now thought to have an on-line presence, the fifth annual survey of e-government services in Europe has revealed.
The survey, conducted for the EU executive by consultants Capgemini, also revealed that exactly 40 percent of basic public services are now fully interactive.
In addition, the findings have highlighted how new EU member states are rapidly improving their e-government services and are currently in an almost identical position to that experienced by the UK two years ago.
"The service delivery gap between new member states and the pre-enlargement EU 15 is lower than many expected and could close very quickly," commented EU information society and media commissioner Viviane Reding.
"E-government services can make administrative formalities easier and more pleasant for everyone. Encouraging business and citizens to use them will boost efficiency and hence productivity and competitiveness throughout the economy."
The challenge now, according to experts, is to ensure the spread of online government services continues so as to enable a wider range of people to be influenced and to take advantage of the opportunities online.© DeHavilland Information Services plc
Keep up to date with industry and Nomensa news by signing up to Nomensa newsletters.
