The digital divide within the European Union

Abstract

This paper is about the differences in the extent of Internet connectivity: globally and, more specifically, within the European Union. After May 1, 2004, when the European Union was enlarged from 15 to 25 member states, the digital divide in the EU was substantially widened (national connectivity varying from less than 10 to more than 60%), caused by regional lack of technological infrastructure as well as cultural and psychological factors. This inequality in internet-connectivity in the EU will have important consequences for communication, dissemination of information, economy (e-commerce!) et cetera. Consequently, parallel to digital media, traditional means of dissemination of information – such as printed books, public libraries, local broadcasting – should be maintained and furthered. (Note: Many ‘most recent’ national data on internet-connectivity are two to three years old.)