Series of guidelines for trans-European telecommunications networks

In adopting the recommendation for second reading by Mr Karsten Friedrich HOPPENSTEDT (PPE, D) on the trans-European telecommunications networks, Parliament adopted the common position of the Council with a series of amendments which incorporated the guidelines already evolved at first reading. In particular, emphasis was laid on the development of generic services and the need to concentrate on real-world applications using the available networks and not merely demonstration projects. Parliament also proposed changes to the network priorities. To this end, it called for particular attention to be paid to Euro-ISDN networks and, where there is a real demand, to IBC networks, for transboundary interregional initiatives to be stimulated, and for action strengthening ties with third countries (the countries of the Mediterranean, Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS etc.) to be undertaken. At the same time, Parliament called for ex-post assessment of the social consequences of the deployment of networks whenever possible. In the sphere of transport, Parliament asked for priority to be given to integrated multimodal transport and to other environment-friendly modes. With regard to teleworking, it insisted that workers' rights must be preserved and that measures should be taken to prevent the risks of social isolation that could be involved with teleworking. It also insisted that selected projects must be transnational. In addition, it called for Generic Services applications to be interoperable and asked that they use local Community languages so that all may benefit from the innovations brought by the networks. Finally, Parliament proposed that telematics and teleadministration projects should be developed so as to improve communication in the sphere of public administration. In relation to commitology, Parliament reiterated its request for an advisory committee, with which it would be associated. �