European Parliament (EP)

As a co-legislator, the Parliament, together with the Council, is entitled to adopt and amend legislative proposals and to decide on the EU budget. The Parliament also supervises the work of the Commission and other EU bodies and cooperates with the national parliaments of the EU Member States. Its influence has grown steadily with successive amendments to the EU treaties, which have increased the powers of the EU's only directly elected body. Today, the Parliament plays a role in promoting democratic decision-making in Europe and supporting democracy, freedom of expression, and free elections around the world.

Members work in 20 standing committees. These committees shape legislative proposals by adopting reports, propose amendments to be considered in plenary, and appoint negotiating teams for legislative negotiations with the Council on EU legislation. They adopt own-initiative reports, organize expert hearings, and scrutinize other EU bodies and institutions.

Policy issues related to electronic communications fall within the remit of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE). The committee aims to ensure that the EU's digital and telecommunications systems are competitive, secure, innovative, and unified, while supporting technological development and strengthening European industry.

The committee's responsibilities in the field of digital and telecommunications policy include the following:

• Regulation of electronic communications and telecommunications, including competition between service providers and market regulation, review of roaming charges, policy measures related to the roll-out of broadband and 5G/6G networks, and network neutrality issues
• Creation of a Digital Single Market, which includes the regulation of digital services and online platforms, measures related to cross-border digital commerce, and discussion of issues related to the data economy and data sharing frameworks
• Issues related to cybersecurity, which includes the development of EU-level cybersecurity rules, the digital protection of critical infrastructure, and cooperation with cybersecurity agencies
• Encouraging innovation in artificial intelligence and new technologies
• Issues related to digital infrastructure: developing high-capacity networks, building satellite communication systems, strengthening European digital connectivity
• In the field of digital industrial policy: supporting semiconductor and chip manufacturing, developing strategic technologies