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(as of 23.9.1998)
On 15 September 1998, Strasbourg, Member of European Parliament, Astrid Thors (Finland), formerly an Executive Director of the National Land Survey of Finland, tabled an oral question in Parliament to Commissioner Bangemann concerning the long delay in progressing GI2000. Commissioner Bangemann responsed that, following consultation with industry, the EC fully intends to issue the GI2000 Communication. Although GI industry interest initially was lower than expected, this was changing and thus GI2000 would be "finalised shortly". MEP Thors then asked, given the importance of GI as another way to create employment in Europe, could the proposed GI2000 High Level Working Party (HWLP) not start prior to the Communication. And were there other budget lines that could be used to strengthen EU competitiveness in the area of GI, which would possible benefit the EC's own work. Commissioner Bangemann responded that "the Communication will be issued ... it is necessary" and the Commission would continue its present supportive activities, referring to past support for GI in the INFO2000 programme, the operation of the GI Web site on I*M Europe, continued awareness activities and GI in the Fifth Framework Programme. GI2000: Towards a European Policy Framework for Geographic Information - This proposed Communication to the Council and European Parliament completed the Commission's formal internal review procedure at the end of May 1998, receiving a positive response from all concerned. Minimal changes were requested before the document is sent to Commissioner Bangemann's cabinet and further news is expected in September 1998. Once adopted by the Commission, the Communication will be commented upon by the Parliament and sent to the Council of Industry Ministers, most likely in November 1998. Join our GI2000 discussion forum where members of the pan-European and global GI &: GIS community discuss issues relevant to pan-European GI policy development.
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