Communications [EU]

Audiovisual Media Services [EU]

Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) Directive 2010/13/EU on audiovisual media services (Audiovisual Media Services Directive) It aims to create and ensure the proper functioning of a single European Union market for audiovisual media services*, while contributing to the promotion of cultural diversity and providing an adequate level of consumer and child protection. Key Points The EU’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) governs EU-wide coordination of […]

Couriers [EU]

EU cross-border parcel delivery services Regulation (EU) 2018/644 — cross-border parcel delivery services It aims to: improve price transparency and regulatory oversight; and ensure that citizens and small businesses have access to reasonably priced cross-border parcel delivery services. Scope The regulation sets out rules for cross-border parcel delivery concerning 3 main aspects: regulatory oversight of parcel delivery services; transparency of certain single-piece tariffs through publication […]

Travel [EU]

Package travel — consumer rights (from 2018) Directive (EU) 2015/2302 — package travel and linked travel arrangements It aims to introduce a high, uniform level of consumer protection in relation to contracts for travel packages* and linked travel arrangements*, taking into account the increasing use of internet booking. Information The following information should be provided by the organiser or retailer before a contract is signed: […]

Mobile Phones [EU]

Transmitting Equipment / Mobile Phones There is a 2014 directive on putting radio equipment on the market. The rules seek to keep pace with the growing number of radio equipment devices and ensure that they do not interfere with each other in respect of essential health and safety requirements. There are additional provisions for market surveillance, to track and monitor products which fail to comply […]

Regulatory Framework [EU]

Regulatory framework for electronic communications To accompany the opening up of the telecommunications market to competition, the European Union (EU) has adopted a regulatory framework with regard to electronic communications in line with technological progress and market requirements. Framework Directive This ‘framework directive’ seeks primarily to: — strengthen competition in the electronic communications sector; — stimulate investment; — foster freedom of choice for consumers and enable them […]

Frequency Bands [EU]

Frequency bands for electronic communication Directive 87/372/EEC sets out in general terms the frequency bands to be reserved for a public European cellular digital mobile communications service by 1 January 1991 and calls upon EU countries to make the necessary preparations as quickly as possible. EU legislation, through this series of decisions relating to frequency bands used for electronic communications services and networks, as well […]

Broadband [EU]

State aid rules broadband networks These guidelines summarise the principles of the Commission’s policy in applying the State aid rules of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to measures that support the deployment of broadband networks. The purpose of State aid control in the broadband sector is to ensure that public interventions will result in a higher level or a faster rate […]

Broadcasting & Digital [EU]

Broadcasting The Audio-Visual Media Services Directive underpins the single market in broadcasting. It covers both traditional broadcast and on-demand services. It sets minimum regulatory standards that states and national regulators must implement. It aims to preserve cultural diversity; protect children protect consumers; safeguard media pluralism; combat racial and religious hatred; and guarantee the independence of national regulators. The Directive employs the country of origin principle. […]

Postal Services [EU]

Liberalisation The European Union Directive on postal service liberalizes access to the postal market. The directive established a timeframe for progressive liberalization in two stages: On 1st January 2003 letters weighing less than 100 gram of which the postage cost is over three times that of a standard letter. On 1st January 2006 letters weighing less than 50 grams (for which the postage cost is […]

Privacy & Communications [EU]

Data Protection Law The EU has been central in promoting data protection laws. The EU data protection directive applies to data processed by an automated means such as a computer or contained in or intended to be part of a non-automated filing system such as traditional paper filing. It does not cover processing in the context of household or personal activities. Also excluded are certain […]

Electronic Communications Services [EU]

Independent Regulation and Competition The EU has sought to introduce competition into the provision of electronic communications. The liberalisation also extends to directories, telephone enquiries, frequencies, TV, satellites and cable networks. A regulatory framework for electronic communications has been established. The principal purpose is to facilitate market entry. The EU rules establish a harmonized framework for the regulation of e-commerce networks and services. Member states […]