Series of guidelines for trans-European telecommunications networks

The rapporteur welcomed the successful conclusion of the conciliation procedure and commented that, even though the budget would not permit any major strides forward, it would contribute to the development of the information society. He was also delighted that the revision of the ‘lists of projects of common interest’ would occur before 31 December 2001. Within this revision, priority should still be given to generic services and to telematics for the environment and health. The rapporteur stressed once again that the problem of satellite services should be tackled better in the future. While qualifying the compromise reached between Parliament and Council as very good, Mr Bangemann noted the need to create trans-European networks (in the areas of transport, energy and telecommunications) in order to draw every possible benefit from completion of the single market. He also stressed the importance of developing satellite services, particularly to reach outlying regions. He considered in this respect that content had been dealt with satisfactorily. Finally, he was prepared to do everything in his power to ensure that the list of priorities could be updated in 2000.