Luxembourg, 19/10/2001 (Agence Europe) - At its 15/16 October meeting, the EU Council of Ministers formally adopted its common position on the adoption of the decision on a regulatory framework for radio spectra in the Community.
The proposal, which is subject to the codecision procedure, aims to establish a framework for ensuring a coordination of policy and, where necessary, harmonisation of conditions governing availability and effective use of the spectrum and the harmonisation required for the setting up and functioning of the internal market in areas of Community policy such as e-mail, transport (GALILEO) and research and development. The adoption of the common position is part of the push to adopt the entire telecoms package before the end of the year, as requested by the European Council (see EUROPE of 15/16 October, p.6). The task is likely to be quite arduous since the European Parliament objects to the European Commission having decision-making powers in terms of how the radio spectrum policy will be applied, arguing that all legislative initiatives in this connection have to come under the codecision procedure in order to guarantee political control (see EUROPE of 7 July, p.10).