Source: Google images

Its this year’s last Plenary Session opened on 14^th December 2010, the European Parliament adopted the revised EU telecoms framework directive at the third and final reading by 510 votes to 40, with 24 abstentions, at its plenary session from 23^rd to 26th November 2009.

The new rules in the revised EU telecoms framework directive are to be implemented by 24^th of May 2011.

According to the new framework directive, a user’s internet access may only be restricted if “appropriate, proportionate and necessary within a democratic society” and only after “a prior, fair and impartial procedure”.

That way, the procedural safeguards for internet access correspond to the European Convention on Human Rights (and Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU?).

For the historical development of Telecoms and internet regulation see http://www.euractiv.com/en/infosociety/telecoms-internet-regulation-review/article-169286

The European Parliament’s this year’s last Plenary Session from 14th to 17th December 2009 addresses:

● The adoption of the EU’s budget for the year 2010

● Review of the Swedish Presidency

● The EU’s new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan

● Assessment of the situation in the Middle East and East Jerusalem in a debate with the Commission and Council

● The EU 2020 Strategy – Intended to build on the current Lisbon Strategy and make the EU a greener social market (?)

● Awarding of Parliament’s annual human rights Sakharov prize for Freedom of Thought to Oleg Orlov, Sergei Kovalev and Lyudmila Alexeyeva on behalf of the organisation Memorial and all other human rights defenders in Russia.  The ceremony takes place on Wednesday 16 December

● Greater transparency and easier access to EU documents