Comment Neelie (Kroes)

OPENING SPEECH

The digital single market is an opportunity for Europe. Removing borders and barriers. Boosting our economy. Showing every European what Europe can do for them.sentence permalink

Today we have three very good examples. I thank Pilar del Castillo, Marita Ulvskog, Edit Herczog, other rapporteurs, shadows, and all those involved for their hard work.sentence permalink

First, on eID. Protecting citizens form insecurity, impersonation, hacking online. Services that are convenient and competitive, trustworthy and transparent. Benefits that don't stop at borders.sentence permalink

Second: cutting the cost of network rollout. I look forward to the vote in a couple of weeks. Many Europeans will join me in thanking you for that – they will get better broadband and fewer roadworks. Just by cutting duplication.sentence permalink

But if there's one thing I've realised - it's that the digital world is an ecosystem. It's no good having one bit without the othersentence permalink

It's no good having secure eID across borders, without secure networks across borders.sentence permalink

No good having a fancy new phone if roaming charges make you switch it off.sentence permalink

No good having fast fixed broadband without the spectrum for wireless networks. Or if your operator blocks websites.sentence permalink

We can't accept that.

That is why, 10 months ago, I stood before many of you and promised new telecoms proposals. Looking at the whole ecosystem. Making a difference to the lives of every person you represent.sentence permalink

Digital resources are crucial resources for the 21st century. Our citizens depend on them and expect them. Let's not wait until they demonstrate in the streets.sentence permalink

Once we founded a community on coal and steel – now it needs to be founded on connectivity and spectrum. Otherwise we are going to fall behind.sentence permalink

It's time to liberate the billion devices in Europe.sentence permalink

That is why we need the rules for a connected continent.sentence permalink

In 6 short months we have made tremendous progress on this file. That shows the importance. I thank you all. You have suggested a number of changes: but it remains in line with our objective.sentence permalink

The market is not functioning. People are short-changed when they sign a contract, scared when they roam. We don't have the rules or resources to face the future. Today with your vote you can change all that.sentence permalink

Let me address the issue of openness and innovation online; of net neutrality. Freedom underpins a rich, vibrant online world.sentence permalink

I know many of you have been bombarded on this issue.sentence permalink

From lobbyists who probably said this was about saving the internet versus destroying it. Freedom versus tyranny. Black versus white.sentence permalink

I know you are too wise to take those exaggerations at face value.sentence permalink

We are not here just to come out with nice slogans. We could kill the internet with words - I want to save it with actions. And I imagine you do too.sentence permalink

So let's take up our responsibilities and do the hard work.sentence permalink

You know I stand for freedom, openness, innovation. We all do.sentence permalink

It's easy to say, harder to achieve.

So what does it actually mean?

Innovation means no more blocking or throttling services on the open internet - I'm glad we all agree on that.sentence permalink

And I agree we need safeguards for specialised services. They can never be an alternative to the internet, never slow down the Internet for everyone else, never be forced on users against their will. That much is clear. They are not and will never be about making people suddenly "pay for YouTube".sentence permalink

But equally - we must not block those new specialised services. That would be the opposite of openness. Blocking strangles innovation.sentence permalink

And despite what you may have been told in the last few days, that is what some of the Plenary amendments will do. Block specialised services.sentence permalink

I realise the pressure and the lobbying you face to do so.sentence permalink

But we must consider the consequences.

We can't say to European businesses, they can't have the networks they need for high definition video conferencing.sentence permalink

You don't want to tell citizens that you wouldn't let them enjoy quality IPTV.sentence permalink

Can we say to hospitals and healthcare workers they can't try out new telehealth procedures?sentence permalink

All those things depend on enhanced quality of service.sentence permalink

Tomorrow's vote will be a good day for Europe, and a significant step forward for our connected continent. Together, let's make sure the Internet remains a platform for incredible innovation.sentence permalink

CLOSING SPEECH

Thanks for such a passionate discussion.

This is for every citizen in love with their mobile. It is a very important moment.sentence permalink

For every government and every business that can boost efficiency and effectiveness, productivity and performance with digital.sentence permalink

And for every dynamic telco that wants to cross the continent and face the future. It's not talking about yesterday, it's talking about tomorrow. A strong sector investing and innovating for a strong economy.sentence permalink

For all these reasons, your positive vote tomorrow is important.sentence permalink

Ending roaming.  Ending blocking. A better broadband deal. Convenience. Trust. Openness. Innovation. More European thinking for the resources that matter to our future.sentence permalink

Safeguarding the open internet for everyone.  On the vast majority of this package there is agreement among you.sentence permalink

Many have spoken on the issue of net neutrality. I am very pleased that everyone is in favour of an open internet. We are on the same page.sentence permalink

I repeat my call from before. Forbidding new services is not the way to promote innovation. And a poor way to safeguard an open, connected continent.sentence permalink

Our proposal will not create a two-speed internet. It will create an innovative, fast-forward internet. This is completely different. And we must base our discussion on reality. We will ensure access to an open internet with quality guaranteed. Specialised services will not deteriorate the public space that is the internet.sentence permalink

I agree with Marietje Schaake that we should not block specialised services. But that is what would happen if you voted through the amendment on the definition of Specialised Services.sentence permalink

Our proposal and the Committee's amendments represent a balanced approach that would safeguard innovation without discrimination. But if you decide to severely restrict specialised services, effectively blocking them, then you must be aware of the consequences. Of the new opportunities European citizens will miss out on.sentence permalink

Mrs Ford raised the issue of blocking sites with child pornography. This is an issue close to my heart. For those things which are illegal in national laws, there should be no obstacles to block them. So we are on the same page.sentence permalink

I don't agree with the honourable member who said we should have a minimum time to work on legislation. If we can work faster, it is better for the citizens. This is a great example of rapporteurs working together and achieving a lot in a short time.sentence permalink

This isn't the end of course. We have also recently set out plans on globalising Internet governance - safeguarding the open, unified internet internationally. I am happy to come and present those to you.sentence permalink

Tomorrow you can safeguard an online world for our citizens: borderless, open, connected.sentence permalink

Thank you and I am looking forward to the vote.sentence permalink