Brussels, 24/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - An informal Commission, Council, EP trilogue on international roaming charges took place in Strasbourg on Tuesday 24 April. At this meeting, the Council wanted to negotiate on the basis of a position of principle reached last week, that was in opposition to the Parliament and the Commission, which adopted virtually identical positions. Member states would like to see higher tariff ceilings in place. Rather than the 40 cents per outgoing call and 15 cents per incoming call, which were adopted by the EP industry, research and energy committee (see EUROPE 9404), the Council would prefer ceilings of 60 and 30 cents respectively. The Council would also like the automatic opt-out system to apply only for new subscribers.
Tuesday's trilogue did not reach a compromise, with the Council's position being met with hostility from MEPs. “The charges put forward by the Council are very close to those already being applied today. We would like better charges for consumers,” said Angelika Niebler (EPP-ED, Germany), who chairs the industry, research and energy committee. “Some MEPs might consider the Council's recommending higher tariff ceilings than ours a provocation, and their response will certainly be to try to further reduce our suggested charges,” said Paul Rübig (EPP-ED, Austrian), European Parliament rapporteur on the matter. Tuesday's meeting resulted only in agreement on the duration - three years - of the new regulation.
Decisive progress is expected in the next few days, however. Ms Niebler noted that “the atmosphere was constructive and negotiations … on the right track”. She added, “We really want the new rules to come into force for the summer holidays. I am sure it will be so”. The representatives of the member states, Parliament and Commission will meet again on Wednesday 2 May, when it is expected a compromise agreement will be reached. (gc)