17107/12 FL/ne 1 DG E 2 A COU CIL OF THE EUROPEA U ... - Europa

(21) The Europe 2020 Strategy 16 calls for the implementation of the Digital Agenda for Europe 17
that establishes a stable legal framework to stimulate investments in an open and competitive
high speed internet infrastructure and in related services. The June 2010 European Council
endorsed the Digital Agenda for Europe and called upon all institutions to engage in its full
implementation. 18
(22) On 31 May 2010, the Council concluded that Europe should put the necessary resources into
the development of a digital single market based on fast and ultra fast internet and
interoperable applications and acknowledged that efficient and competitive investment in next
generation broadband networks would be important for innovation, consumer choice and for
the competitiveness of the Union and could provide better quality of life through better health
care, safer transport, new media opportunities and easier access to goods and services in
particular across borders. 19
(23) The private incentives to invest in very fast broadband networks appear to be lower than
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benefits for the society as a whole. The investment needs for achieving the Digital Agenda
objective of providing fast Internet access for all European citizens and businesses are
estimated to reach up to EUR 270 billion. However, in the absence of Union intervention,
private sector investment is expected to be not more than EUR 50 billion for the period until
2020. The resulting investment gap represents a major bottleneck to infrastructure provision,
while at the same time the Digital Single Market relies on all citizens to be connected via the
infrastructure of the future.
COM(2010) 2020 final 03.03.2010.
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions "A Digital Agenda for
Europe", 26.8.2010, COM(2010) 245 final/2.
European Council conclusions on a new European strategy for growth and jobs – Finalising
and implementing the Europe 2020 strategy, 17 June 2010.
Council conclusions on Digital Agenda for Europe - 3017th Transport, Telecommunications
and Energy Council meeting Brussels, 31 May 2010.
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ANNEX DG E 2 A E