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14 Nov 2000, South Korea

Dr. Ecommerce,

Could you please explain the concept of ' self-regulation' and ' Co-regulation' as given within the framework of the eEurope initiative?

Tres bonne journee!

Hyung-Bok

Dear Hyung-Bok:

Commissioner Erkki Liikanen described these concepts in a recent speech when he said:

"The Commission has consistently backed self-regulation as a flexible, efficient and cost-effective alternative to regulation in many areas - achieving the same results, but without the delays of a time-consuming lawmaking process. However, certain conditions must be met. Self-regulation must be in conformity with, and backed by law. It must be enforceable and verifiable. Until recently, regulation and self-regulation were often seen as diametrically opposed. Pressures from the digital economy have led to a more inclusive approach. Polarity has given way to integration. This is why I [Erkki Liikanen] welcome the idea of a "cooperative approach to governance" - or "co-regulation". Co-regulation implies taking self-regulation one step further. Rather than the mere coexistence of regulation and co-regulation, it implies the sharing of responsibilities through agreements between public and private partners. "

Click here to read the full speech (note, it is a winword .doc file) and here for the eEurope initiative .

All the best,

Dr. Ecommerce