Brussels, 08/12/2006 (Agence Europe) - The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council on 11 and 12 December will start on Monday by examining two telecoms issues. Chaired by Susanna Huovinen, Finnish transport and communications minister, the Council will hold a public debate on the draft regulation unveiled by the European Commission in July 2006 with the aim of cutting mobile phone roaming charges by up to 70% (see EUROPE 9231). The Finnish Presidency has prepared a progress report on the work carried out at the working party level and a questionnaire to guide the ministers' discussions. Ministers will be asked whether the European Commission's proposal will ensure that all consumers benefit rapidly from significant and sustainable price reductions across the single market while maintaining a competitive market for operators; and how a balance can be ensured between administrative simplicity and transparency for consumers and flexibility for operators.
After the public debate, the Council will adopt a resolution on a strategy for a secure information society in Europe setting common policy objectives and priorities to be pursued at both EU and national level. The resolution will be based on the Commission communication 'A Strategy for a Secure Information Society - 'Dialogue, Partnership and Empowerment' adopted on 31 May 2006 (see EUROPE 9203) and other policy documents. The Commission recommends raising awareness about security through open, inclusive, multi-stakeholder dialogue on a new IT strategy for the EU, arguing that a partnership amongst Member States, involving the IT industry and users as well as the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA) should lead to more trustworthy, secure and reliable information and communications technologies. The Commission believes that people and organisations must be empowered to look after their own interests and responsibilities. The EU25 resolution will also take note of the Commission communication on 'Fighting spam, spyware and malicious software' of 15 November 2006. (ol)