Press Release: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, Luxembourg, 6, 7 and 10 June 2013

Main results of the Council:

Telecommunications:
The Council held a debate on the role of the telecommunications sector and the information and communication technologies sector within the framework of the Digital Agenda for Europe.
Ministers expressed their views on what the main features of an EU single telecommunications market should be. The outcome of the debate will contribute to the preparation of the October European Council, which will focus on innovation and on the digital agenda.

Ministers took note of the state of play and discussed a proposed directive aimed at ensuring a high common level of security of electronic communications networks and information systems across the Union. The proposal is part of the European cyber-security strategy as outlined by the Commission.

The Council also took note of progress made on a number of other legislative proposals, namely:

– a regulation aimed at making secure electronic transactions possible across the EU, which lays down rules for electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and establishes a legal framework for electronic signatures, electronic seals, electronic time stamps, electronic documents, electronic delivery services and website authentication;

– two regulations concerning digital infrastructure and services: firstly, guidelines for the development of trans-European telecommunications networks, for which the Commission recently adopted an amended proposal; secondly, measures to foster the deployment of high-speed electronic communication networks by reducing the costs involved, for instance by sharing infrastructure such as gas, water or power conduits;

– a directive aimed at harmonising member states' rules on the accessibility of public sector bodies' websites, so as to remove barriers for web developers in the internal market and improve the level of accessibility throughout the EU.

Energy:
The Council took note of a progress report on a draft directive on indirect land-use change amending the fuel quality and renewable energy directives, the aim of which is to minimise the impact of indirect changes of land use on greenhouse gas emissions.

The Council adopted conclusions on the Commission communication "Making the internal energy market work". The conclusion set out detailed tasks to be accomplished in order to achieve the 2014 and 2015 deadlines set by the European Council, to improve the rights and roles of consumers and to make the transition to the energy market of the future. They follow on the European Council conclusions on, inter alia, energy issues, adopted on 22 May 2013.

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on the Commission Communication 'Making the internal energy market work' http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-the-commission-communication-making-the-internal-energy-market-work/

ESO: Background information: Council adopts directive on safety of offshore oil and gas operations http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-adopts-directive-on-safety-of-offshore-oil-and-gas-operations/

ESO: Background information: Transport Council – 10 June 2013 http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-transport-council-10-june-2013/

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