The EU Telecommunications Council met in Brussels on 3 December.
As a legislative matter, the Council discussed the proposed Regulation on Protection of Privacy in Electronic Communications (ePrivacy). The Council took stock of a report on the discussions and progress made during the Finnish Presidency. Several Member States commended the work carried out on the regulation during Finland's Presidency, but pointed out that the proposal for a regulation is not yet ready for the next phase. The Commission underlined the need for rapid progress on the issue and pledged its support for this.
The ministers held a policy debate on the development of the data economy in the EU. According to the ministers, it is important that the European data economy is human-centric. The debate also identified the need to encourage companies to share data with each other. Different sectors should coordinate their actions. The Member States consider the issue very topical and hope for rapid action at EU level to develop the data economy.
The Telecommunications Council adopted conclusions on the significance of 5G technology and the need to mitigate related security risks. The Council stressed the importance of the rapid introduction of 5G. The Council conclusions are a continuation of the risk assessment work that began in spring 2019.
The Council meeting was chaired by Croatia, which will assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU at the start of 2020.
Inquiries:
Laura Vilkkonen, Director-General, tel. +358 40 500 0817 (data economy)
Elina Immonen, Director of Unit, tel. +358 50 303 2686 (5G)
Piia Nyström, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 50 437 2969 (Regulation on Protection of Privacy in Electronic Communications)
Council of the EU: Telecommununications Council 3.12.2019
