Brussels, 26/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - The EU regulatory framework on telecommunications (“connected continent”) will be the main point of the Telecommunications Council on Thursday 27 November. Among the other items on the agenda will be internet accessibility and governance.
Ministers will begin the session by taking stock of work begun on the connected continent package and will assess progress thus far (see EUROPE 11166). Despite numerous preparatory technical meetings, the Italian Presidency of the Council has not managed to bring the member states to a common position, with several countries calling for technical work to continue, particularly on roaming.
Internet neutrality and roaming are the most controversial issues. “Despite the considerable efforts made so far, all that can be done is to take stock of the preparatory work”, said a source, going on to say that the package proposed by previous commissioner Neelie Kroes remains relevant. “Even those who are delaying a decision are agreed in saying that the package has to remain; the new Commission has confirmed the importance it attaches to the package, so the work must go on”, stated the expert.
Web access. Ministers will take note of a progress report on improving access to the web sites of a number of public bodies. The Italian Presidency believes it has managed to put together a “rather robust” report and that a draft directive could be adopted in the first half of next year.
Web governance. The Council will also adopt conclusions on internet governance, and in particular the role of the EU in this governance, with global reform in progress towards multipartite governance of the internet, which has hitherto been managed by private US bodies. The Commission and the member states are determined to be part of this reform, the Italian Presidency has indicated.
The Presidency will brief ministers on the state of progress on a proposal to enhance network and information security. The Council is currently engaged in talks with the European Parliament on this issue. Lastly, over lunch, ministers will discuss the telecommunications aspects of the mid-term review of the EUROPE 2020 strategy scheduled for 2015. (IL)