Series of guidelines for trans-European telecommunications networks

The ESC basically endorsed the Commission proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision. However, it put forward a number of comments. The ESC thought that the proposed projects should attach special importance to the social, cultural, educational and environmental issues. In these areas in particular a universal network serving as many of Europe’s citizens as possible was important. With special regard to the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector and the associated commercialisation of research and development programmes, the ESC felt that the projects should be continuously vetted by the Commission to see whether overall European-wide economic considerations were brought to bear within the framework of a modern, active and forward-looking industrial policy. The ESC thought that an annual report would be desirable. The trans-European networks marked a further step towards the social and economic modernisation of Europe. In this context, it would not be possible to find the requisite funds for investment unless: - European firms formed strong alliances that could operate on the world market as global players; - the principle of reciprocity was applied in world trade.