Open letter addressing DG Connect’s paper-free communication policy

Sep 16, 2013

The European Commission’s DG Connect committed to a paper -free communication policy in an article published on their website, but several organisations of the paper value chain including CEPI, Intergraf, FEDMA and FEPE answered in an open letter asking DG Connect not to abandon millions of citizens with their communication policy.

Paper-based communication remains very important for millions of Europeans, if one only thinks of all the people who do not have online access, they will be left behind if communication becomes paperless. Despite the benefits of digital technology, paper should be complementary to electronic media and not discarded. Printed communication remains essential for various reasons, it encompasses a big part of the European industry. Implementing this policy will in turn discriminate millions who value printed communication or depend on it as they do not have internet access.

The full letter is accessible here.

Further information on ‘Myths and Realities’ when it comes to paper here.