Status report on EU telecoms policy
The European Commission, DG XIII, has published a status report on European Union telecommunications policy. The report deals mainly with regulatory aspects of the EU's policies in the field, and aims to show the development of these policies, and their state of implementation. The report begins with a brief overview of the development of telecoms policies, before examining in detail policy papers, legislative measures, promotional activities and international relations. According to the report, telecoms policy can be seen as part of the overall process of European integration and the development of the Single Market. The first phase started in 1984, when steps were taken in the areas of standards development, research and the integration of the least-developed regions. In 1987, the Commission published a Green Paper on the development of a common market for telecommunications services and equipment. This marked the start of the second phase, and has led to the forthcoming establishment, in January 1998, of a fully liberalized EU telecoms market. Policy measures have been developed on the basis of a regular consultative process, including from resolutions of the Council and European Parliament. New measures have been initiated as the regulatory framework has developed and as technological advances have required them. In each area, the report outlines the documents adopted by the Commission and their status and follow-up, at European level.