DIGITAL SIGNATURE DIRECTIVE - progress

[Nigel Hickson]

Colleagues =


I noted that I would report on discussions in Brusssels between member
States on the draft Directive.  These took place today in the framework o=
f
the SOG-IS group.  They were very positive; all countries voiced support
for what the Commission were trying to achieve; there were concerns howev=
er
about the sheer complexity of tackling elctronic (as opposed to digital)
signatures and the difficulties of legisalting for legal recognition when=

member states legal systems were so different.  =


The Commission will no doubt reflect and will hopefully reflect some of t=
he
comments in their next draft (or the final text).  As I have said we hope=

it will be adopted by Commission ahead of Telecoms Council in May (19).

Regards

Nigel Hickson =