Brussels, 10/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - At the “Telecoms” Council in Luxembourg on 6 June, ministers held a debate on the remaining barriers to completing the single digital market, as well as the approaches that need to be adopted so that it is possible to move forward to its completion by 2015. Irish Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte explained that the European Union had to remain competitive and needed to boost its activities in the sector, at a time when recession is biting hard. He also said that the figures prove that the digital sector is continuing to create jobs, wealth and added value. The digital sector, he said, is the future. He also emphasised that the companies which frequently used internet resources grew twice as fast as their competitors. Neelie Kroes, the commissioner responsible for the digital strategy, said that “we are on the same wavelength with regard to providing companies, operators and consumers with opportunities” as well as good and reasonably priced connections for the latter. She added that she would continue to play a leading role.
Ministers noted of the European Commission's intention to put forward new proposals in the autumn. Kroes said that “this is not about starting from scratch. We are going to build on our achievements and improve everything in the interest of all the stakeholders concerned”. During the debate, member states agreed on the principle of completing the digital single market. They believe that European consumers must have access to broadband services wherever they are and should not have to suffer due to market fragmentation. Citizens also have to be better trained with regard to new technologies and acquire the necessary skill sets. Ministers also consider that a more investment-friendly environment needs to emerge, by means of an enhanced and stable regulatory framework, as well as better cooperation between regulators, without losing sight of consumers' interests. Some member states, however, were more sceptical about the need to adopt new rules, which they believe could result in a too rigid straitjacket emerging. Some member states also expressed concerns about market concentration in the hands of just a few dominant operators. Overall, member states consider that, although new provisions should be adopted, they should also take into account the specificities of the respective national markets. (IL/transl.fl)