31.12.91 Official Joumai of the European Communities No L 377/41 COUNCIL DECISION of 12 December 1991 adopting a programme for the establishment of an internal information services market (91/691/EEC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 235 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), Having regard to the opinion of the E‘uropean Parliament (2), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), Whereas, by virtue of the economic importance of information, the creation of an internal information services market occupies an essential place in the strengthening of the internal market between now and the end of 1992; Whereas the initial results of the implementation of the plan of action for setting up an information service market adopted by Council Decision 88/524/EEC (%) indicate that a further programme is necessary; Whereas there are numerous legal, administrative, fiscal and technical barriers to the development of an internal information market which are hindering the setting up of new services and in some cases causing distortions of competition; Whereas the development of information resources and information-based services requires the application of new technologies in European cooperation; Whereas the Community has a competitive position which is strong in some sectors of the information market but needs to be strengthened in others, without creating distortions of competition; Whereas the need for simplification of procedures as well as harmonization in the field of database access should undergo priority scrutiny; Whereas the needs and legitimate demands of users of information  services, particularly in small and (1) OJ Nr. C 53, 28. 2. 1991, p. 65. (2) OJ Nr. C 240, 16. 9. 1991, p. 220. (3) O] Nr. C 159, 17. 6. 1991, p. 16. (4 OJ Nr. L 288, 21. 10. 1988, p. 39. medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and in the less favoured regions of the Community, merit special attention; - Whereas there should be adequate means of informing SMEs of the programme and encouraging them to take part in it; ‘ Whereas the different rates of development in the provision and use of information services in the Member States deserve special attention, having regard to the internal cohesion of the Community and the working of the internal market; Whereas that part of the amount estimated as necessary which is intended to finance pilot and demonstration projects may be used, in particular, to attract possible additional sources of funding from the partners concerned, thereby having a multiplier effect on the development of the European information services market; Whereas any information market policy must be complementary to other ongoing Community initiatives, notably in the field for telecommunications; Whereas provision should be made for a four-year programme; Whereas the funds estimated as necessary for the implementation of the programme amount to ECU 64 million; whereas the funds estimated as necessary for the period 1991/92, within the current financial perspective, amount to ECU 21,6 million; Whereas the amounts to be committed for financing the programme after financial year 1992 should be included in the Community financial framework in force; Whereas the Treaty does not provide, for the adoption of this Decision, powers other than those laid down in Article 235 thereof, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1. A programme is hereby set up with the following objectives: