E-inclusion

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) play an essential role in supporting daily life in today's digital society. They are used at work, to stay in touch with family, to deal with public services as well as to take part in culture, entertainment, leisure and political dialogues.

e-Inclusion aims to achieve that "no one is left behind" in enjoying the benefits of ICT. e-Inclusion means both inclusive ICT and the use of ICT to achieve wider inclusion objectives. It focuses on participation of all individuals and communities in all aspects of the information society. e-Inclusion policy, therefore, aims at reducing gaps in ICT usage and promoting the use of ICT to overcome exclusion, and improve economic performance, employment opportunities, quality of life, social participation and cohesion.

European e-inclusion policy

e-inclusion features prominently in the Digital Agenda for Europe adopted by the European Commission in May 2010.

Under Pillar 6 (Enhancing digital literacy, skills and inclusion) of the Digital Agenda, the Commission proposes a series of measures to promote take-up of digital technologies by potentially disadvantaged groups, such as elderly, less-literate, low-income persons. Improving access for people with a disability is another of the policy actions set by the Digital Agenda.

An important part of the e-inclusion agenda is also tacking demographic ageing with the help of ICT: a better quality of life for the elderly, reduced cost of care, business opportunities in the "silver economy". Under Pillar 7 (ICT-enabled benefits for EU society) the Commission will reinforce the Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) Joint Programme to allow older people and persons with disabilities to live independently and be active in society.

For more on the Digital Agenda and e-inclusion, please see "Digital Agenda for Europe: what would it do for me?".

e-Inclusion is closely related to European policies on social inclusion, education and culture, regional development, innovation, industry and internal market.