European Commission

Been going non-stop since arrival in Dehli some 12 hours ago with only a few hours sleep. In my meetings with government tomorrow, I will suggest alternative path to growth and closer cooperation. Will send around links of media interviews also.

Today so far we had a stimulating meeting with EU ICT equipment industry – they employ more than 40,000 people in India. I’m very worried about draft bill here that would reserve 80% of ICT equipment market for Indian products which would shut European companies out from fast-growing market. Not the fair or level playing field I believe in, and a key reason for me being here.  The local companies I met today argued strongly for protectionist approach to allow domestic industry to grow. I said best way to grow is to cooperate globally, not to close Indian market off.

I also made a presentation to Indian software association. Very dynamic, confident bunch. They are worried that draft local content legislation might derail EU-India FTA which they very much want. And of course I am a huge supporter of an ambitious agreement – it’s the best way forward for us all.  Such an agreement would mean €9 billion in total benefits, virtually evenly split between EU and India. In fact, EU is India’s number one export destination and the EU is India’s number one foreign investor.

[FRIDAY UPDATE]

Dehli traffic quite hectic – not sure why I am surprised. But it was interesting to hear only 5000 European cars sold in India last year because of high customs tariffs. FTA should help.
There is a scam with spectrum allocation defrauding the taxpayer for some $ 40bn making headlines. Former telecoms Minister and several businessmen in jail. Happy we have clear rules in place in EU for spectrum auctions!

Am doing interviews with journalists, TV interview with CNBC. Major interest in euro crisis.

On my meetings, it is very encouraging with Telecoms Minister Sibal. He reassured me that telecoms legislation will not discriminate against non-Indian companies. We agreed that EU and India should cooperate more closely in R&D, internet security and regulation. High-level dialogue in February, with results expected in 6 months.  The EU already finances 30 projects in R&D involving 60 Indian partners amounting to more than € 50 million, but we can certainly do more.

Telecom Regulator Sarma said his ambition is to connect 225.000 villages to broadband in next 2 years. No small challenge.

All in all, a very useful visit.  

P.S. I learned Minister Sibal is also a poet. So Herman Van Rompuy is in good company!
P.P.S.  Did you know? EU now offers Protected Geographical Indication status to “Darjeeling” tea. That’s the first just right for an Indian product.

Number of views: 1359

What do you think of, when you think of copyright? A tool to recognise and reward artists? Or a tool to punish and withhold material?

For me the answer should clearly be the first. But all too often, in the digital age, it is seen as the second.

Our current copyright system is not succeeding in its objectives. I agree we should fight against piracy. But it’s becoming increasingly hard to legally enforce copyright rules, a battle that costs millions of dollars with little signs of victory.

Meanwhile, artists continue to struggle by on a pittance, as the copyright system fails to reward them properly. Read the full entry

Number of views: 11419

Zaterdag verscheen een artikel in de Telegraaf aan de hand van een vraaggesprek met mij. Het heeft blijkbaar veel los gemaakt. Kritiek op kritiek leidt tot nog meer kritiek. Hierbij dank ik iedereen die de moeite heeft genomen een reactie te schrijven. Read the full entry

Number of views: 9019

You’re probably aware that when you travel abroad with your mobile, you pay higher tariffs – as a result of “roaming” charges which apply when you’re texting, making and receiving calls, or downloading data on a smartphone.

We’ve known for some time that these roaming prices can be very high. That means a poor deal for the ordinary mobile user. And it means that people are deterred from using their mobile abroad – which is a shame, as a mobile is supposed to be… well…. mobile. So we’ve been looking very closely into this market. Read the full entry

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I’ve been in Milan today for Europe’s Fibre To The Home Council conference (try saying that out loud when English is not your first language!). You can read the full speech here.  But for a flavour of my thoughts, read on.

While broadband for all is central to our economic future, it’s clear that time is against us. We aren’t investing enough - there aren’t enough new connections each day. That’s why the clarity and incentives provided by the EU’s Next Generation Access (NGA) Recommendation is essential. I really can’t stress enough the importance of consistent application by National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) of the principles laid down in the Recommendation. As it stands, some national regulators are not “playing by the rules” of the Recommendation, which is a pity given that it offers clarity and supports attractive margins / returns for investors, while ensuring efficient competitors have a fair chance to compete. That is the right balance, and it is up to the NRAs to enforce this as a matter of fairness and of maintaining the best possible investment climate.

I want us to be able to lift our investment in broadband through deeper cooperation across the industry and different levels of government. But I want to be clear that I won’t heistiate to use new powers under the telecoms rules entering into force in May 2011 to ensure appropriate and consistent application of remedies.

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With my heartfelt thanks.

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I spoke at a dinner marking the success of the .eu top level domain, hosted by Malcolm Harbour MEP at the European Parliament this week.

I have just gotten access to the video of the speech.

(Also,  there is a problem with the WordPress template we are using, so please accept apologies for being unable to include the embed code for the video here, for the time being)

Number of views: 587