​On 11 October, 125th plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions adopted with unanimity Cllr Kieran McCarthy's opinion on the European Commission's Communication "Building a European Data Economy", which was published earlier this year.

In the opinion, Cllr McCarthy argues that local and regional authorities could have a key role in creating a database of public information, providing data security, developing necessary digital and entrepreneurial skills, and securing and facilitating funding for broadband networks. He also calls on the European Commission to support local and regional authorities in their financing activities by continuing to authorise priority deployment of the European Structural and Investment Funds towards digital infrastructure in all European regions.

To read Mr McCarthy's opinion, please click here.