Telecoms law in the EU has been progressively harmonised since the 1990s.
Current rules – EU Communications Code
Harmonised European rules are set out in the European Electronic Communications Code (Directive (EU) 2018/1972) which member states are obliged to implement from 21 December 2020.
Prior rules – EU Common Regulatory Framework
The EU Common Regulatory Framework consisted of the 2002 package, updated in 2009:
The 2002 package
- Framework Directive (2002/21/EC) – on a common regulatory framework.
- Access Directive (2002/19/EC) – on access and interconnection.
- Authorisation Directive (2002/20/EC) – on the authorisation of electronic communications networks and services.
- Universal Service Directive (2002/22/EC) – on universal service and users’ rights relating to electronic communications networks and services.
- Privacy Directive (2002/58/EC) – on privacy and electronic communications.
- Competition Directive (2002/77/EC) – which directs member states to remove special and exclusive rights in markets for electronic communications services.
- Regulation (2000/2887/EC) – on unbundled access to the local loop.
2009 Update
- Better Regulation Directive
- Citizens’ Rights Directive
- Regulation establishing the BEREC and the Office
- Regulation 2015/2120 of the European Parliament and the Council laying down measures concerning open internet access and amending Directive 2002/22 on universal service and users’ rights relating to electronic communications networks and services and Regulation 531/2012 on roaming on public mobile communications networks within the Union (Connected Continent Regulation on open internet and roaming).
Last updated: April 2020.