Brussels, 29/07/2003 (Agence Europe) - On 25 July, the new regulatory framework for electronic communications in Europe, designed to create more competitive markets, entered into force. Finland transposed the package into national law on 23 May 2003, Denmark on 4 June, Sweden 5 June, United Kingdom 17 June, and Ireland 21 June. A number of others, in particular Italy (intends to transpose the package on 31 July), are close behind. According to Per Haugaard, the spokesperson for the Commissioner for Information Technology, Erkki Liikanen, Spain and Austria are closely behind Italy with other Member States displaying a more obvious tardiness. The spokesman explained that if these countries do not move swiftly to take measures to rectify the situation, they will be subject to infringement proceedings. In other words, the Commission is expected to show a certain leniency but which will not go beyond the end of the summer holidays