The draft regulation to update the rules on the privacy of electronic communications ('e-privacy') will be at the heart of the Telecommunications Council on Friday 8 June in Luxembourg. Although no decision is expected, the ministers are, nevertheless, expected to provide political guidelines for this highly sensitive text.
It should be recalled that the draft regulation aims to enhance e-privacy, while allowing service providers to use the personal data of customers that have given their prior consent (see EUROPE 11700). Since 26 October 2017, the European Parliament has been waiting to begin negotiations with the Council (see EUROPE 11892). In this context, the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council is not just publishing a progress report and update on the progress in the negotiations but will also be organising an exchange of views on the controversial issues, namely: the authorised processing of meta data, the protection of equipment and privacy settings (see EUROPE 12027).
Cyber security and information points
During their meeting, European ministers are also expected to approve the general approach prepared by the rotating Presidency for the cyber security regulation. This is mainly just a formality given that the compromise had already received the support of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to the EU on 25 May last (see EUROPE 12027). This stage, however, officially marks the launch of the inter-institutional negotiations with the European Parliament.
After a working dinner focusing on new financial digital instruments for 2021-27, ministers will be requested to provide their comments regarding the recent draft directive to promote the re-utilisation of public sector information (see EUROPE 12009). This initiative was presented as part of a broader package on the data economy and particularly aims to facilitate the access of businesses to data in view of this data being reused.
The working day will end with a variety of points of information: the Presidency will speak about the agreement obtained on 5 June on the electronic communications code and the European Regulators Body, as well as the imminent launch of negotiations with Parliament on the free flow of data (see EUROPE 12035, 12033), in addition to negotiations with the Commission on the progress made in the single digital market.
This meeting will also provide an opportunity for the Austrian Presidency to present its work programme for the next six months. For the general cyber security approach please see the following link: https://bit.ly/2kPSEjk . (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)