After a fierce debate, EU telecoms ministers reached agreement yesterday (27 November) on a review of rules governing electronic communications, scrapping many “ambitious” proposals made by the European Commission.

Despite the interruption of the morning session to revert to bilateral negotiations, a deal was reached following negotiating efforts by the French EU Presidency. In the end, the UK, Sweden and the Netherlands abstained, and Italy approved the conclusions despite reservations.

Insititutional negotiations begin today ahead of a second reading in the European Parliament expected in April 2009. Final adoption is expected by mid-2009.

To read this article in full, see euractiv.com/en/infosociety/council-waters-deal-telecoms-package/article-177584.

Also see:
EU Telecoms Ministers Back Watered-down Legal Reforms [IDG]
www.pcworld.com/article/154635/.html

Europe backs mobile roaming cap
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7754072.stm