General Affairs Council, 25/04/2017 - Main results

Met dank overgenomen van Raad van de Europese Unie (Raad) i, gepubliceerd op woensdag 26 april 2017, 1:05.

End of roaming charges and 700 MHz frequency band for mobile broadband

The Council also adopted two major legal acts in the area of telecommunications.

The Council's go-ahead for wholesale roaming reform is the final step to end mobile roaming charges in the EU on 15 June 2017.

"Today's final vote in the Council clears the path for free roaming. When Europeans go on holiday this summer, they can enjoy the freedom of being able to stay in touch and use the internet as if they were at home."

Emmanuel Mallia, the Maltese Minister for Competitiveness and Digital, Maritime and Services Economy

The Council also adopted a decision on opening the 700 MHz frequency band for wireless broadband services in all EU countries. The coordinated use of this high-quality spectrum range will boost mobile connectivity and drive the roll-out of 5G technology.

Control of firearms

The Council adopted a directive tightening the rules on the acquisition and possession of weapons. The new directive enhances the traceability of firearms, bans the civilian use of the most dangerous semi-automatic firearms and improves information sharing between EU countries.

Meeting information

Meeting n°3531

Luxembourg

25/04/2017

10:00

Preparatory documents

Indicative programme - General Affairs Council (Cohesion) of 25 April 2017

Outcome of the Council meeting

Provisional agenda, General Affairs Council, 25 April 2017

List of A items, legislative deliberations, General Affairs Council, 25 April 2017

Corrigendum 1 to list of A items, legislative deliberations, General Affairs Council, 25 April 2017

List of A items, non-legislative activities, General Affairs Council, 25 April 2017

Background brief

Outcome documents

List of participants

Press releases

United Nations strategic plan for forests: Council conclusions

25/04/2017, 12:00

EU strengthens control of the acquisition and possession of firearms

25/04/2017, 11:30

Protecting citizens from mercury pollution

25/04/2017, 11:20

North Sea plan for fisheries: Council ready to negotiate with the EP

25/04/2017, 11:10

EU all set for free roaming from June

25/04/2017, 11:05

EU coordinates key spectrum to boost connectivity in run-up to 5G

25/04/2017, 11:05

Council adopts new rules to better protect EU finances

25/04/2017, 11:00

Better data on fisheries: Council adopts improved EU rules

24/04/2017, 11:10

Press information

Press contacts

Jérôme Unterhuber

Press officer

+32 22815394

+32 473923628

If you are not a journalist, please send your request to the public information service.


1.

Relevante EU dossiers