European parliamentarians again call for compliance with the principle of network neutrality

This month, parliamentarians from several European countries have become more involved in the discussion of the principle of network neutrality. Just the other day, the city parliament of Berlin made a statement in support of this principle. In addition, on November 17, the Luxembourg Parliament adopted a declaration, according to which the principle of network neutrality should be: (a) fixed at the level of the country's legislation, and (b) recommended for adoption by other EU countries. The position of the parliamentarians of Luxembourg, similar in spirit to the statements of their colleagues from France and the Netherlands, was expressed as follows (our translation): 

“Network neutrality is a fundamental principle of the Internet, providing for the equality of all types of transmitted information and guaranteeing equal access to the Internet for all users. Network neutrality is a key factor in the successful development of the economy, involving citizens in public life, creating a complete information picture and disseminating knowledge. ”

In the final part of the declaration it was noted: 

“Any deviation from the principle of network neutrality should be documented at the legislative level and controlled by regulatory authorities ... however, today there are cases when network operators violate the principle of network neutrality in order to maximize their profits ... in this regard, we [Parliament] urge the Government to fix the principle of network neutrality at the level of legislation. ”

On the same day, the  European Parliament overwhelmingly voted to maintain the principles of openness and neutrality of the Internet . MEPs called on the European Commission to establish control over Internet traffic management methods. Such control will have to ensure compliance with the principle that “Internet providers do not have the right to block or restrict users' access to any services or sources of information, regardless of their nature”. In addition, parliamentarians called on the European Commission to develop EU guidance documents to ensure compliance with the principle of network neutrality on the part of European operators. Deputies also requested the European Commission to assess, within 6 months from the publication of the report of the Council of European Regulators in Electronic Communications (BEREC), the need for additional regulatory rules to ensure freedom of expression, access to information and choice for consumers, as well as media freedom. 
In the framework of the meeting of the Transport and Telecommunications Council, which will be held on December 13, 2011, EU ministers plan to adopt a number of documents ensuring the openness of the Internet and compliance with network neutrality in Europe. Earlier, November 24,the British regulator, Ofcom, issued a statement regarding network neutrality , in which he announced his intention to take action if "the practice of blocking certain services from mobile operators continues .  "
This news is encouraging, but much more time will pass before the authorities begin to act actively. 
The principle of openness of the Internet is supported by both ordinary users and developers of innovative technologies, human rights activists and just sane people, which include parliamentarians. The struggle is for the right of people to do on the Internet everything that they want, and not just what they are “allowed to”. Cases have already been recorded in Europewhen restrictions were imposed not only on VoIP services, but also on instant messengers, peer-to-peer networks, video and audio transmission, and also on downloading updates. Conversations on this subject have been ongoing for a long time. Today the moment has come when it is necessary to take active steps in order to protect freedom of access to any kind of information in Europe, erasing artificial barriers that stand in the way.