Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecommunication), 04/12/2018, 4 December 2018

Main results

The Council agreed its position (partial general approach) on a proposed EU funding programme called Digital Europe, which is designed to support the digital transformation of European societies and economies. It covers five crucial areas: supercomputing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, and widespread use of digital technologies across the economy and society.

The Digital Europe programme will help ensure that citizens, businesses and administrations will make the most of the immense opportunities provided by digitalisation. A combination of financial support and expertise offered for example by the network of European digital hubs should encourage even the smallest companies to take risks and innovate. This will give Europe a continuing leadership role in areas such as robotics and artificial intelligence. Norbert Hofer, Minister for Transport, Innovation and Technology of Austria, President of the Council

• Digital Europe programme – Council agrees its position (press release 4 December 2018)

The Council also adopted, without discussion, a key telecommunications reform, which includes a European Electronic Communications Code and an updated mandate for the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC). The new rules will promote the rapid roll-out of 5G throughout Europe, spur innovation and strengthen consumer protection in the area of electronic communications.

Today we adopted the wide-ranging electronic communications reform, which will ensure very high quality fixed and mobile connectivity for everyone and reinforce consumer protection. The new rules will also introduce a life-saving public warning system 'reverse 112' and price caps for intra-EU calls and text messages, which is very good news for everyone. Norbert Hofer, Minister for Transport, Innovation and Technology of Austria, President of the Council

• Better connectivity: EU adopts telecoms reform (press release 4 December 2018)

Ministers took stock of progress on a proposal to establish a European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre and a network of National Coordination Centres. The aim of the draft regulation is to set up an efficient structure to pool and share cybersecurity research capacities and to deploy innovative cybersecurity solutions.

Ministers also assessed progress and exchanged views on a proposal to update privacy rules for electronic communications (ePrivacy). The proposal aims to ensure a high level of protection of private life, communications and personal data in the electronic communications sector and create a level playing field for providers of various services. The exchange of views provided guidance for further work on the proposal.

The presidency updated ministers on three legislative proposals on which negotiations with the European Parliament are either ongoing or about to begin: the reuse of public sector information; implementation of the .eu top-level domain name; and the Cybersecurity Act.