Telecom package: Greens spark EU Parliament vote against non-judicial internet connection withdrawal
The European Parliament followed a Green initiative to restore a vote on a critical amendment (previously Cohn-Bendit/Bono's Amendment no. 138 to the Trautmann report) before a weaker compromise formulation. This relates to the critical issue of internet users having their connection cut on the basis of alleged copyright infringement, e.g. through downloads.
Rebecca Harms, Vice-President of the Greens/EFA Group (who initiated the vote order change by her demand in plenary) and Helga Trüpel, German Green MEP and member of the EP culture committee, commented:
"The European Parliament today underlined its defence of internet users' rights. A large majority of MEPs supported a Green amendment that proscribes any non-judicial decision leading to cutting an internet connection. This amendment had already been backed by a big majority in first reading.
Efforts were made to force through a compromise proposal which the rapporteur had negotiated in trialogue discussions. Greens are delighted that political manoeuvres failed to railroad MEPs into supporting this compromise at the expense of the amendment. The re-approval of the amendment is an important victory for the respect of the constitutional state, fundamental rights and internet freedom.
The legislation on telecom regulation was not the right place to tackle the problems of copyright law, as important as they are. Greens have always argued to address copyright in separate, dedicated legislation, and we will continue to call for innovative proposals adapted to the realities of the digital age, such as a flat fee system for cultural content.
The matter now goes to Council. If it accepts the telecom package as it was voted today, instead of launching a 'conciliation' process, the legislation can come into force sooner rather than later, meeting the expectations of the telecom industry and European citizens."
