‘A Better Internet for Kids’ Programme
21.3.2013
Question for written answer E-003276-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Erik Bánki (PPE) , Alajos Mészáros (PPE) , Csaba Sógor (PPE) , Joanna Katarzyna Skrzydlewska (PPE) , Petru Constantin Luhan (PPE)
The future of the EU’s proposed programme ‘A Better Internet for Kids’ (part of the Safer Internet Programme or SIP) is now very much at risk. The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) regulation is primarily about technical solutions and establishment of infrastructures. However, we believe it is extremely important to maintain training and awareness-raising directed at children, young people, parents and teachers concerning the safe use of the Internet. Unfortunately, there is only a minimal budget planned in the framework of the CEF for continuing the SIP. Multi-billion investments could thus be spent in vain, and young people will still not be able to use the Internet safely.
Therefore, it would be crucial to provide a budget of EUR 30 million per annum, i.e. a total of EUR 210 million over the 2014-2020 financial period, in order to continue and expand the SIP in all 27 Member States and in the countries awaiting accession. Increasing the digital literacy of children and young people is particularly important. The EU should continue operating hotlines and helplines as well, in order to help distressed children and young people.
In light of the above, what is the proposed budget for continuing the SIP, the future ‘Better Internet for Kids’ programme?
Is it true that the Commission intends to reduce funding for the Safer Internet Centres (SICs) from the current 75% of costs to 50%?
Is it true that the programme will be financed only as from October 2014, entailing a suspension of support for several months?
Is it true that the contracts signed by the 27 Member States for the period from 2013 to the beginning of 2014 cannot be fully honoured by the EU because the budget has been partly exhausted?
Would it be feasible according to the Commission to reallocate 10% of the amounts planned to be spent on hardware, network facilities and software to the financing of education and awareness-raising, as well as helpline and hotline operation?
OJ C 12 E, 16/01/2014