Brussels, 31/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission, the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament agreed, on Monday 30 March, on the fundamental points of reform of the “telecoms package”. Commissioner Viviane Reding was decidedly optimistic when announcing the results of the trilogue on reform underway to the press after the Council of Ministers on Tuesday 31 March. “We managed to agree on the essential points to make our deal more convivial”, the commissioner stressed, welcoming the speed of the process for reform of this magnitude. “We must not cry victory too soon”, Czech Minister Ivan Langer said, although he added: “But we can be more and more optimistic about the possibility of reaching an agreement very soon”. More particularly, consensus has been found on the Trautmann and del Castillo Vera reports (networks and European telecommunications authority). The Harbour report concerning the protection of private life and consumers, will be on the menu of the trilogue on Thursday 2 April. “I remain confident”, Commissioner Reding said.
Reform of the “telecoms package” was not on the agenda for ministerial discussion on Tuesday. Nonetheless, the presidency informed ministers of talks underway. Consensus confirms the creation of a new telecom authority renamed BEREC (Body of European Regulators in Electronic Communications). Commissioner Reding also welcomed the fact that the Commission has the possibility to cancel action by a national regulatory authority if it contravenes competition principles, in agreement however with the BEREC. The role of the national authorities will be strengthened. These will be financially and politically independent and may apply functional separation. The new package clarifies, moreover, the rules governing investment in the new generation networks, announced Viviane Reding. (I.L./transl.jl)