Cuardaigh
Research for REGI Committee - Digital agenda and cohesion policy
This study provides a critical analysis of the contribution of Cohesion Policy and the European Structural Investment Funds to the Digital Agenda for Europe and the Digital Single Market. Based on the analysis of past and current patterns of ESIF digital investments and selected case studies, this study shows that Cohesion Policy should concentrate where its added value is highest, i.e., on support to the formulation of effective regional digital strategies and on the promotion of partnerships between ...
WIFI4EU - Promotion of internet connectivity in local communities
The European Commission has launched an initiative aimed at providing free access to fast internet in local communities. The European Parliament is due to discuss and vote on WIFI4EU during its September plenary.
EU strategy on cooperative intelligent transport systems
Digital technologies, and systems based on them, are being rapidly introduced in transport all over the world. Cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS) in road transport are part of this development, and one element in a wider drive towards vehicle automation. These systems use technologies allowing road vehicles to communicate with other vehicles or road users and roadside infrastructure. By increasing the quality and reliability of information, C-ITS can improve road safety and traffic ...
Ten more technologies which could change our lives
In 2015, the European Parliament's Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services (DG EPRS) broke new ground with its publication 'Ten technologies which could change our lives – potential impacts and policy implications', with each chapter highlighting a particular technology, its promises and potential negative consequences, and the role that the European Parliament could and should play in shaping these developments. This new study continues this work, presenting ten additional technologies ...
New radio frequencies for mobile internet services
While radio spectrum management is predominantly a national competence, EU policy plays an increasingly important role in its coordination and harmonisation. The EU actively seeks ways to harmonise use of the different bands of the spectrum to meet the ever-growing demand for wireless mobile broadband. Nevertheless, spectrum allocation in the EU remains fragmented and varies among Member States. Following developments in the international framework, as well as the considerations of high-level expert ...
Internet for growth competitiveness and cohesion: European gigabit society and 5G
In response to the Commission’s European gigabit society communication, the Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee of the European Parliament has adopted an own-initiative report, due to be discussed in plenary in May. It calls for European global leadership in 5G, the next generation of wireless communication. Due to be available in 2020, 5G is expected to enable an array of new innovative services that will transform sectors such as manufacturing, energy, automotive, and health, bringing ...
Optimal Regulatory Model for Telecommunications Services in the EU
This report reviews the market trends for the development of digital networks and applications for 2020 and beyond and, on that basis, proposes a framework for an optimal regulation for telecommunications services in the European Union. Against that framework, the report then critically assesses the draft European Electronic Communications Code proposed by the Commission in September 2016. We submit that the Commission’s proposal goes in the right direction but in not ambitious enough to protect ...
The European Electronic Communications Code and the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communication (BEREC)
Overall, the IA presents a comprehensive and well-researched explanation of the evidence base of the legislative proposals. However, the nature of the proposals (one of them being a recast of four existing directives) has posed an obvious challenge in terms of keeping the report concise and readable. The IA clearly exceeds the length recommended in the better regulation guidelines. The report presents stakeholder views well, although the consultation itself focused more on the review process in general ...
New radio frequencies for mobile internet services
While radio spectrum management is predominantly a national competence, EU policy plays an increasingly important role in its coordination and harmonisation. The EU actively seeks ways to harmonise use of the different bands of the spectrum to meet the ever-growing demand for wireless mobile broadband. Nevertheless, spectrum allocation in the EU remains fragmented and varies among Member States. Following developments in the international framework, as well as the considerations of high-level expert ...
Research for TRAN Committee - Prospects for “Remote” En-Route Air Traffic Services
Remote tower services, where aircraft at an airport are remote-controlled from a separate location, have been introduced to some airports and are being tested at several others. By reviewing the current and emerging technologies, considering some of the risks associated with these technologies and evaluating the contribution of the NextGen and SESAR programmes, this paper aims to assess the feasibility of also providing “remote” en-route Air Traffic Services in Europe.