Close Menu
  • English
  • Featured
    • AI & Robotics
    • Energy
    • Finance
    • Leisure
    • Science
    • Security
    • Sustainable Development
    • Tech
    • Transport
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us

Subscribe to News

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive the very best articles of the moment, handpicked and delivered straight to your inbox.

Illustration of the Three Gorges Dam in China and its potential impact on Earth's rotation (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.
“China Disrupts Earth’s Rotation”: NASA Confirms Planet-Slowing Project With Shocking Global Effects Already Underway
Illustration of tattooed tardigrades demonstrating living electronics (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.
“They Tattooed Tiny Creatures—and Unlocked Nature’s Cheat Code”: What Scientists Just Did Has the Whole World Freaking Out
Illustration of Mark Zuckerberg's luxury superyachts journey to Norway's fjords for a heliskiing adventure (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.
“Even the U.S. Is Shocked”: Zuckerberg’s 5,300-Mile Yacht Voyage and Helicopter Ski Drop Redefine Billionaire Excess
Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn RSS
Rude Baguette
Facebook X (Twitter) RSS
Newsletter
  • Featured
  • AI
    Illustration of humanoid robots competing in sports events in Beijing (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    Beijing Launches World’s First Humanoid Robot Sports Games as Machines Compete for Glory in Jaw-Dropping Showdown

    May 13, 2025 at 9:02 AM
    Illustration of the Amphibious Robotic Dog inspired by natural dog movements (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “This Robot Dog Swims and Sprints”: Nature-Inspired Machine Conquers Land and Water With Jaw-Dropping Agility

    May 13, 2025 at 8:05 AM
    Illustration of BabyBot mimicking infant feeding behaviors (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “This Robot Feeds Like a Baby”: Meet BabyBot, the Soft Marvel Revolutionizing Infant Feeding Research with Astonishing Precision and Unmatched Expertise

    May 11, 2025 at 3:51 PM
    Illustration of a tiny, shape-shifting microrobot navigating complex terrains (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “China’s Flying Lego Bot Is Real”: Miniature Microrobot Now Soars and Drives to Conquer Earth’s Harshest Terrain

    May 11, 2025 at 5:57 AM
    Illustration of artificial intelligence's learning process as a pattern recognizer and its challenges with bias and hallucinations (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “AI Doesn’t Think—It Mimics”: This Learning Method Reveals a Flawed Intelligence Model That Could Threaten Decision-Making Worldwide

    May 9, 2025 at 3:59 PM
  • Energy
    Illustration of the Three Gorges Dam in China and its potential impact on Earth's rotation (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “China Disrupts Earth’s Rotation”: NASA Confirms Planet-Slowing Project With Shocking Global Effects Already Underway

    May 13, 2025 at 3:51 PM
    Illustration of Alpha Ring's Fusion AI Data Centre connecting global fusion research labs (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Fusion Labs Now Linked”: US Builds Super Device to Unite Global Reactor Tests and Accelerate Nuclear Breakthroughs

    May 11, 2025 at 7:08 AM
    Illustration of the breakthrough in fusion energy development, highlighting the resolution of magnetic containment flaws (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Scientists Finally Break the Fusion Barrier”: US Team Fixes 70-Year Energy Flaw in Stunning Scientific Breakthrough

    May 8, 2025 at 4:58 PM
    Illustration of researchers observing restricted heat flow in high-energy-density plasma using lasers (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    This Super-Hot Plasma Test Just Changed Everything: US Fires Up 180,000°F Fusion Blast in Monumental Scientific Milestone

    May 7, 2025 at 4:58 PM
    Illustration of bacteria generating electricity as a symbol of biobattery (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

    “These Bacteria Spit Electricity”: A Groundbreaking Discovery Set to Ignite a Massive Green Energy Revolution across the United States

    May 5, 2025 at 4:03 PM
  • Finance
    Illustration of Visa's integration of AI systems into digital payments (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

    Visa’s AI Is Now Shopping for You: This Robot May Soon Swipe Your Card Automatically—and Mess With Your Mind

    May 4, 2025 at 8:07 AM
    Microsoft Strikes Unprecedented Deal: World's Largest CO2 Removal at 7.44 Million Tons, Setting New Environmental Milestone

    “Microsoft Strikes Historic Climate Deal”: World’s Largest CO2 Removal Pact Targets 6.75 Million Tons in Unmatched Green Push

    April 19, 2025 at 9:55 AM
    RLWRLD Stuns Tech World With $15.6 Million Fundraise to Revolutionize Robotics: Unleashing Unprecedented Innovations That Will Shock the Industry

    “Robots Just Got Smarter”: RLWRLD Raises $14.8 Million to Build Groundbreaking Foundational AI Model for the Future of Robotics

    April 17, 2025 at 6:47 AM
    Marshmallow's Meteoric Rise: British Migrant Insurance Startup Secures $90 Million, Surges Past $2 Billion Valuation in Unprecedented Move

    “Built for Outsiders, Backed by Billions”: UK’s Marshmallow Raises $90 Million as Migrant-Focused Insurtech Soars Past $2 Billion Valuation

    April 17, 2025 at 6:02 AM
    Why the tech industry needs a labor/union movement

    Why the tech industry needs a labor/union movement

    October 2, 2022 at 3:39 PM
  • Leisure
    Illustration of Mark Zuckerberg's luxury superyachts journey to Norway's fjords for a heliskiing adventure (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Even the U.S. Is Shocked”: Zuckerberg’s 5,300-Mile Yacht Voyage and Helicopter Ski Drop Redefine Billionaire Excess

    May 13, 2025 at 9:49 AM
    Illustration of the delayed release announcement for Grand Theft Auto VI by Rockstar Games (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    Total Shock for Gamers Worldwide: GTA VI Now Postponed to 2026 After Rockstar Vows to Redefine the Entire Franchise

    May 7, 2025 at 5:49 AM
    Illustration of the delayed release of GTA VI and its implications for the gaming industry (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Red Dead Proves the Wait Is Worth It”: Rockstar’s Masterpiece Shows Why GTA 6 Delay Could Deliver Gaming’s Next Big Legend

    May 6, 2025 at 4:47 PM
    Illustration of HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us exploring character depth and emotional storytelling (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    The Last of Us Reinvented: Season 2 Takes Bold Step Beyond the Game’s Limits in Stunning, Unforgettable Storytelling Move

    May 6, 2025 at 12:14 PM
    Illustration of the highly anticipated PlayStation 6 console with advanced features and technologies (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “PlayStation 6 Is Coming Fast”: Sony’s Next Console May Launch Much Sooner Than Anyone Predicted, Shocking the Gaming World

    May 6, 2025 at 10:03 AM
  • Science
    Illustration of tattooed tardigrades demonstrating living electronics (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “They Tattooed Tiny Creatures—and Unlocked Nature’s Cheat Code”: What Scientists Just Did Has the Whole World Freaking Out

    May 13, 2025 at 11:56 AM
    Illustration of the European Space Agency's ACES mission with the PHARAO atomic clock aboard the ISS (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “They’re Sending a Fridge-Sized Clock to Space”: This French Atomic Time Machine Could Change Everything About Navigation

    May 12, 2025 at 3:56 PM
    Illustration of the Black Beauty meteorite revealing evidence of ancient hot water on Mars (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Martian Hot Springs Found!”: Astounding 2011 Meteorite Purchase in Morocco Reveals Earth-Shattering Proof of Water on Mars, Valued at Over $10,000

    May 10, 2025 at 9:00 AM
    Illustration of Ray Kurzweil envisioning human immortality by 2030 through technological advancements (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Immortality Within Reach in Just 5 Years”: This Famed Futurologist Who Predicted the Internet and iPhone Reveals Astonishing Vision

    May 10, 2025 at 7:03 AM
    Illustration of a quantum communications network utilizing photons for secure data transfer between campuses (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    US Reveals Stunning Leap: This Groundbreaking Chip-Based Photon Network Set to Revolutionize Secure Quantum Data Transfers Across America

    May 10, 2025 at 5:46 AM
  • Security
    Illustration of the BlueWhale System, an advanced autonomous underwater vehicle designed for naval warfare, equipped with sophisticated sensors (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Unstoppable Sea Phantom”: This 40-Foot Drone Submarine Dominates Ocean Warfare, Packed with Massive Combat-Ready Payloads for Ultimate Naval Supremacy

    May 11, 2025 at 5:04 PM
    Illustration of the FP-1 long-range drone being unveiled during Ukraine's Infantry Day celebrations (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    Ukraine Unleashes Game-Changing 1,000-Mile Drone: This Aerial Beast Hauls 265-Pound Explosive Payload, Shattering Boundaries of Modern Warfare

    May 11, 2025 at 11:47 AM
    Illustration of Recce360 Deep Inspection Camera operating in a high-security, nuclear environment (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Indestructible Spy Bot Deployed”: US Unveils First-Ever Nuke-Proof Robot to Guard Missile Silos With Unstoppable Surveillance

    May 11, 2025 at 8:07 AM
    Illustration of the "White Emperor" fighter mockup showcased at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “China’s White Emperor Breaks the Rules”: Stunning New Fighter Jet Could Redefine Air Superiority and Shock Global Militaries

    May 10, 2025 at 3:56 PM
    Illustration of Latvia's autonomous kamikaze drone, BLAZE, engaging enemy UAVs (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    This Latvian Drone Has Russia Stunned: Under-60-Second Strikes Ignite Panic in Kremlin Defense Circles

    May 9, 2025 at 4:46 PM
  • Impact
    Illustration of Iceland's successful implementation of a four-day workweek and its impact on productivity and well-being (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Gen Z Was Right All Along”: Iceland’s 4-Day Workweek Proves a Massive Success Five Years After Bold National Shift

    May 12, 2025 at 7:54 AM
    Illustration of the majestic Jeddah Tower under construction, symbolizing architectural innovation and cultural preservation (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Saudi Arabia Unleashes Construction Fury”: This Mind-Blowing 3,280-Foot Jeddah Tower Set to Shatter Global Records and Redefine Skyscraper History

    May 6, 2025 at 3:59 PM
    Illustration of the ambitious Neom project and The Line skyscrapers amidst the Saudi Arabian desert (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Unprecedented Crisis Looms”: This Massive $500 Billion Construction Site Faces Catastrophic Delays as 10,000 Workers Sound the Alarm

    May 6, 2025 at 7:08 AM
    Illustration of revolutionary nickel extraction using hydrogen plasma to reduce emissions (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Green Battery Revolution Begins”: New Nickel Extraction Cuts Emissions by 84% and Could Transform the Entire EV Industry

    May 4, 2025 at 6:53 AM
    Illustration of global freshwater distribution and geopolitical challenges (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

    This Map of Earth’s Remaining Freshwater Reserves Exposes the Alarming Truth Behind the Coming Global Water Crisis

    April 29, 2025 at 4:53 PM
  • Tech
    Illustration of a person sporting a Continuous Glucose Monitor to detect early diabetes signs (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “This Wearable Sees Diabetes Coming”: New CGM Tech Detects Early Warning Signs With Unmatched Accuracy, Study Confirms

    May 13, 2025 at 7:07 AM
    Illustration of the Millennium M2000 Supercomputer revolutionizing AI-driven industries (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “This $2M Beast Obliterates Slow Science”: Millennium M2000 Supercomputer Is Smashing Research Speeds Worldwide

    May 13, 2025 at 6:13 AM
    Illustration of Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, leading the list of intellectually astute American CEOs based on linguistic analysis (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Elon Musk Made the List”: Linguistic Analysis Reveals the Smartest U.S. CEOs—and Some Names Will Truly Shock You

    May 12, 2025 at 12:13 PM
    Illustration of global leaders in research and development intensity with Israel at the forefront (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    Not China, Not the U.S.: This Unexpected Country Now Leads the World in Research and Development Spending

    May 12, 2025 at 10:02 AM
    Illustration of a programmer discovering fraudulent USB drives purchased from Amazon and developing a tool for data protection (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “All 12 Were Fakes”: After Buying Dozens of Fraudulent USB Drives on Amazon, This Man Released a Free Detection Tool

    May 12, 2025 at 9:10 AM
  • Transport
    Illustration of Airbus's innovative foldable wing technology for enhanced aviation efficiency (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    Airbus Shocks the Aviation World With a Jet Whose Folding Wings Dramatically Cut Fuel Burn and Boost Efficiency

    May 12, 2025 at 5:11 PM
    Illustration of a Tesla Cybertruck sitting idle in a parking lot (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Rotting on a Lot for Months”: This Shocking Tesla Discovery Left a U.S. Buyer Completely Stunned at Delivery

    May 12, 2025 at 6:58 AM
    Illustration of the Bugatti Bolide hypercar showcasing its extraordinary speed and performance on the Nürburgring track (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    Bugatti’s New Monster Hits 186 MPH and Leaves McLaren and Porsche in the Dust With Record-Shattering Acceleration

    May 11, 2025 at 10:14 AM
    Illustration of the Astute-class submarine showcasing its advanced stealth features and propulsion system (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    This Submarine Moves Like a Dolphin: Astute-Class Redefines Stealth Warfare With Silent Navigation and Lethal Efficiency

    May 10, 2025 at 5:14 PM
    Illustration of the Tu-160M supersonic bomber during a flight mission (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    This Russian Bomber Has U.S. Eyes Locked In: Pentagon Closely Tracks Tu-160M as Supersonic Show of Force Escalates

    May 10, 2025 at 12:08 PM
  • English
Rude Baguette

European Commission cuts 2020 Digital Agenda budget by 90%

Eirwen WilliamsBy Eirwen WilliamsFebruary 12, 2013 at 8:55 AM04 Mins Read
Share Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp Email Copy Link
Follow Us
Google News
Share
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn WhatsApp Email Copy Link

Coming on the heels of Liam’s adventures in the hallowed halls of the European Commission and just in time for one of telecoms biggest events of the year, the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, comes some disappointing news from Neelie Kroes, the European Commissioner for Digital Agenda.  In the midst of the tough EU budget deal negotiations, some unfortunate sacrifices had to be made.  One of the biggest, which was announced over the weekend on Commissioner Kroes’ blog, is sure to be a big let down to Europe’s telecoms, governments, tech communities, and the general public alike. Unfortunately, the digital part of the Connecting Europe Facility, the investment vehicle funding the EU’s 2020 digital agenda, will be cut substantially from €9.2 billion to €1 billion.  Commissioner Kroes anticipates that the remaining funds will still enable them to invest in service infrastructure (i.e. eProcurement and eInvoicing), helping to create a digital single market and ‘quality, 21st century public services” for Europeans.  However, digital services will be the limit of what the EC can now invest in as there is no longer enough to help fund, arguably, the biggest and most important initiative, the expansion of ultra-high speed broadband networks across the EU.

As a reminder, the EU’s Digital Agenda, which will be funded by the Connecting Europe Facility, set out 7 main pillars that are meant to “reboot the EU economy and enable Europe’s citizens and businesses to get the most out of digital technologies.”  One of the principal pillars, which pretty much provides the foundation for the other six, is pillar IV – high-speed and ultra high-speed internet access.  There are various actions underpinning this pillar, but there are two main objectives to retain:  1) for the entire EU to be covered by broadband above 30Mbps by 2020 and b) for 50 % of the EU to subscribe to broadband above 100 Mbps by 2020.  When announcing the big budget cut, Commissioner Kroes declared that the 2020 goal would remain.  The obvious question is how are they going to achieve such ambitious objectives with €8 billion less? Comissioner Kroes didn’t have any definitive answers to this problem, but did offer a bit of consolation in the form of the  European Investment Bank, which she committed to actively lobby in order to convince them to increase their lending for broadband infrastructure projects.  However, as it’s clear that this isn’t going to completely make up for the shortfall, she also encouraged member states to look to public-private partnerships as an answer.  She stressed that this could be a workable solution, however to ensure their success member states’ local markets need to be “more integrated, coherent and efficient, with a better balance of risk and reward.”

Given the substantial cost required to build broadband networks, it’s obvious that even €8 billion would never have covered the full cost of these projects across Europe. These types of projects are notoriously difficult given the substantial level of upfront investment required, which often deters the private sector from taking on a lead role.  France, for example, obviously has a ways to go until there’s truly ultra high-speed (or even high-speed) internet across all of France.  To make sure project comes to fruition, the French government pretty much had to take the lead role on this one. They’ve demonstrated, at least initially, that they’re committed to the goal and are working hard to put a practical model in place to achieve it.  As France is leaning heavily on public-private initiatives to get this done, if the French government manages to structure and execute these partnerships well, perhaps they could serve as a model to follow for other EU countries also pushing to achieve the 2020 goals.

Did you like it? 4.7/5 (25)

Subscribe to News

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive the very best articles of the moment, handpicked and delivered straight to your inbox.

European Commission Neelie Kroes
Follow on Google News Follow on X (Twitter)
Share. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp Email Copy Link
Previous ArticleMandala Games founder Nadya Jahan announces company’s Bankruptcy
Next Article Rude VC: Percent vs. value
Related Posts
Illustration of Visa's integration of AI systems into digital payments (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

Visa’s AI Is Now Shopping for You: This Robot May Soon Swipe Your Card Automatically—and Mess With Your Mind

Microsoft Strikes Unprecedented Deal: World's Largest CO2 Removal at 7.44 Million Tons, Setting New Environmental Milestone

“Microsoft Strikes Historic Climate Deal”: World’s Largest CO2 Removal Pact Targets 6.75 Million Tons in Unmatched Green Push

RLWRLD Stuns Tech World With $15.6 Million Fundraise to Revolutionize Robotics: Unleashing Unprecedented Innovations That Will Shock the Industry

“Robots Just Got Smarter”: RLWRLD Raises $14.8 Million to Build Groundbreaking Foundational AI Model for the Future of Robotics

Add A Comment
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Subscribe to News

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive the very best articles of the moment, handpicked and delivered straight to your inbox.

Illustration of the Three Gorges Dam in China and its potential impact on Earth's rotation (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.
“China Disrupts Earth’s Rotation”: NASA Confirms Planet-Slowing Project With Shocking Global Effects Already Underway
Illustration of tattooed tardigrades demonstrating living electronics (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.
“They Tattooed Tiny Creatures—and Unlocked Nature’s Cheat Code”: What Scientists Just Did Has the Whole World Freaking Out
Illustration of Mark Zuckerberg's luxury superyachts journey to Norway's fjords for a heliskiing adventure (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.
“Even the U.S. Is Shocked”: Zuckerberg’s 5,300-Mile Yacht Voyage and Helicopter Ski Drop Redefine Billionaire Excess
News by category
  • English
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leisure
  • Transport
  • Science
  • Security
  • AI & Robotics
  • Energy
  • Sustainable Development
Information
  • Meet the Team
  • Legal notice
  • Privacy policy
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us

Subscribe to News

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive the very best articles of the moment, handpicked and delivered straight to your inbox.

Facebook X (Twitter) RSS
© RudeBaguette.com. All rights reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.