Advisory Panel on Public Sector Information

The aim of the PSI Directive was to introduce basic conditions to facilitate the re-use of PSI throughout the EU.

The review of the PSI Directive concluded that since its launch in 2003:

• Progress has been made but big barriers still exist
• Commercial re-use of PSI has been allowed
• Monopolies have been broken
• Fair trading conditions have been introduced
• Prices have been decreased
• There is more transparency

The main barriers identified by the review include:

• attempts made by public sector bodies to maximise cost recovery
• competition between public and private sectors
• practical issues hindering re-use, such as the lack of information on available PSI
• the mindset of public sector bodies failing to realise the economic potential of PSI re-use
  

The review recommends that Member States should:

• focus their efforts on full and correct implementation and application of the Directive
• terminate exclusive arrangements
• apply licensing and charging models that facilitate the availability and re-use of PSI
• ensure equal conditions for public sector bodies re-using their own documents and other re-users
• promote quick and inexpensive conflict and resolution mechanisms
  

The review says that the Commission will:

• Closely monitor implementation and application of the Directive
• Scrutinise exclusive arrangements (2009-10) in particular
• Analyse the economic case for marginal cost
• Encourage the exchange of good practices (proactive re-use policies, public tasks, conflict resolution)
• Further review by 2012, accompanied where appropriate by a proposal for amendments to the Directive.
  

See details of EC staff working document