We, the Representatives of the Ministries of Environment and the Ministries of Research and Development of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, FYR Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia and FR Yugoslavia,

Participated in the "Environment and Related Transport Telematics Results, Innovative Services and Solutions for the Citizen" international conference in Szentendre, Hungary, 4-5 June 1998, and,

Endorse the following statement on the Central and East European Countries (CEECs) priorities and needs with regard to future collaboration and networking between EU and CEE countries in the context of the Information Society Programme actions for the Environment and related Transport, as part of the future Fifth Framework Programme of the European Community for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (1998 to 2002):

1. Recognising that
   1. the political and economic reforms in the Central and East European Countries provide opportunities for ensuring that economic growth is compatible with environmental and sustainable development concerns;
   2. the enlargement of the European Union creates new opportunities for environmental protection in CEECs that will further strengthen transboundary and inter-sectoral environmental development and cooperation;

2. Welcoming the progress and results from the EU-CEEC Information Society Forums, in particular:
   1. The Action Plan: "Toward the Information Society in the Central and Eastern European Countries: Thirty Ideas for European Initiatives", adopted at the Second EU-CEE Countries Information Society Forum in Prague, 13-14 September 1996, which provides a basis for more active involvement of Central and East European Countries in EU RTD programmes;
   2. The Conclusions of the Third EU-CEEC Information Society Forum, Brussels, 9-10 October 1997 which state that:
      1. The improved efficiency which the Information Society will bring to the CEEC, in particular for the candidate countries, will be an important contribution to their market competitiveness as they prepare for membership to the European Union;
      2. CEE countries are making rapid progress towards realising the Information Society but that many important steps remain to be taken, which can benefit from continued cooperative efforts.

3. Recognising that by bringing together the complementary areas of telecommunications, information management and environmental expertise, Environment and Transport Telematics is introducing to the market a series of powerful new tools that allow users (from local, regional or national authorities) to improve environmental planning and management and ensure wide public accessibility of environmental information;

We find it desirable and necessary:

1. To continue and strengthen co-operation among CEECs and EU Member States in pursuing innovative Environment and Transport Telematics applications and services with a European dimension, using the mechanisms and opportunities discussed at the Szentendre meeting and supporting the objectives and RTD priorities set by the Fifth Framework Programme of the European Community for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (1998 to 2002);

2. To take measures to increase CEECs participation in the European Union's Research and Technological Development (RTD) programmes, such as:
   1. establishing a network of CEECs national institutions currently involved in the dissemination and promotion of Environment and Transport Telematics;
   2. promoting the exchange of information and knowledge on respective programs and activities at Pan-European, CEEC regional and national levels;
   3. facilitating dialogue among key developers and users of Telematics applications and systems;
   4. continuing to disseminate results of EU-funded Environment and Transport RTD activities to CEE countries;
   5. encouraging the wider dissemination of Best Practices and the possible uptake of Telematics-related applications in CEEC in order to improve environmental planning and management practices in these countries;
   6. undertaking educational efforts to train users in the CEE Countries and promote the exchange of experiences among users and developers;
   7. increase awareness among the general public of Environment and Transport Telematics applications;
   8. holding regular meetings at expert level to review and agree on priorities for future research and development actions;
   9. establishing a network of governmental, business and NGO representatives to review and disseminate results of projects to all sectors of society.

   

3. To Provide support for policy development in line with the goals of creating new and better quality environmental services for the citizen and in a broader perspective, building an environment-friendly Information Society in Europe;

4. To Foster co-operation between national and local authorities, research organisations, and industry between the EU and CEECs on the development and use of Telematics;

5. To Meet again in late 1999 to review and report on progress made since the Szentendre meeting.

Szentendre, Hungary, 5. June 1998