New Technologies and Their Contribution to Facilitating the Work of the EP

Parliamentary work involves, briefly, tasks of research and consultation of documents, exchange of information and production of texts and decision-making. The implementation of new information and communication technologies can facilitate the achievement of some of these tasks and make the work of members of parliament more efficient. The European Parliament already offers members and officials a whole range of computerised tools, but further progress could be made to satisfy to a greater extent the expectations and to benefit from the possibilities offered by the most up-to-date technologies. On the basis of examples from other parliaments, suggestions are made to facilitate work within the European Parliament. Following a survey conducted among MEPs, to find out their expectations, and among the most modern national or regional parliaments, a certain number of examples, some of which are described in the form of case studies, are put forward together with suggestions for improving the internal provisions of the European Parliament. In particular a recommendation is made for development of the concept of the electronic office, greater integration of current applications and improved ‘ergonomics’ for consultation purposes and the use of electronic signature technologies.