The Telecoms Ministers of the European Union will meet in Brussels on 26 May. Finland's representative at the meeting will be Ms Anne Berner, Minister of Transport and Communications.
Minister Berner will also attend a lunch meeting of the Telecoms and Competitiveness Ministers to discuss the Digital Single Market strategy. Finland, together with 13 other Member States, has sent a letter to the European Commission and the Netherlands, the Presidency. The Member States are urging for a high level of ambition and a positive approach to digital technologies and business models.
The main topic on the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council's agenda is the proposal for a decision on the assignment of the 700 MHz frequency band for the use of wireless services across the Union. As the main deadline is proposed the year 2020. The Council aims to reach a general approach on the matter. Finland is in favour of the proposal. The proposal for a decision also concerns the UHF frequency band below 700 MHz, where Finland advocates more flexible deployment guided by national circumstances.
The Ministers will also hold a policy debate on the review of the EU telecoms rules. The objective of the discussion is to provide political guidance for the Commission in the preparation of the forthcoming proposal. Finland considers it crucial that an up-to-date regulatory framework can be achieved and that deregulation can be promoted. Finland calls for the replacement of the current significant market power regulation by more flexible legislation. In the area of consumer protection, Finland supports reliance on the general consumer protection legislation.
The Presidency will provide information on proposals for Directives on the accessibility of public sector bodies' websites and measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems. The Commission will additionally provide information on developments in Internet governance. The work programme of the incoming Presidency of Slovakia will also be introduced to the Council.
Further information:
Mr Mikael Nyberg, Director-General, tel. +358 295 34 2474
Ms Maaria Mäntyniemi, Senior Officer, tel. +358 29 534 2022
