The outspoken VP of the European Commission, Neelie Kroes, has once again captured headlines because of her aggressive speech, which she made before the European Parliament (EP) on Thursday, May 30th. Speaking in front of the EP, Kroes she said that to defend the rights of the citizens mobile roaming charges should be abolished in Europe so they could access an ‘open internet’. The aggressive speaker asked the EP to “join her in rushing to complete” a parliamentary package, which she expects will not only include plans of eradicating mobile roaming from Europe, but also guarantee net impartiality and more importantly she expects to achieve these plans till the Easter of 2014. This was not the first time that Kroes has spoken about abolishing mobile roaming from Europe, as she has been a strong supporter of having a single ICT as well as telecom markets in the region. In fact, she is so determined that once she said I will “fight with my last breath to get us there together”. Kroes supports this idea because according to her it would help Europe gain an additional 110 billion euros each year. Here is what Kroes said in her speech:
“You and I share the stake in this debate, so tell me: will join me in building something special between now and the European elections? I want us to show citizens that the EU is relevant to their lives. That we made the digital rules catch up with their legitimate expectations. I want you to be able to go back to your constituents and say that you were able to end mobile roaming costs. I want you to be able to say that you saved their right to access the open internet, by guaranteeing net neutrality. I want you to be able to say we took real action on cybercrime and other threats.”
However, at the same time Kroes also is well aware of the fact that the proposed package is not going to please everyone, as she said in her speech that, “I am not promising a single market package that gives you everything you dreamed of. This package will have to strike a sensitive balance if we are to agree it quickly. But I am promising to spend the next 12 months building a bridge with you to our citizens, your constituents. Whether they need it for travel, for trade, or for transactions – our people need this reform.”
Afterwards, she said, “There is no other sector of our incomplete European single market where the barriers are so unneeded, and yet so high. The time for change is now. Change must come from all directions, but it starts with all of us in this room. Our mutual responsibility and our greatest contribution will be to develop a radical legislative compromise. One that our innovators and citizens can build on. A real result. I chose those words carefully. “Radical” because an economic disaster requires big action. “Compromise” because everyone will have to give, in order to get.”
Source: TNW
Photo: EuropeanCommission
Forme EPA Chief Lisa Jackson Excited to Join Apple, Even Greenpeace Admires the Move
Telus and Mobilicity Deal Approved By Ontario Superior Court of Justice
Lunches So Good Kids Can’t Ignore Them
Invigorating Ginger Smoothie
The U.K.’s Youngest Parents Ever
The new hair Jennifer Lawrence