Parliament adopts Commission telecoms networks proposal, with amendments
The European Parliament approved a Commission proposal to lay down guidelines for trans-European telecommunications networks on 14 May, with some amendments. The Commission proposal updates and clarifies a 1997 decision on trans-European telecommunications networks to take account of technological developments and experience acquired since the programme began five years ago. Amendments adopted by the Parliament were recommended in a report by Luxembourg MEP Colette Flesch and already adopted by Parliament's Industry, external trade, research and energy committee. They include provisions to ensure Parliament is kept informed of progress in the area, improve the cost effectiveness of the programme and clarify priorities. Parliament inserted a new paragraph into the proposal stating that 'before 31 January 2005, the Commission shall submit a report on the implementation of this decision [...] to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.' 'These provisions are designed to ensure that Parliament is kept informed, and to avoid the continuance of a programme under conditions likely to be questioned by the co-legislators,' Parliament continues. Parliament also insists that Community funding for projects and actions which aim to establish an appropriate environment for the realisation of projects does not reduce funding allocated to the rest of the programme. This should improve the cost effectiveness of the programme, Parliament argues.