EU and US agree on cross-border ICT trade principles

The European Union and the US government have agreed to jointly support and promote a number of trade-related ICT principles which could lead to lower and more competitive prices for IT services.

Ten principles have been agreed in a bid to create a level playing field for IT services firms, making it easier for them to compete for contracts globally, for example.

European Digital Agenda commissioner Neelie Kroes said that the EU-US Trade Principles for ICT Services (PDF) is an important milestone in transatlantic business, and will benefit companies and end users.

"These principles, which the EU and the US will seek to incorporate in their trade agreements with other countries, will help to ensure that trade rules are used as an effective tool to open up ICT markets worldwide to the benefit of all businesses and consumers," she said.

EU trade commissioner Karel De Gucht added that the agreement will also help the EU when engaging with other trade partners.

The EU and US will jointly adhere to principles including transparency, open networks, cross-border data transfers and the more open use of local infrastructure and spectrum.

The European Commission added that governments should allow full foreign participation in their IT services sectors.

Other work will see national organisations co-operating on reducing the digital divide.