This document summarizes a panel discussion on implementing the revised EU Public Sector Information (PSI) Directive in Belgium. The directive aims to foster open data policy and reuse of public sector information by establishing minimum rules across EU states. It obligates public authorities to make information reusable with marginal cost-based charges and process reuse requests within 20 days. While libraries, museums and archives have special arrangements, the directive generally promotes electronic distribution and non-discriminatory access. Panelists discussed Belgium's current application and the steps, content, cultural sector considerations, and feasibility of full implementation by the June 2015 deadline.

1. Information and Communication Technology
PSI -> Belgian
implementation path
Datadays
17/2/2014
Tanguy De Lestré
Tanguy.delestre@agoria.be

2. Panel
2
• Panel on the implementation path in Belgium
– Dominique De Vos Director General ad., Chancelery
Prime minister
– Noël Van Herreweghe, Programme manager Open
Data, Coordination cell Flemish e-government
– Mathias De Schrijver; Analyst ICT strategy Flemish
Government
– André Blavier Expert comunication and web, Agence
Wallonne des Télécommunications
• Moderator: Tanguy De Lestré (Agoria)

3. Topic
3
• The directive on the re-use of public sector information, so
called PSI directive, was changed in June 2013.
• (DIRECTIVE 2013/37/EU of the European Parliament and of
the Council of 26 June 2013).
• By 18 July 2015, Member States need to adopt and publish
the laws, regulations and administrative provisions
necessary to comply with this Directive.
• In this session you will learn what is at stake at the different
Federal and Regional levels: procedure, new points to take
into account,…

4. 4
PSI Public Service information

5. Existing PSI directive
5
• First steps in re-use:
– Re-use
– Appeal procedure
– Portal
• However: no obligation to make data available on re-use

6. 6
PSI update – European view

7. Aim: Creation of "data value chain
friendly" policy environment
• Fostering of (Open) Data policy
• Adoption of the revised Directive on the re-use of Public
Sector Information (PSI) and the Commission decision on re-
use of its own information
• Implementation of PSI policy across Europe by ensuring
compliance and the development of soft law instruments
(e.g. guidelines on licensing and charging)
• Stakeholder involvement and engagement

8. Why?
• Untapped data is the new gold; possible direct and indirect
gains of €140bln across the EU27; Dutch geo-sector in
2008: 15.000 jobs
• Better governance and citizen empowerment: open data
increases transparency, citizen participation and
administrative efficiency and accountability
• Addressing societal challenges: data can enhance
sustainability of health care systems; essential for tackling
environmental challenges
• Accelerating scientific progress: e-science essential for
meeting the challenges of the 21st century in scientific
discovery and learning.

9. Strategy
• Communication on Open Data (COM(2011)882)
• A revision of the Decision governing the re-use of
Commission's own information (2011/833/EU)
• Revision of the Directive on the re-use of public sector
information (2013/37/EU)
• Open data-portals

10. 10
Content PSI Directive
(source :Open Data Support
http://www.opendatasupport.eu )

11. Official
• Endorsement and publication of Directive 2013/37/EU of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013
amending Directive 2003/98/EC on the reuse of Public
Sector Information.
• Member States are obliged to implement the new Directive
in two years – there will be a gradual adoption of the new
obligations.

12. Obligations for public authorities
• Make information re-usable for commercial or non-
commercial purposes under non-discriminatory conditions.
• Process requests and provide access within 20 days (or 40
if request is complex); justify negative decision and inform
about how to appeal.
• Charge no more than cost of reproduction, provision and
dissemination; publicise charges and indicate calculation
basis on request.
• Publish licences in digital format.
• Facilitate search for information preferably online (e.g.
portal).

13. Public sector may not:
• Unnecessarily restrict reuse.
• Grant exclusive rights, unless necessary, subject to
review every 3 years.

14. Extension to culture
• While libraries, museums and archives are included
in the revised Directive, they will be subject to a
different regime for reuse and charging.

15. How does the revised PSI Directive encourage
openness?
• Sets minimum rules across the EU for availability of information
produced by public sector and government agencies.
• Specifies rights for people and organisations that want to reuse the
information.
• Recommends distribution by electronic means.
• But:
– Does not mandate information to be available free of charge (marginal cost of
reproduction, provision and dissemination may be charged).
– Allows some public sector organisations to charge in order to cover cost (e.g. special
arrangements for cultural heritage organisations).

16. 16
Panel

17. Panel
17
• Panel on the implementation path in Belgium
– Dominique De Vos Director General ad., Chancelery
Prime minister
– Noël Van Herreweghe, Programme manager Open
Data, Coordination cell Flemish e-government
– Mathias De Schrijver; Analyst ICT strategy Flemish
Government
– André Blavier Expert comunication and web, Agence
Wallonne des Télécommunications
• Moderator: Tanguy De Lestré (Agoria)

18. Panel questions
18
• How is it being applied NOW and how could it be made different with the
NEW PSI Directive?
• What are the steps?
• Content?
• Cultural sector?
• June 2015 realistic?

19. Contact
19
• Tanguy De Lestré
• Business Development Manager
• AGORIA
• Diamant Building
• Bd A. Reyers Ln 80
• B-1030 Brussel / Bruxelles
• T: +32 2 7067992 (coordinator 8126)
• M: +32 486384618
• Tanguy.delestre@agoria.be