Brussels, 22/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission sent a reasoned opinion to Estonia on 21 June enjoining it to comply with EU rules that require a clear separation between the bodies which regulate telecoms markets and those providing telecoms services. European rules state that national authorities exercising regulatory tasks cannot at the same time be involved in the ownership or control of telecoms companies. This is to preserve the impartiality of national telecoms regulators, guaranteeing fair regulation for consumers and businesses and maintaining competition. In Estonia, however, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications manages radio frequencies, numbering resources and provision of universal service. At the same time it exercises control of the state-owned company Levira Ltd, which provides telecoms services, such as broadcasting and wireless broadband access. In September 2011, the European Commission sent a formal notice (first stage of the infringement procedure). It has now moved to the second stage in sending the reasoned opinion. Estonia has two months to inform the Commission of measures taken to comply with EU rules. If it fails to do so, the Commission may refer it to the Court of Justice of the EU. (IL/transl.rt)