Making Open Access a reality for Science

The European Commission Vice-President responsible for the Digital Agenda, Neelie Kroes, gave the opening address at the PEER End of Project Conference 2012 on Tuesday.

Her address contains some encouraging, and quite strong, words about Open Access publication:

First, when research is funded by the EU, we will require open access to the results. Whether by "green" or "gold" routes. And we're working to enlarge those measures to include scientific data as well.

Second, we will shortly present a Recommendation to Member States. A joint initiative of my colleague Máire Geoghegan-Quinn and myself, this will spell out what is needed to improve access, management and preservation of scientific publications and data.

And third, we are currently negotiating the next research and innovation framework programme, Horizon 2020. Our proposed €80 billion would be a wake-up call for European innovation, making it easier to seek funding — and easier to invest in our future.

Read the full text here.