On 15 September, the European Commission adopted a Communication on eAccessibility (Electronic Accessibility) evaluating a previous online consultation. It identifies easy access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as means to improve the quality of life and avoid exclusion. The analysis focuses in particular on disabled and elderly people trying to support them to participate in the knowledge-based society.

The Commission calls upon Member States to advance their promotion activities and invites industry to contribute to strengthen eAccessibility on a voluntary basis. In this context, the Commission acknowledges also the current proposal for the 7th Framework Programme (FP7) as a tool to continue and expand RTD in eAccessibility so as to further make it an issue for industry.

Improving access is seen as one objective of the i2010 initiative aiming at establishing a European Information Society for the benefit of growth and employment. Progress will be evaluated after two years before informed decisions like new legislation might be considered.

Further information:
- "How Information and Communication Technologies can be made more accessible for EU citizens" - FAQ - 15 September 2005
- Communication from the Commission on eAccessibility - COM(2005)425 - 13 September 2005