This document details operational specifications of concept, methods and procedures to be applied for the purposes of the WeGovNow project in relation to research & innovation aspects, usability and e-accessibility aspects as well as legal, data protection and ethical aspects
The overall document is good. It describes all the key concepts, methods and procedures needed for the project. My only remark concerns the conceptual framework and the related architecture (Exhibit 1). The above-mentioned figure shows a preliminary technical architecture of the envisaged tool rather than a conceptual architecture. I would expect to see another figure where the boxes concerning the tools (e.g. ImproveMyCity, FirstLife, LiquidFeedback, …) are replaced by the related functionalities specified at the conceptual level (e.g. Citizen to PA communication, opinion formation etc…). Currently it is not easy to understand if these functionalities overlap or if there are alternative and better tools to perform the tasks. A more conceptual analysis of the tools would be helpful also to manage the future of the platform.
In my opinion, with respect to the thematic focus of WeGovNow, I think it is necessary to add these basic principles derived from the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights (page 54):
- Right to good administration (artícle 41)
- Right of access to documents (article 42)
Regarding "European-level Regulation" (page 53), I think it is necessary to add a new section number 5.3.7 with the title "Transparency. Freedom of information":
Transparency, integrity and ethical behaviour, accountability and good governance should inspire and be mainstreamed into all EU administrative and political initiatives.
- European Law of Administrative Procedure
There is no general law on administrative procedures to determine clearly the rights of European citizens in relation to institutions and bodies. This is a situation that is far from satisfactory.
A European Law of Administrative Procedure applicable to the EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies in their relations with the public would contribute to a high level of transparency and accountability, increase citizens’ confidence in an open, efficient and independent EU administration with respect to their rights and enhance their procedural rights vis-à-vis the EU institutions.
- Regulation 1049/2001
The importance of access to documents. It’s necessary an ambitious reform of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 despite the present deadlock in the Council on the revision. Remarks the case law of the Court of Justice of the EU, in particularly cases C-39/05 P and C-52/05 P where the Court has developed a distinction between documents of legislative and administrative proceedings when considering the conditions governing the public disclosure of documents within the context of the legislative procedure.
The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union gives individuals the right of access to public documents, and criticises the fact that one of the main transparency-related problems facing the European institutions is their own frequent refusal to grant access to documents and information.
It’s necessary to streamline access to information and ensure greater transparency in the application of the rules on exceptions set out in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001.
Commission have to ensure that access is provided to documents and information on formal notice issued to and infringement proceedings taken against Member States and on the implementation of Court of Justice judgments.
Based on an initial reaction, I'd say three things strike me.
The lack of a well-defined issue that the platform is going to adress, i. e., the scope is very big and the goal in terms of european-wide usage s not. Many of the buzzwords are there, but what do they signify.
The lack of connecting to andor building on a specific project forerunner or possibly forerunners.
That finally e-signatures might be getting airplay again.
This is based on only having had a look at this one deliverable.
