Series of guidelines for trans-European telecommunications networks

The rapporteur, Mr HOPPENSTEDT, noted that SMEs were not encouraged to acquire the necessary means to make use of trans-European telecommunications networks and believed that the global transnational development of these networks was being neglected. Even though it was not possible a priori to define specific projects, he was insistent that priorities should be set and adopted a strategic view of the objectives of trans-European telecommunications networks. He also called for the social repercussions to be taken into account and for assurances to be given on the compatibility of the applications at European level; he also wanted to see duplication avoided. Finally, in anticipation of the common position being adopted by the Telecommunications Council on 21 March, the rapporteur wanted to see a formal debate held, with Parliament included. Commissioner BANGEMANN stated that of the 53 amendments that had been tabled he was prepared to accept 13 as they were and 15 with some modification, while rejecting a further 25. As regards comitology, he added that the Commission wanted to respect the ‘modus vivendi’ that had already been approved on this issue. He also said that the Commission had set up an information office for interested parties. As far as funding was concerned, Mr Bangemann pointed out that this had been put at some ECU 250 billion; private finance would therefore have to be called in, since the public purse could not support such a cost; finally, he supported the idea of adopting a glossary of definitions.