In the conclusions of its meeting of 24 and 25 October 2013, the European Council refers to the proposal of the European Commission (EC) on the single telecoms market, subject to further review in 2014.
It stresses that a strong digital economy is vital for growth and European competitiveness, citing an urgent need for an integrated single digital and telecoms market, benefiting consumers and companies. In this context, the Council calls on legislators to accomplish this market without delay.
To this purpose, the Council highlights some key aspects, including:
- investment in the digital economy;
- an appropriate regulatory framework;
- promotion of a consumer and business-friendly digital single market;
- innovation.
In turn, the European Parliament (EP) adopted a report on 24 October, which, while not a formal response to the EC's proposal (since it was prepared prior to the proposal's release), includes several items which the Parliament seeks to have duly considered, specifically:
- pan-European spectrum licences;
- inclusion of broadband in the universal service obligation;
- prevention of any violations of net neutrality.
Further information:
- European Council: focus on the the digital economy http://www.european-council.europa.eu/home-page/highlights/european-council-focus-on-the-the-digital-economy?lang=pt
- European Council 24/25 October 2013 - Conclusions http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/en/ec/139197.pdf
