Press Release: Telecoms: Commission urges Lithuania to separate regulatory and ownership functions in telecoms

On 25 June, 2009, the European Commission said Lithuania is failing to put in place EU rules that guarantee the independence of national telecoms regulators. It stepped up legal action by deciding to send a reasoned opinion (the second phase of an infringement proceeding). The Commission wants a distinct separation between those making the rules and owners or providers of telecoms services. The Commission started legal action by sending a letter of formal notice in September 2008. However, the Lithuanian authorities did not address the Commission's concerns in their response. For this reason the Commission launched the second phase of the infringement proceeding.