In the context of the eEurope Action Plan, the 1,000-plus participants will discuss ways to employ advanced technology for increasing the productivity of public administrations. The most outstanding best practice projects will receive the eEurope Award for Innovation in eGovernment. The conference is expected to conclude with a Ministerial Declaration. Under the eEurope 2005 Action Plan, the Member States are expected by the end of 2004 to make their basic public services interactive and accessible to all through broadband networks and multi-platform access.
EICTA, the European Information, Communications and Consumer Electronics Technology Industry Association issued a plea on 4 July to the Italian Presidency to revive Europe's confidence in technology. EICTA calls on the Presidency to consider its recommendations spelled out in the document "eEurope - The Way Forward".