The association has raised concerns that without sustainable, long-term funding mechanisms aligned with EU policy objectives, future initiatives like the award-winning Open Maps for Europe service may struggle to remain viable.
Carol Agius, head of representation and stakeholder engagement at EuroGeographics, emphasized the importance of Digital Europe funding in enabling their members to deliver harmonized, pan-European open data from over 40 countries through the Open Maps for Europe project. She stated, “By fostering innovation, market development, and growth to support the digital economy, this initiative aligns with the Open Data and re-use of Public Sector Information (PSI) Directive.”
Open Maps for Europe 2 Initiative
Agius elaborated that with further funding from the Digital Europe programme, EuroGeographics aims to expand its efforts through the Open Maps for Europe 2 (OME2) initiative. In collaboration with members from Belgium, France, Greece, Spain, and the Netherlands, the OME2 consortium is working on a new production process and technical specification to develop a prototype for edge-matched, large-scale pan-European datasets that encompass 10 countries. This project seeks to address the challenges of accessing and licensing authoritative high-value geospatial data across Europe.
Agius also highlighted how OME2 aligns with the European Strategy for Data, particularly through the implementation of the Open Data and re-use of PSI Directive, the release of high-value datasets, and the evolution of the INSPIRE Directive towards the GreenData4All initiative. She stressed that the project effectively meets the demand for geospatial information across various common data spaces.
Breaking the Funding Barrier
In conclusion, Agius addressed a significant challenge organizations face after project completion: the necessity of sustainable funding to ensure the ongoing release of up-to-date, harmonized, and easily accessible data of consistent or improved quality and quantity.
“Programs that support digital transition, such as Digital Europe, should provide solutions. It is disappointing that future strategic funding is linked to various policy areas without mentioning open data or data provision for Data Spaces. This disconnect makes it challenging for EuroGeographics and its members to connect future activities to the Digital Europe programme, which will hinder innovation, particularly in developing large-scale, high-value pan-European data as indicated by OME2 feedback,” she stated.
“If the European Commission aims to encourage further innovations within data areas, it must establish appropriate funding mechanisms directly linked to EU policy priorities.”
In its submission, EuroGeographics emphasized the need for Digital Europe to respond to stakeholder needs and adapt to the data requirements of businesses, citizens, and public administrations. The association recommended placing particular emphasis on the pan-European data requirements of these groups, which extend beyond the national remit of National Mapping and Cadastral Authorities (NMCAs).
