support the proposed financing, focused on the contribution of telecom networks and digital services to the implementation of Europe 2020 Strategy;
complement the key proposals of the European Commission (new financial instruments, criteria set out for the projects of common interest - high-speed networks, cross-border public services, access to PSI and multilingual services, safety and security and smart energy services);
highlight the role of LRAs in these domains and develop their involvement in devising and implementing the measures at EU level.
The CoR Opinion on "Trans-European telecommunication networks" notes the key role of local and regional authorities (LRAs) in promoting informed dialogue with the general public, and in addressing public concerns close to the citizens and in facilitating cooperation between users and producers of ICT innovations in different corners of governments and administrations.
The opinion also stresses the importance of trans-European telecommunications networks for both commercial and non-commercial purposes and of investment in research to support specific activities and the development of future applications in order to enhance the value of the telecommunications sector.
THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS
- welcomes the European Commission's (Commission) initiative to set up the Proposal for a Regulation on guidelines for trans-European telecommunications networks;
- stresses the priorities set out in this document - high-speed networks, cross-border public services, access to PSI and multilingual services, safety and security and smart energy services - are all domains in which cities and regions are simultaneously actors, providers and beneficiaries;
- acknowledges the importance of trans-European telecommunications networks for the EU's international competitiveness and sustainable development, and stresses that the exchange of experiences and best practices between Member States (MS) and other regions should be intensified;
- notes the potential of the new financing framework to make a major contribution to bridging the digital divide and achieving the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, while meeting some of the key social, cultural and economic needs of the people of Europe;
- stresses that fast and operationally reliable communication links, complemented by efficient wireless mobile services, play a key role in promoting regional competitiveness, accessibility and equality between people and recalls that effective information society infrastructure must be guaranteed to all members of the population regardless of where they live.