Series of guidelines for trans-European telecommunications networks

In adopting the report by Mr Karsten Friedrich HOPPENSTEDT (PPE, D) the European Parliament approved the principle of trans-European telecommunications networks and the proposed guidelines, but expressed some criticism both on the strategy proposed and on the procedure suggested. The report highlights the need to: - attach particular importance to generic services in order to guarantee interoperability at European level and to avoid costly duplication; - set priorities so as to have a strategic vision of the actual medium-term objectives of the trans-European networks. Failing which, there was likely to be a proliferation of small-scale projects leading to inter-sectoral competition and a risk of inconsistency; - give priority to applications using ISDN and, in particular, Europe-ISDN; - take account of the transnational aspect for the selection of projects and attach special attention to those which had an exemplary value and could have a multiplier effect; - assess the social and societal impact of the new applications in order to help citizens and enterprises enter the Information Society; - take account of the cultural aspect, covering not only heritage, but also creation, with the use of local languages so that users can make the best possible use of the new applications. With regard to decision-making (commitology), the EP rejected the choice of a Regulatory Committee to set priorities and select projects. It proposed, therefore, the use of the Advisory Committee procedure, as was the case for the trans-European energy networks. �