Brussels, 20/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - Representatives of the Hungarian and Polish Presidencies, the European Commission and the European Parliament met in Brussels on 17 June, to continue talks on an agreement on the radio-electric spectrum. At the Telecoms Council on 27 May of this year, the Hungarian Presidency held an exchange of views on a progress report, in the absence of a political agreement due to persistent differences of opinion between the member states. The parties have pledged to find an agreement by the end of the year for a coordinated spectrum policy, as envisaged by the European Commission, a position confirmed by the Parliament with its adoption of the Hökmark report at the plenary session of 11 May.
All those taking part in the discussions believe that the European Union must adopt an ambitious strategic programme for the spectrum if it is not to miss out on the economic growth opportunities on offer and benefit from the current technological revolution, to the benefit of the citizens. This is a key priority for Europe and the rapid adoption of the programme is vital for the deployment of broadband, particularly in isolated areas, they stressed. The representatives of the institutions discussed the timing to be observed and noted that the Parliament and Council had made considerable progress under the Hungarian Presidency. This head of steam must be put to good use under the Polish Presidency, which must work to ensure a convergence of opinions between the Parliament, which is highly ambitious, and the Council, which is being held back by certain member states, particularly as regards the deadline of 2013 for the 800 MHz frequency band to be opened up. The Council, Commission and Parliament have pledged to continue talks on a constructive basis. “We have done all that it was possible to do to reach a decision at the Council (…), there are no major elements still on the table (…). We must now reach the best possible agreement, taking account of the opinions of the stakeholders, in order to give Europe the instruments it needs to take part in competition on the world telecoms scene”, said the Hungarian minister for information and communication, Zsolt Nyitrai, on behalf of the Hungarian Presidency. “We need a well-balanced approach and to work in close cooperation, on a solid basis, with the Parliament and the Commission, in order to reach a compromise as soon as possible (…). The aim of the Polish Presidency is to speed up the work”, continued the Polish under secretary of state for telecommunications, Magdalena Gaj, who will be taking the dossier in hand on 1st July. Commissioner Neelie Kroes, who is responsible for the digital agenda, pointed out that “Europe cannot afford to offend by lack of ambition, when other parts of the world are moving forward with major spectrum initiatives”. Lastly, the Parliament rapporteur Gunnar Hökmärk (EPP, Sweden), who called on the member states to show ambition, stressed: “I want Europe to take the lead (…) with businesses that remain in Europe and develop there”. (I.L./transl.fl)