Brussels, 04/05/2015 (Agence Europe) - The President of the EPP group at the European Parliament, Manfred Weber, has stated that “we expect ambitious and bold proposals from the European Commission”. Two days before the eagerly awaited presentation of the Digital Single Market Strategy by Vice President of the Commission, Andrus Ansip, centre and centre-right parties at the European Parliament are underlining the fundamental elements of their position on the digital economy. Weber explained “Until now, legislators have reacted to developments in these sectors far too slowly”.
Roaming: Roaming charges for voice communications, SMS or data must disappear. Although these prices have been reduced over the past few years, these charges continue to be applied to the disadvantage of consumers and enterprise.
Investment in new networks: Investment incentives in new networks (fibre-optic networks, 4G and 5G) must be adopted. These investments could emerge through the Juncker Investment Plan. “As all citizens should be connected to the Internet at the highest speed and the lowest possible costs, hybrid solutions must be taken into account”.
E-commerce and geo-blocking: Consumers are encountering real difficulties when they want to buy goods or reserve services online. In its orientation document, the EPP emphasised “we need to enable consumers to benefit from the choices of a functioning and diversified Digital Single Market”. Appropriate measures have to be adopted to put a stop to all discrimination based on consumers' geographic location. With regard to content access, it is necessary to develop system interoperability and the portability of services.
Copyright: Europe's cultural diversity has to be protected through an efficient copyright system. The EPP is arguing for “a copyright system that promotes the efficient functioning of value chain between creators, authors, producers, publishers, journalists, intermediaries, service providers and users”.
The European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) also published its position on the digital strategy in a document containing around 20 pages, which it sent to Vice President Ansip. According to Vicky Ford (United Kingdom), the coordinator on the ECR's digital market position the ECR wants, overall, “a strategy that will create an environment that is friendly to both consumers and businesses by unlocking the benefits of digital advances, removing barriers to trade to stimulate ecommerce, empowering consumers, and supporting businesses, creators and investors”. The group is proposing the following:
E-commerce: An appropriate regulatory environment that enables consumers to carry out cross-border transactions. “There are many gaps in EU law which impede the proper functioning of digital markets”.
Copyright: Targeted and technologically neutral reforms based on robust studies, which support creators, promote innovation, research and consumer choice.
Roaming: An end to roaming charges but without this leading to price hikes in communications at a national level.
Investment: Modernisation of legislation adapted to technological developments. Private sector investment in new networks is essential and must be encouraged. (Isabelle Lamberty)