Current State
There is a growing alignment in the location aspects within existing policy and strategic frameworks across the EU. However there is still a need to address the alignment in a a consistent and coherent manner. Lack of alignment and incoherence can result in less effective policies, and in duplication of effort and unnecessary costs. Even though there tends to be a shift in location strategies from provider-focus to user-focus, this area still needs further attention. Data of suitable quality is becoming more readily accessible. There are some good examples of simple, consistent licensing and access to open data but there is limited alignment across Member States. Developments in European data policy, e.g. Open Data Directive, GDPR, and European Data Strategy have given greater emphasis to the data-driven economy balanced with the need for trust.
Vision
A coordinated and aligned policy and strategic approach nationally and across Europe for the use of location information that enables improved and more effective policy making, better integrated and more effective cross-sector and cross-border digital public services, better engagement with businesses and citizens, reduced costs and increased social and economic benefit. Public sector location policies are user-driven and promote availability, accessibility and interoperability. There are simple and consistent approaches to licensing, progressive open data policies that balance the needs of data users and suppliers, and well-managed authentic registers involving location and other datasets. Through all this, location information plays a prominent role in the data-driven economy.
LIFO Monitoring
The Location Information Framework Observatory (LIFO) monitors the implementation of EULF Blueprint recommendations in European countries. Read about the implementation of recommendations in the Policy and Strategy Alignment focus area in the LIFO Country Factsheets or the LIFO European State of Play Report. Explore the results for selected countries at LIFO Interactive Dashboards - Focus Areas.
Recommendations
| Recommendation 1 | Connect location information strategies and digital government strategies in all legal and policy instruments |
| Recommendation 2 | Make location information policy integral to, and aligned with, wider data policy at all levels of government |
| Recommendation 3 | Ensure all measures are in place, consistent with legal requirements, to protect personal privacy when processing location data |
| Recommendation 4 | Make effective use of location-based analysis and location intelligence for evidence based policy making |
| Recommendation 5 | Use a standards based approach in the procurement of location data and related services in line with broader ICT standards based procurement |