This presentation gives an overview of European Commission policies and initiatives aiming to promote open access to scientific information in the European Research Area (ERA). In this policy area, the Commission acts both as a policymaking and as a funding body. As policymaker, it defines policies within the context of European research and ICT policy. As a funding body, it lays down rules on access to the results of the research it funds within the Framework Programme for research development. This contribution introduces the European Commission's general approach regarding access to scientific information, presents specific initiatives in the field of open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications, and develops a first approach to open access to data.

1. Celina Ramjoué European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation Open Access and Open Data Cologne, 13-14 December 2010 Open Access in the European Research Area