Telecommunications Council: Brussels, 21 March 1996 The Council of EU Ministers responsible for telecommunications met, in Brussels, on 21 March 1996. During this meeting, the Council reached political agreement on a common position on the proposed Directive on interconnection in telecommunications, with regard to ensuring uni... The Council of EU Ministers responsible for telecommunications met, in Brussels, on 21 March 1996. During this meeting, the Council reached political agreement on a common position on the proposed Directive on interconnection in telecommunications, with regard to ensuring universal service and interoperability, through application of the principles of Open Network Provision (ONP). The Council also reached a common position on the proposal for a Decision on the guidelines for trans-European telecommunications networks. The Decision sets down the areas of common interest, and the procedures to be used for the selection of projects. The Council also discussed proposed amendments to the ONP Framework, and the Leased Lines Directives (90/387/EEC and 92/44/EEC), so as to adapt them to the planned competitive environment for telecommunications services. Mr. Martin Bangemann, Commissioner responsible for Industry, presented to the Council the Commission's proposal for action at EU level in the field of satellite personal communications (S-PCS). The Commission proposes action so as to coordinate the approach of Member States to the introduction of S-PCS in order to avoid problems of compatibility and lack of jurisdiction, particularly in the event that non-member states develop services and offer them within the EU. The Council also discussed the Commission's communications on universal service, and on the development of directory services in a competitive market.
