Brussels, 25/08/2006 (Agence Europe) - On Friday, the European Commission published three studies as food for thought in the ongoing review of the 2002 EU telecoms rules. On 29 June, the Commission published policy proposals (see EUROPE 9222). While the three studies are not binding on the Commission, it feels they are useful contributions to the public debate on the review of the EU telecom rules during the public consultation that will last until the end of October. "As we actively engage with stakeholders in reviewing the current framework and await their contributions, I would like to stress again the need to be ambitious with the policy choices ahead. The completion of the internal market for electronic communications… must be the priority if we want to promote a competitive, knowledge-based EU economy,” commented Information Society and Media Commissioner Viviane Reding. The first study, “An assessment of the regulatory framework for electronic communications: growth and investment in the EU e-Communications sector” (London Economics, in association with PricewaterhouseCoopers) found that the effectiveness of national regulation under the EU telecom rules plays a significant role in attracting investment into the telecoms sector, and therefore supports the Commission's assessment that “regulatory holidays” would clearly be counterproductive. The second study, “Preparing the Next Steps in Regulation of Electronic Communications” (Hogan & Hartson and Analysys), submits 65 proposals for reform, including streamlining the market review procedure, improving appeal procedures in national courts, and creating the possibility for pan-European service authorisations. It recommends enhanced powers for the Commission over remedies to be adopted by national telecom regulators. The third study, “Experts' report in relation with the Review of the Recommendation on markets subject to ex ante regulation” (Dr Uli Stumpf, Professor Martin Cave and Professor Tommaso Valletti) covers the work of economic experts on the state of competition on narrowband, broadband and mobile services. Their final report calls for a removal of much of the regulation of retail markets and leased lines markets. (http: //ec.europa.eu/information_society/policy/ecomm/info_centre/documentation/studies_ext_consult/index_en.htm)