Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission
19.4.2011
Spreading news is a question of using the correct mix of various communication tools and should be adapted to the instruments media use to get their information. For instance, more and more journalists use Twitter to collect information.
The EU institutions need to take these new communication tools into account when informing the public about their decisions and actions.
The use of Twitter is widespread in the Commission: Commissioners, spokespeople and certain services communicate with their stakeholders through this medium.
It remains that all major policy statements, proposals, green papers, etc. must be made accessible on the EU's website Europa. The EU institutions keep Europa up to date and accessible for the general public and the EU's stakeholders.
Open information channels are important. Social media and the Internet are key components. Accessibility and usability should be the leading principles. Open information channels and net neutrality go hand in hand. Although there is no set definition of ‘net neutrality’, it is generally agreed that data on the Internet should be treated in a way that ensures that Internet users should be able to access and distribute the content, applications or services of their choice, subject to applicable law.
The Commission also refers the Honourable Member to its declaration issued in November 2009[1], subject to the answer provided to Question E‑007750/2010[2].
The Commission does therefore not see the use of social media as an impediment to net neutrality or open information, on the contrary.
OJ C 294 E, 06/10/2011