Radiocommunications, broadcasting, transport: radio spectrum, regulatory framework

The committee adopted the report by Angelica NIEBLER (EPP-ED, D) amending the proposal under the codecision procedure (1st reading). The committee was opposed to the wholesale transfer of decision-making powers from the political level (Council and Parliament) to the administrative level (Commission). It said that even though the technical implementing measures could be adopted by the Commission, assisted by a Radio Spectrum Committee, all legislative proposals should be made in accordance with the codecision procedure, to ensure political accountability. A number of other amendments were aimed at ensuring that Parliament was kept properly informed. The committee also emphasised that the proposal should be confined to harmonising only those areas of radio spectrum policy where Community interests were affected, and that otherwise the Member States should determine radio spectrum policy themselves. Lastly, the report pointed out that the transport sector was entirely dependent on radio communications and that sufficient attention should be given to the requirements of this sector when planning radio spectrum use.�